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A Man of Science, and Style

Laurens Ruben

Prof. Laurens “Larry” Ruben  [biology 1955–92] transformed Reed’s biology programs over the course of his tenure, solidifying the department’s research-driven focus and beguiling colleagues with his peerless sense of style. He was one of the most influential professors in Reed’s history, having taught for 37 years and mentored distinguished alumni such as Larry Sherman ’64 and Roger Perlmutter ’73.

“Larry loved teaching, and his students benefited in terms of learning how to appreciate science and to think critically about it,” says Prof. Peter Russell [biology 1972–2011], who remembers his colleague as “a staunch advocate for Reed, particularly what it stands for as an institution.”

An only child who survived polio, Ruben was born in New York in 1927 to Samuel and Rena Ruben. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biology at the University of Michigan, where he met Judith Ruben, who would become his wife of 74 years. Together, they moved to New York City, where Ruben completed his doctorate at Columbia University.

After completing his postdoctoral work at Princeton, Ruben moved the family to Portland. Reed proved to be a perfect fit for Ruben, who loved teaching bright, engaged students—and frequently provided them with the opportunity to work in his lab and publish research in professional journals with him. When Ruben officially retired, students paid tribute to his impact on their professional and personal lives. 

One of the students who was most affected by Ruben’s mentorship was Stephen A. Mette ’78, whose first biology class at Reed was Ruben’s embryology course. Stephen would go on to teach medical students and residents as an assistant professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.

“Larry Ruben was quite simply one of the most remarkable influences in my life,” Stephen told Reed Magazine in 1992. “My view of science matured, and I was introduced to analytical thinking by Professor Ruben. He became a father away from home, and he and Judith treated me as family. He would drop anything if he thought he could help his students.”

During his time at Reed, Ruben was renowned for his professionalism and elegance. “Larry had that aura of the old-fashioned gentleman scientist about him,” says Prof. Janis Shampay [biology]. “He always wore a tie and jacket, even after he retired. Very dignified.”

In addition to his passion for teaching, Ruben conducted basic immunology research using amphibians, contributing important insights into how the immune system functions and its role in cancer biology. He published many papers on the subject, frequently with the help of thesis students who served as his coauthors.

“Being a teacher makes you a better scholar, and being a scholar makes you a better teacher,” notes Prof. Jay Mellies [biology], who remembers Ruben for his “humility” as much as his prestige.

Ruben kept his lab open until he was 86 years old and his office open until age 89.  When not studying biology, he submerged himself in the performing arts, becoming a dancer, actor, and singer—and starring in musical theatre productions even after he started at Reed. He could dance anyone off the floor and sang with a Reed-based rock and roll band.

After retirement, Ruben maintained his intellectual curiosity through conversations with friends and colleagues, while always finding time to sing with Judith. He remained devoted to Reed, telling Reed Magazine, “Reed is a gourmet restaurant, not a cafeteria. After living through severe trials and triumphs here, I know it as a fragile jewel that needs everyone’s dedication.”

In the wake of his passing, Ruben was praised by one of his most famous thesis students: Suzan DelBene ’83, who represents the 1st District of Washington in the House of Representatives. Reading Ruben’s name into the Congressional Record on Decemember 16, 2024, DelBene hailed her mentor as “an inspiring teacher” also renowned for his “exceptional dance moves, which left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to witness them.”

Ruben is survived by his wife and three children. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, June 15 at 10:30am in the Eliot Chapel, followed by a reception in Gray Lounge, Kaul Auditorium.

Appeared in Reed magazine: March 2025