UTMB unveils presidential portrait of Dr. Jochen Reiser

When the drape fell away in Levin Hall on March 10 to reveal UTMB President Dr. Jochen Reiser's presidential portrait, the applause was warm and genuine, much like the painting itself.

Completed by local artist Eddie Filer, this presidential portrait is the university's first to be set outdoors, with the iconic Old Red building standing firmly behind Reiser like a sentinel of history. "Old Red is a metaphor for so much change in academia and science over time," Filer proudly explained.

The portrait marks a departure from past work, not only in its outdoor setting but also in its tone. Historically, others have leaned toward formality, often staged indoors with muted backgrounds; however, Filer's work embraces light and openness, symbolizing a new era for UTMB leadership.

The artist infused subtle warmth into the palette, softening the rigidity often associated with official portraits and echoing the new UTMB color scheme of Ashbel Orange and Legacy Blue. Although placing the president outside the 1891 building was not part of his original plan, Filer felt compelled to change course.

"I considered modern backdrops, but I just kept returning to the roots because this is where it all began," he said.

Every aspect of the composition is deliberate, including the subtle depiction of veins on Reiser's hands - a detail Filer considers just as significant as the face. For Reiser, it's a stylistic choice that resonates deeply.

"The hands and the head stand out to me because I see myself as an intellectual, but also someone who likes to do things … things that are grafted and moving forward," Reiser said.

These are roots Filer knows well as a BOI or "Born on the Island" resident. Born at John Sealy Hospital, he returned to the university in his 20s to work for the UTMB transportation department. This connection to the university made him the natural choice for Reiser.

Although he now lives in Texas City, Filer credits UTMB Galveston with raising him. This sense of belonging added an extra layer of meaning to the portrait.

"When Dr. Reiser said, 'You're my guy,' I almost lost my mind," Filer recalled. "I've worked all over the country, but there's nothing like working for home."