Robert Ulrich, who worked in Physical Plant in the early 90s, was a friend, mentor, and hero to Matteo Filippi ’90.
A Tribute to Plymouth State Employee Bob Ulrich
It was September of 1986 when I, a young 17-year-old full of nerves and acne, entered the Hartman Union Building to become better acquainted with campus and to find food. I noticed a custodian was mopping the floor. We began talking, and from these talks a relationship grew between me and this night custodian who shared words of encouragement. For me, he was a thread of serenity.
Bob Ulrich lived his Christian faith in both word and deed. He genuinely cared about students, and this student in particular, and was often a friendly face and listening ear to those who came across his path. He even became a student advisor to a Christian group that some students and I started, which eventually became Chi Alpha. Even after he retired from Plymouth State, he continues to be a source of encouragement and a friend.
Often the staff of a college or university are unsung heroes. We hear of many professors who influence lives, and rightly so. I have many, such as Dr. Robert Swift, Dr. J. Scott Ferguson, Dr. William Daugherty, and the late Dr. Kathleen Arecchi.
But I also considered many of the Plymouth State staff equally as valuable. And so I honor Bob Ulrich for his willingness to listen to me without judgment, offer support, provide a space for me away from the school to clear my head (a great escape during finals), and invite me to a musically rich experience at a small country church that enriched my mind, my spirit and my soul.
Matteo Filippi ’90
To the many “Bobs” who have impacted a student just by being friendly and compassionate, thank you for making a difference and for becoming a part of the many shoulders we have stood upon to build our lives, our characters, and our passions.
Most of all, thank you for your love. It is love that changes us and carries us. In the words of my mother, “the only real legacy we leave behind is the love we have given away to others.”
I believe this wholeheartedly, and I am challenged to pay it forward to those in need. Can I be “Bob” to another? Can you? I hope so. –Matteo Filippi ’90
Matteo Filippi is an audio engineer and musician. From spiritual music and love songs to commercial jingles and film scores, Matteo does it all! Listen to his work here.
Tags: Bob Ulrich Hartman Union Building Matt Filippi Matteo Filippi mentor Robert Ulrich Student Union
