Rusty Kalmbach values legacy. His father, esteemed U-M photographer Bob Kalmbach, worked at the university for 47 years; his grandfather, Karl, worked in Photo Services for 25 years. When combined, the Kalmbachs served the university for 104 years. To highlight this service, one would do well choosing any day in the last 60 years. Let's start with a football game.

In 1968 Rusty Kalmbach hurtled down the field. He collected film from the sideline photographers, ran it up to the press box to be developed. His father, Bob Kalmbach was there, snapping high angle shots, capturing the football as it left quarterback Dennis Brown's hand. Bob's photos were taken during the game's first half, developed during the second. Rusty helped ensure this. He rushed up the stairs, past his father (who was often there until 7:30pm working on photos) into the darkroom. Rusty was in sixth grade and-with a roll of undeveloped film in his hand-had no idea he'd one day work at U-M.

He started at age 24 and worked for 32 years. It's familial. Maybe this is where it all started for Rusty: Michigan Stadium in the fall.

Art and Memory

Bob spent half a century documenting the life of the university. In 1953 he began working for Photo Services. During this time he worked alongside his father, Karl, whose focuses were photo preservation and student portraits. As a child Rusty accompanied his father to the darkroom and assisted with the development process.

Bob's photography is hard to miss. Throughout his career his photos were featured in many university publications. His portfolio is diverse. Some of his highest-profile photos were of playwright Arthur Miller and presidents Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter. But his subjects weren't all footballers and former presidents: sifting through his portfolio one is just as likely to encounter an intimate portrait of a campus scene. Bob's general admiration for all things U-M resonated in each of his photos.

"For him, photography was an art and a means of remembering," says his son, Rusty. "He enjoyed interacting with people." It's clear that Bob enjoyed his subjects-the people in his photos often look placid and pleased.

"He really loved what he did and wanted other people to enjoy his work, too," says Rusty.

Bob would scan the pamphlet before every football game, looking hopefully for one of his photographs. Getting published mattered to Bob because it meant other people viewing his work. After the camera clicked, Bob's interest in those he photographed remained. This is why he is fondly remembered by so many people.

"I think he was proudest of his photo of Arthur Miller," says Rusty. In this photo, a bespectacled Arthur Miller is holding a pipe near his head, his contemplative eyes focused on the distance. Bob kept the original in his workspace-a reminder of his accomplishment.

Bob's legacy is summarized in the July 2000 Regents Proceedings: "He understands Michigan in ways few of us do, including where to find the best rooftop views. With his trained eye, timing and technical skills, Bob masterfully and artistically presents the complexity of the University of Michigan, bringing into sharp focus its exuberance and beauty."

A Campus Family

Like his father, Rusty also had a long career at U-M. 32 years.

While not a photographer, his story is no less important: He served as a pharmacy technician in Pharmacy Services, a demanding role in what he describes as an "ever-changing environment." This flux was healthy for Rusty, however. "I certainly was never bored," he says.

While Rusty's skills as a Pharmacy Technician continued to grow and the responsibilities for Pharmacy Technicians continued to increase through the years, Rusty became known for his work in Pharmacy inventory management. He prepared and presented a lecture on inventory management principles to the American Society of Health Systems Pharmacists (ASHP) and the Michigan Pharmacist Association (MPA). Public speaking was not something Rusty had grown up doing, but he presented happily nonetheless.

Once, late in his career, Bob entered Michigan Stadium's press box, his camera in hand. After shooting several photos, he looked to Rusty and said, "Where's my press pass?" Bob was engrained in everyone's idea of Saturday football. He took photos that needed no explanation, needed no identification. These images are how he's remembered.

Rusty, his father Bob, and his grandfather Karl, all had long careers with the University of Michigan. To leave behind their work and share these memories is part of this family's legacy, making Michigan what it is. Rusty, Bob and Karl were part of its family, its history and now its legacy. Michigan will always be a part of this family.

-Cameron Stewart