Film & Electronic Arts Information Technical Consultant, Robert Rhyu Celebrates 20 Years at CSULB
You’ll often find Robert walking through the halls of UTC, FA1, SSC, or more recently, answering phone calls and zoom requests. Never in one place for long, he’s constantly running around to assist faculty, staff, and students with tech needs. Robert first started his journey at CSULB in the University Print Shop before moving to Academic Computing for four years, prior to establishing himself in Film & Electronic Arts. This summer he’s celebrating twenty years at The Beach! To say Robert is an essential part of the CSULB Film & Electronic Arts team would be an understatement. He is always helpful to others and works tirelessly to maintain the functionality of the computer labs, editing labs, and instructional labs housed in the film department. Over the years he has served countless students and enhanced the quality of education they receive during their time at CSULB.
“In just the short time I have been at LB, I have been amazed by Robert’s astonishing depth of knowledge. There have already been countless times he has made everything work, seemingly effortlessly, although I know that long nights were often involved to do so. It is a true pleasure and privilege to work with him. Thank you for everything Robert!”
-Susan Bloom, Assistant Professor, Post Production
With the transition to online learning in the spring 2020 semester, Robert’s dedication to resolve technology issues and plan for future instruction has been vital to the department’s success. Along with his daily tasks, Robert has also worked on various special projects within the department, from helping to build a Foley space to providing A/V support for dozens of visiting artists. His belief in our student’s potential is demonstrated through his work and advocacy for student opportunities and access to technology in Film & Electronic Arts. In the spring 2020 semester, Robert was a key partner in creating the departments’ first online Vimeo festival for Film & Electronic Arts Creative Nonfiction student films. Despite the pandemic, which made an in-person celebration of student success impossible, this virtual event provided students with the opportunity to present their films to family, friends and peers. Throughout his fifteen years in The Film & Electronic Arts Department, he has helped onboard faculty, put the computer labs on the public network, taught classes in film, and even assisted students throughout the post production process of their student films. His contributions to the department have not only facilitated growth within the program and its offerings but left a lasting impact with students, alums, faculty, and anyone he encounters.
"Robert is our department’s secret weapon and is always doing the job of many people all on his own. He is a true team player and a huge part of what makes Film & Electronic Arts feel like a family. His commitment, loyalty, integrity, and know-how anchor us all."
-Helen Hood Scheer, Assistant Professor, Creative Nonfiction
“He’s always available to help faculty, staff and students. His friendly demeanor makes him approachable and reliable”
-Donna Thomas, Film & Electronic Arts Department Coordinator
When he’s not hard at work at Film & Electronic Arts, Robert loves spending time riding motorcycles, playing music, or anything related to his favorite animals: cats and ducks (preferably not with the cat chasing the ducks). In addition to everything Robert does for Film & Electronic Arts at CSULB, he is a truly kind-hearted and genuine individual, making him a great colleague and overall wonderful person to be around. Robert is a pleasure to collaborate with and always has our department’s best interest in mind. The Film & Electronic Arts Department congratulates Robert on his milestone of serving students for over two decades at CSULB. Simply put, we don’t know what we would do without him!
“Echoing through the halls of UTC, ducks can be heard quacking through the air. Have ducks made their way into the building? No, the ringtone is silenced as the phone is answered and a familiar "This is Robert" is heard. Within moments, laughter fills the air. When I think of Rob, I think of someone who doesn't let a day go by without trying to lighten up everyone's mood or help someone in need. We are all thankful for the 20 years he has spent helping everyone and filling our building with laughter. I just hope one day he repays me for all the candy he has taken from my office. Congrats, Rob!”
-Chris Maldonado, Film & Electronic Arts Equipment & Production Facilities Coordinator
