A Tribute to a Very Special Man

Robert Ludwig … Bob … Mr. NYSAFLT … leader … friend

“Bob was an extraordinary human being in every

regard.” - Janine Manley

A good life: an honored French teacher, devoted professional who loved NYSAFLT,

and a kind man.

I will never forget the days of Bob and the Concord

- Abbe Guillet

He was a prince of a man to all

who knew him. Kind, generous,

devoted to NYSAFLT like no

other.

- Myrna Delson Karan

Bob's tireless dedication to Languages Other then English

as well as his efforts to unify the Capital Region's religious

communities have inspired so many.

I will always remember his powerful messages

to make a more peaceful world.

- Jill Dugan

How very fortunate we all were to have known such a kind

and gentle soul. His contributions and

selflessness to NYSAFLT will

always be remembered.

- Doreen DeSain

To a Man for All Seasons who did so much for NYSAFLT. My life has been

enriched to have had him as a friend and

colleague.

- Marcella De Muth Gintowt

He always believed LOTE was the fifth core area in

education.

Bob also taught me a lot about leadership.

 

He was such a character. I always thought about him as

Mr. NYSAFLT.

He certainly left his mark on all of us.

   

- Dawn Santiago-Marullo

His unmatched humanity and love of foreign language

were evident in his every action.

- Gary and Maria Milgrom

Good men like Bob who give so much of themselves to a profession are rare. - Paul Wood

[He had an] endless ability to remember people and

make NYSAFLT members feel so welcome and

special because of that.

Members would talk about that so often

and feel like he could solve their problems

and most often he would.

- Mary Myers

His leadership was something we

always expected and we were not

disappointed.

He gave of himself all his life.

His legacy will remain for a long,

long time.

- Adrienne Greenbaum

I think NYSAFLT was his baby…

… [always] making sure his organization

educated generations of language teachers

using up-to-date methods.

He was our cheerleader.    

- Marie

Guillet

I always thought of Bob as the "encyclopedia of foreign language studies and education". I do know he was proud of being a co-founder of NYSCEA (NYS Council of Educational Associations).

- Helene Combopiano

He was always at NYSAFLT conferences; never missed.

…his energy, kindness, and helpfulness.

He was a gentle man.

The imprint you left, Bob, is huge.

We will always miss you.

- Eliane McKee

Bob's enthusiasm, kindness, and work ethic were an inspiration that will

never fade from my memory.

We were all thankful for his presence.

- - Paul Wood

We're richer to have had you and

your efforts are very much

appreciated.

May the wind be at your back,

and the road rise up to meet you.. God

speed!

- Mary Lou Leavitt

I've heard his name mentioned, always fondly,

by so many other teachers and people who truly admired

all the work that he did.

Their memories, and mine, are of a wonderful man and remarkable leader. Well done, Mr. Ludwig

...well done!

- Debbie Carlson

He was a strong force in

New York State for changes in the

teaching and learning of LOTE. He brought

us through some sweeping reform. I

am grateful to have had his

leadership.

- Joan Trivilino

When I think back on my life and the people who helped

to shape who I became,

Bob is clearly on the "executive

committee," and I am

eternally grateful.

- John Webb

I never think of NYSAFLT

without thinking of Bob Ludwig. His genuine

concern for all of us

and his advocacy for LOTE are/were

unequaled. A truly good man

who will be sorely missed.

- Roseann Lorefice

He was a true professional and I admired both his

understanding of teaching and learning

and his willingness to give freely of his time.

His influence was extensive and everyone who had

the good luck to work with him will remember him fondly.

He will be missed!

- Geraldine O'Neill

Bob's warm smile and professional demeanor are the first two qualities that come to mind when I think of him.

He touched a lot of lives, and alwaysin a positive way.

We have lost a good friend and exceptional colleague, but his legacy lives on.

- Paul Sabatino

He was a man who just never stopped, championing so many efforts on behalf of so many people ... most he probably didn't know personally.

Thank you Mr. Ludwig for giving me the chance to serve NYSAFLT in a capacity that I will never forget.

- Ken Hughes

I remember being in an elevator in NYC with a man who worked for the hotel, and seeing Bob get off the elevator, he asked me, "Was that man Mr. Ludwig from Schenectady?" When I replied that it was, he said" He was my teacher 20 years ago and he was the best teacher that I ever had. I need to find him and tell him so." I hope that he did.

- Beth Bossong

Every foreign language teacher that benefits from this organization

and its influence owes a debt of gratitude

to this selfless, generous man.

- Lucia Wilson

I believe that without the extraordinary

dedication of Robert J. Ludwig, NYSAFLT would not be

the incredible organization that it is today.

I thank Bob for the many lessons he has taught us:

to always maintain our passion for foreign language teaching and learning;

to always demand and live up to his exceedingly high standards within the profession,

and to tirelessly mentor those who will come after us.

Merci bien, cher ami--we will never forget you!

- Virginia Levine

Whether he was dealing with budget details, or going to the

heart of the question after a long group discussion, Bob

always managed to have a twinkle in his eye and

often injected some humor to break the tension.

He was a talented, remarkable man, a "get things done" kind of person, and an inspiration to all in the foreign language profession!    - Dr. Gladys Lipton

 In 1986, when his lovely wife, Dorothy, passed away, I spoke with Bob at a memorial service for her and after I tried to offer some comforting words, he turned to me and said:

"Joe, now I'm going to devote even more timeto our profession than I ever have before!“

 This from a person who drove himself tirelessly 24 hours a day. And true to his word, in a few years he became President of ACTFL while still the Executive Director of NYSAFLT!!!  

- Joseph Tursi

When we worked with Bob in NYSAFLT, we always knew that we were engaged with someone who embodied more than just foreign

languages; he was toweringly dedicated to all that the very best of

teachers aspire.  He was a force to be reckoned with. 

We always knew that he respected what we were seeking to achieve,

and we always learned valuable lessons, lessons that certainly

inspired and guided me. - John Webb

[We are] celebrating the life of a man, to whom I would say with Mario Benedetti:

"Estás hecho de buena

madera".

- George Castellanos

Benefactor, mentor, teacher…a great legacy. –Beth

Bossong

A man who will remain near and

dear to our hearts and who will forever be…

“Mr. NYSAFLT”