Historic Gift from Late Fisher Alumnus Provides New Scholarship for Students Pursuing the Sciences

A $4.5 million gift, the largest single gift from an alumnus, will provide a new scholarship for current and incoming students pursuing science education at St. John Fisher University.

The Christopher G. ’72 and Betsy C. Ullrich Endowed Scholarship was established in memory of the late Dr. and Mrs. Ullrich through a generous gift from their estate. Students majoring in chemistry, physics, computer science, or pre-health with a demonstrated financial need are eligible to receive the scholarship.

Chris Ullrich

Both born in Rochester, Dr. Ullrich attended St. Andrews Seminary/Kings Preparatory while Betsy attended John Marshall High School. The son of a high school science teacher and social worker, Dr. Ullrich learned early to love science and to be compassionate toward others. He was a physical chemistry graduate of Fisher’s class of 1972 and went on to pursue a medical degree at SUNY Upstate Medical. While in medical school, he worked in a laboratory at Genesee Hospital, where he met Betsy. They married in 1973. He remained at Upstate for his residency in diagnostic radiology, finishing his studies with a two-year fellowship in neuroradiology at Johns Hopkins in Boston. The couple moved to North Carolina, where Dr. Ullrich worked at Charlotte Radiology for 38 years before retiring in 2020. They were beloved members of their community, known for their volunteerism and service and for their wonderful partnership.

A beloved member of the medical community, Dr. Ullrich was regarded nationally as a distinguished neuroradiologist and has been celebrated for the breadth and impact of his career and for his decades of service as a radiologist, educator, and leader within professional organizations. His accomplishments include advancing clinical excellence, mentoring the next generation of physicians, and strengthening the role of radiology in patient care across North Carolina.

He was a noted researcher respected for his advocacy on behalf of patients and the radiology profession at the state and national levels, active in the radiology community and professional societies. Among his most lauded achievements was his nine-year appointment by the governor, including as chairman, to the North Carolina State Health Coordinating Council, to advise on state health facilities. Dr. Ullrich was integral to helping to pass key legislation related to the current North Carolina Telemedicine Law, mandating that providers working remotely with patients must hold a valid North Carolina license to serve patients physically located in the state ensuring that telemedicine meets the same standards as in-person care, including appropriate follow-up and complete medical records.

Throughout his career, he held more than 90 volunteer positions at more than a dozen state and national organizations including the American College of Radiology, American Society of Neuroradiology, and the Cervical Spine Research Society in which he became the first non-spine surgeon to be elected president. He was also a two-time president of the North Carolina Radiological Society. He received many awards for his work, including the highest honor from the North Carolina Chapter of the American College of Radiology — the Silver Medal Award — for his outstanding contributions to the field of radiology and medical leadership. In 2016, he was inducted into the prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine, presented by the governor of North Carolina to individuals with a proven record of service to the state. In 2019, Fisher inducted Ullrich into its Science and Technology Hall of Fame, recognizing his career, academic, and professional achievements and noteworthy service to the community. Following his passing in 2021, he was posthumously awarded the American College of Radiology Gold Medal in recognition of his important work in the radiology field.

Betsy, who was very involved in pet and animal rescue efforts, generously gave a gift toward the Lavery Library Modernization and Renovation project in honor of her husband naming the Christopher ’72 and Betsy Ullrich Atrium. Unfortunately, she passed away in March of 2025 prior to the completion and reopening of the library.

In a video interview featuring Dr. Ullrich, when asked about interaction with colleagues, he said that he shared this sentiment: “We are among the best educated people in our society. We have an obligation to use that education to inform and better our societies over time, and my career has been built around that notion.”

The Ullrichs valued education, curiosity, and service to others, and the scholarship will carry forward their combined legacy of generosity, intellect, and commitment to making a difference.

“This extraordinary gift represents both a profound act of generosity and a bold investment in Fisher’s future. Dr. Ullrich’s lasting influence on both the practice of radiology and the broader healthcare landscape elevated standards of care. By supporting students who are on the same path, his impact will continue and ensure that Fisher graduates will follow his lead in the areas of discovery, innovation, and care. We are deeply grateful to the Ullrichs for this transformative commitment to our mission and to the success of generations of Fisher students to come, and we are extremely proud of Dr. Ullrich’s legacy as part of our institutional story,” said Dr. Gerard J. Rooney, president.