Bob Uhler ’78: Cretin Forms Life-long Values
Greta Cunningham ‘23, Communications Intern
October 21, 2025
Tell me about your experience at Cretin?
My experience at Cretin was exceptional. JROTC was mandatory, and we had formation every day at 7:15 am. I also participated in the cross-country team and band. My dad would drive me to school on his way to work at State Farm, and we would typically pick up some fellow students on our way up Randolph. We would hang out in the band room with Brother Martel until class time. I was in the work study program at Cretin to help pay for my tuition, so, after school, I would clean classrooms and whatever else the faculty wanted me to do for an hour after school. The Class of ’78 had a great camaraderie and we did a lot of after school shenanigans.
Were there any teachers, classes, or activities that impacted you?
Brother Martel was influential throughout my life both in school and after graduation as an example of faith, hard work, and integrity. Roger Wolf was a great English teacher and created a lifelong love of reading for me. Cretin Concert Band and Marching Band was a great experience in my days at Cretin. We took the annual band trip and created lifelong friendships.
What do you remember about the Class of ’78?
The class of ’78 was my introduction to the military, specifically The US Army, the Christian Brothers, and a deeper understanding of faith, integrity, and honor. We had assigned classrooms. Mine was Mr. Kaminski in room 407 in the Annex. We became a tight group of last names from T-Z.
What led you to Cretin?
My parents were putting us three kids through private catholic grade school at St. Mathews of the Westside, as well as my two brothers through Archbishop Brady High School. I chose to go to Cretin to break ties with my brothers. Attending Cretin was one of the best decisions of my life. It gave me a clear path to my military career and my future work in the insurance industry. It provided a firm foundation to build my life on the foundational principles of Cretin.
Did anyone else in your family attend Cretin, Derham, or CDH? What does that family connection mean to you?
I was the first to attend Cretin. Subsequently, my nephew, Stephen Uhler ’04, and niece, Dana Uhler ’06, attended Cetin-Derham Hall. It was a great experience for them and set them up for success. I was fortunate to provide them with financial assistance through my foundation for their attendance at CDH.
Tell me about your career after Cretin.
I have 45-years of experience in the insurance industry. I am currently the Senior Director at Pilot Catastrophe Services, Inc. and am responsible for strategic growth and engagement. I am also the COO of the Uhler Foundation, which I founded in 1997.
What does the CDH community mean to you?
There is a significant impact that the CDH experience and Catholic education has on the individual student and the people we interact with in our life. It sets the foundation of faith, integrity, and truth in our daily life.
Why has it been important to you to support CDH?
CDH set the foundation for success in my life. I was part of the work-study program at Cretin to be able to attend Cretin, so I support CDH and am part of the Legacy Program and Endowment program to continue the financial aid provided to me during my tenure at Cretin. My trust, properties, and assets are part of my endowment to CDH, as well as my annual gift to CDH. This is important to me to continue not only my legacy, but the continued legacy and impact of CDH on its students and our community. I hope to provide access to the great educational, spiritual, and experience of a CDH education to students that qualify on merit but need financial support.