Benjamin Rodriguez

I was thinking about Ben recently as I approach my own retirement. A google search led me here sadly. I new Ben from the UW financial aid office. I never thought of him as a mentor, but as a friend and someone I would have liked as a senior colleague. I am very sad to learn of his passing, but I will never forget him.

I recently learned of Ben’s passing. He was my undergraduate advisor many years ago. I am devastated and wish I could have paid my respects at his memorial service to his family last year. He was a force and an amazing human being. May he b be at rest in peace and power in the presence of God for all of eternity.

Dean Rodriguez was my advisor in the at UW-Madison; he was such a kind, wise man. I'll share a few memories that come to mind. First, when I was a freshman, he encouraged me to take theater classes, where I met many good friends. A few years later he was promoted to Dean, and left his advising role, however he agreed to continue to advise me while I navigated the last 2 years of college. I reached out to him years after graduation for career guidance, and he was happy to chat on the phone. Just a great guy. Rest in peace, Ben

I think about Ben often….He changed my life. He was wonderful and caring. I left the UW 3 credits short of my diploma. I already had excepted a position expecting to get those 3 credits retro….(etc. etc). About 5 years later I finally connected the UW and then Ben to fix this issue. We fixed it over time, and I went in the finish my MBA at Marquette, worked in the investment and finance world for 25 years and then owned my own businesses. I retired at 55. And live in Key west…..ALL OF WHICH would never happened without Ben’s caring and commitment. Thank you very much Ben, I regret having never told you this during my many remembrances of you and your caring of your students. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

James Parkinson planted 10 trees in memory of Benjamin "Ben" Hernandez Rodriguez . - March 04, 2025