University of Cincinnati
09/18/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/18/2025 10:52
UC Clermont dad’s handwritten letters spark global movement
UC Clermont dad's handwritten letters spark global movement
Former English professor's letter-writing legacy
By Amanda Chalifoux Email AmandaEmail Amanda
2 minute read September 18, 2025 Share on facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Share on Reddit Print StoryLike
A heartwarming story featuring a father-daughter duo with connections to UC Clermont has captured national attention on the "Today Show."
Rosie Paulik posted a TikTok video about her father James "Buz" Ecker, former UC Clermont adjunct English professor, and his daily tradition of writing her a letter. The letter writing is an act of love he has maintained for years. The video resonated with viewers, prompting thousands of strangers to ask if he would write to them too.
Moved by the response, Paulik and her father launched the Dad Letter Project, offering handwritten notes of encouragement and fatherly wisdom to those who feel the absence of a father figure in their lives. The initiative has grown into a global movement, demonstrating the profound impact of simple, personal gestures.
The Pauliks joined "Today" to share their story and reflect on the emotional connections they have made through the project. They spoke about how a handwritten letter can offer comfort, guidance, and a sense of belonging no matter the distance.
Watch the full segment on "Today."
Read more about Ecker's longtime writing projects.
About UC Clermont
UC Clermont College is in the center of Clermont County on 95 beautifully wooded acres in Batavia Township. The college is an accredited, open-access institution offering more than 60 programs and degrees. UC Clermont is part of the nationally recognized University of Cincinnati. For more information, call 513-556-5400 or visit https://www.ucclermont.edu.
Featured image at top of Rosie Paulik (left) and her father, former UC Clermont professor Buz Ecker. Photo/provided
Tags
- Impact
- Clermont College
Related Stories
1
UC surprises, celebrates newest Bearcats on Decision Day
January 28, 2025
On Decision Day, future Bearcats learn they've been admitted to the University of Cincinnati. UC continues its tradition of surprising some of those students in person.
2
Bearcat dreams come true on Decision Day
January 23, 2023
The newest Bearcats learn they've been accepted into the University of Cincinnati on Decision Day, and UC officials surprised area students at their high schools with admission, scholarships and more.
3
UC surprises future Bearcats on Decision Day
January 24, 2022
Decision Day marks the moment when thousands of incoming Bearcats learn they've been accepted to the University of Cincinnati. University officials surprised four area high school seniors at their schools and homes, making them among the first to be accepted into UC in 2022.
University of Cincinnati published this content on September 18, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on September 18, 2025 at 16:52 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]