For twenty-five years, Robert Zamora has been more than an educator: he has been a mentor, a listener, and a steadfast presence in the Ursuline community. He proudly shares that Serviam has deeply influenced his approach to teaching and interacting with students over the years. “It has helped me transcend the role of a mere teacher and become part of a broader community that values empathy, integrity, and stewardship,” he shared. “I strive to guide my students beyond academics and into their fullest potential.” Serviam has also taught him to continually reflect on his own development, seek improvement, learn from feedback, and stay open to change, further propelling him to better serve students and the community. 

Serviam has also played a vital role in how Robert truly listens to students. “Whether it was about difficulties in another class, the stress of college applications, or personal struggles such as illness or death in the family, I hope I’ve offered a kind ear to their concerns, whether I was their teacher, advisor, or an administrator.” 

Robert’s career is filled with unforgettable moments, from helping graduates down slippery risers during a rainy graduation to being pied in the face. One year, he realized he had taught more than 85% of the graduating class. And who could forget the time his students dressed up as him, complete with burnt orange shirts, khakis, and the iconic double bar Z hand sign?  

While all students have had their own unique influences, Robert does confess to having felt most connected to his upper-level course students and those he taught for multiple courses. “Now, they may not have enjoyed being a repeat customer,” he admits.  

The field of education has changed significantly since he started teaching, evolving from traditional classrooms to online learning platforms, virtual classrooms, and adaptive learning through AI. As an educator, Robert has adapted by continually reviewing and reflecting on his teaching approach, being willing to try new methods, and embracing the same mindset he encourages in his students: “It's okay to try and fail as long as we use it as an opportunity to learn and improve.” 

He hopes to be remembered at Ursuline as a teacher who loved the classroom and cherished his time with students. “Many may remember me as a demanding, rigorous, and perhaps ‘hard’ teacher, but my goal was to prepare them for their future and bring out the best in them,” he shared. “It has been an honor to be part of their educational journey.”