Someone You Should Know
Dave Ulrick, Systems Programmer
Enterprise Systems SupportTR
Dave Ulrick is a systems programmer for Enterprise Systems Support (ESS). He received his bachelor's and master's degrees in computer science from NIU and joined ESS nearly 15 years ago.
What are the responsibilities of your position?
I install, maintain and support the operating system and some of the system software on NIU's IBM mainframe server. I also write and support several programs that assist NIU's computing environment.
How did you choose your profession?
I originally had considered going into architecture, but it was suggested that I consider computer programming. Before long, I had the opportunity to do some really neat programs for a few of the early pre-IBM PC microcomputers. It didn't take me long to take a liking to computers.
What's the best part about your job?
Two things—helping users solve their computer problems and writing new programs to help make NIU's system run better.
What's something unique about your position?
People who use only PCs think of computers as being unreliable machines, but the mainframe server I support is extremely reliable. When problems occur, I'm usually able to solve them once and for all. This is very satisfying to me, as well as my users.
If you weren't in your current job field, what would you be doing?
I find it hard to imagine doing anything different, but I suppose I'd do something related to my faith or interests.
What are you reading?
In recent months, I've been reading books on jazz and reformed Christian theology, the novels of Jane Austen and books on American cultural history, such as "A Return to Modesty," as well as comic strips like "Peanuts" and "Mutts."
What music are you listening to lately?
I listen to classical, renaissance, jazz, country and western, bluegrass, 19th century American popular songs and hymns and early phonograph records of all kinds. When it comes to music, I'm a history buff and enjoy music of practically every age and style. My large CD collection is testimony to my wide-ranging tastes.
What good movies have you seen lately?
My all-time favorite has to be the A&E adaptation of "Pride and Prejudice." I've also enjoyed the BBC miniseries "Berkeley Square" and "Wives and Daughters," as well as Hitchcock's "North by Northwest" and many all-time classics such as "Citizen Kane." I've been giving my DVD player quite a workout!
Do you have a favorite TV show?
With all my good books, CDs and DVDs, I manage to miss practically everything on TV. I think the last TV show I watched was Ken Burns' "Jazz."
Any words to live by?
Whatever you do, do it for the glory of God.
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