Robert Dulak, ’68, has a BA in Social Sciences and has worked as an education and programming consultant since retiring from a career in university administration. Kent State University served as his professional home after he earned a graduate degree at Kent State University and joined the school's residential life department. He eventually ended up overseeing the athletics program at his campus in Ashtabula, Kent State.
Dulac studied architecture at Pratt University before turning to social sciences and credits his time here with helping him in his educational and professional journey. After receiving his own financial aid while attending college, Dulac felt a desire to give back to his future generations and continues to support Pratt University students. On his Giving Day, he shared insights from his career and his belief in the transformative power of higher education.
Can you tell us about your journey from architecture to liberal arts and sciences at Pratt? What were some of the things you were learning at the time that motivated this transition?
I am honored to share how my Pratt experience shaped my further studies and career path, and to highlight the importance of financial assistance on this journey. My story is a little unique as an alumnus. It started in the fall of 1964 when I entered the School of Architecture. During my sophomore year, an architectural history course revealed a deeper interest in cultural history than design. Coincidentally, my third year coincided with Pratt University's liberal arts expansion. I relished the opportunity to pursue my newfound passion without ever leaving Pratt.
How did scholarships and financial aid impact your education?
I graduated in 1968, and thanks to a full graduate assistantship and a private research grant, I was able to enroll in the master's program in Eastern European Cultural History at Kent State University. I owe this academic success to Pratt's preparation. Additionally, my experience as a residence hall floor advisor at Pratt University led directly to a position as a residence hall counselor at Kent University. Pratt paved the way for my journey both academically and professionally.
Two years later, I left to pursue military duties in ROTC. Initially, I intended to return to start a PhD program in the same major. However, fate intervened when my residence hall experience led to an offer of a full-time position in the student housing department at the University of Kent. I accepted graduate studies and transitioned into a major in Higher Education Administration and Counseling.
How did your experience at Pratt shape your graduate education and career path? How have you stayed connected to the Pratt community over the years?
Pratt prepared me extremely well not only for the academic rigor of graduate school, but also for my future professional career. I have adopted Pratt's motto as my mantra. “Be honest in your work, and your work will be honest to you.” At Pratt, I was constantly reminded that no job is too small to be worthy of your full effort. Therefore, I approach every project with creativity, innovation, and as much flair as possible – the Pratt way. This attitude has been very helpful to me. Six years later, I accepted a promotion much earlier than expected and transferred to his campus in Ashtabula, Kent, where I directed student activities and athletics in addition to coaching. I remained at Ashtabula until his retirement in 1998 and then entered the field of educational consulting and programming.
I attribute much of my success to the attitude and foundation built at Pratt. My ability to hold numerous state and local leadership positions is a direct testament to the qualities developed at Pratt.
What message would you send to alumni about the importance of staying connected and contributing to the Platt community?
As a university administrator, I have learned that over 70% of college students rely on some form of financial aid. I believe that we are here today because of our predecessors. They provided us with a financial foundation on which to lean. Now, I feel obligated to lend a shoulder to current and future proud students so that they can build something to reach heights.
There are many ways you can give back to Pratt. The Office of Institutional Advancement would be happy to outline these options. I chose to include Pratt in my will, begin a financial plan to establish a scholarship, and donate to fundraisers like this one. Think about what you can do for your graduates and future generations. Lend your shoulder to design the platform.
Join the Pratt community for Giving Day on March 20, 2024. We are committed to his 24-hour support of student scholarships, programs, and experiences that make Pratt special. Visit donate.pratt.edu.