Reynaldo V. Saenz

Reynaldo V. Saenz, PH.D., RPh, born on September 29, 1940, left to join the Lord suddenly on Monday, January 23, 2023. He was preceded by his parents, Lucio and Maria Vela Saenz of Pharr, Texas. He was also preceded in death by one brother, Ramiro Saenz of McLean, VA, and one sister, Hermelinda Saenz of Pharr, (McAllen) Texas. He is survived by his loving and dear wife, Guadalupe of 58 amazing years; his wonderful daughter, Cynthia (Thane); and two granddaughters, Thalia, and Isabella Miller. He is also survived by one sister, Corina Saenz from McAllen, Texas; brothers, Reymundo (Eliamar), of Rockport, Texas, and Robert (Gloria) of Bryan, Texas; sister-in-law, Raquel Saenz of McLean, VA; and sister-in-law, Teodora Soto (Jesus) of Round Rock, Texas, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Reynaldo graduated from Pharr-San Juan-Alamo High School in Pharr, TX. He received his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from The University of Texas (Austin) as well as his master’s and Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry also from The University of Texas. He began his professional career at The University of Louisiana -Monroe where he taught for over 22 years. While at ULM, he also was the Coordinator of Pharmacy Continuing Education for the State of Louisiana.

He and his wife, Lupe moved to New Mexico in 1989 where he served as Assistant Dean and subsequently Associate Dean for the College of Pharmacy. As Associate Dean, his duties included recruitment, admissions, retention, and commencement. During his tenure, over 1200 students received their pharmacy degree. He also served as Chair of the Curriculum Committee which was responsible for the development and implementation of the first Doctor of Pharmacy program in New Mexico as well as the Non-traditional Doctor of Pharmacy program. The Non-traditional program allowed Bachelor Degreed Pharmacists to earn the Doctor of Pharmacy degree while allowing them to continue in their normal activities. As chair of the Recruitment and Admissions Committee, he was instrumental in assuring the diversity of the student body in the College. Through his efforts, the College of Pharmacy also received a grant to establish a Native American Center of Excellence. And as Coordinator of all faculty search committees, the College ensured a diverse faculty.

During his professional career at ULM and UNM, he received many recognitions for outstanding teaching and devotion to the interest and welfare of the students. At the national level, he was involved in the Student Affairs Section of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy. Reynaldo also served as UNM's College of Pharmacy representative to the New Mexico Board of Pharmacy.

Reynaldo retired from the UNM COP in 2002. However, he was soon persuaded to return to the practice of Pharmacy as a Consultant Pharmacist for Custodial Care Facilities. As always, he gave it his all and was admired by many of the care providers at these facilities.

As much as he loved his profession and the people he worked with and served, he was the happiest when he was with family----with his wife, his wonderful daughter, and her family. The many trips that the family enjoyed certainly made his life complete. Other members of his family, his sisters, his brothers and their spouses and the many nieces and nephews made his life so much more fulfilling.

A Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 31, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. with a Rosary to follow at 6:30 p.m., FRENCH – Wyoming. The Mass will be on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, at 10:00 a.m., at Risen Savior Catholic Church, 7701 Wyoming Blvd. NE - Albuquerque, NM 87109, followed by burial at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be accepted to his endowment fund. https://unmfund.co/Saenz