Meet a Roadrunner: Retiring scholar Robert Ambrosino leaves legacy of community impact
Share this Story(Jan. 21, 2015) - Meet Robert Ambrosino. The recently retired senior lecturer with the UTSA Department of Social Work leaves the university with a lasting legacy of service and enacting positive change in the community.
After nearly eight years with the university, Ambrosino - often referred to by his students as "Dr. Bob" - has decided to move on to the next stage of his career and life: retiring to spend more time with his family.
Ambrosino says that not even retiring could completely take him away from his social work roots, though. He hopes to continue staying connected to the profession through volunteer work, working with non-profit agencies or even the occasional job as an instructor.
Ambrosino joined UTSA in spring 2007 to assist in the building of UTSA's burgeoning social work program, which began a few years prior to his arrival. He received many professional awards and recognitions during his time at UTSA, including the 2012 College of Public Policy Teaching Excellence Award, the UTSA Downtown Campus Spirit Award and the 2014 Department of Social Work Professor of the Year Award.
Each semester, Ambrosino taught groups of social work master's students in his signature Advanced Communities class. The classes worked with community orgnizations and non-profit or governmental agencies to address the needs of selected groups.
Over the last several years, Ambrosino has mentored his students in the planning of many such projects: a City of San Antonio Bill of Rights and Responsibilities, a music festival that brought together formerly homeless musicians with other musicians from around the community, an award-winning documentary on the sex trafficking of minors, a mural featuring artwork by local at-risk youth, and, most recently, an anthology recounting the personal stories of individuals who were homeless at one point in their lives.
In late December, former students, colleagues and community guests honored Ambrosino at a commemorative event. He received a custom-made quilt comprised of memorabilia from the various community projects completed by his students, honoring his years of service to UTSA and the San Antonio community.
Ambrosino said of his time at UTSA that he hopes his impact on his students will be a lasting one.
"I hope that I inspired my students to strive to distinguish themselves in everything they do, professional and personal, and that the legacies they leave behind serve as bridges that the ones who come after them can cross," Ambrosino said.
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Events
At this memorable celebration, UTSA graduates will be introduced one-by-one to cross the stage and accept their doctoral degrees.
Arts Building Recital Hall, Main CampusRoadrunner Walk is an event for graduating students to have a memorable walk on campus to celebrate an important milestone and their achievements. Graduates will walk along the Paseo while being celebrated by the UTSA community, friends, and family members.
Student Union Paseo, Main CampusJoin us for a tribute to Willie Velásquez, honoring the legacy of Willie Velásquez, a pivotal figure in shaping the history of Latino and Hispanic participation in the American voting process. Delve into his life and contributions as a champion of Latino voting rights. Moderated by UTSA's Teresa Niño, the event will feature influential voices, including Jane Velásquez, María Antonietta Berriozábal, Dora Oliva, and Anthony Gonzales.
Buena Vista Building, Buena Vista Theater, Downtown CampusCelebrate the accomplishments of College of Education and Human Development, College for Health, Community and Policy, College of Sciences and University College.
Alamodome, 100 Montana St.Celebrate the accomplishments of Alvarez College of Business, College of Liberal and Fine Arts and Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design.
Alamodome, 100 Montana St.
