Ulli Brinksmeier leaves a legacy of artistry, curiosity, and transformative teaching at Mount St. Joseph University
When Ulli Brinksmeier first arrived in the United States from Germany, it was to study music at the prestigious Juilliard School. What began as a step into a new country became the foundation of a decades-long career defined by performance, teaching, and an ever-expanding sense of intellectual curiosity.
Life in New York was intense but formative. Juilliard, she recalls, demanded everything from its students, while the city itself offered constant energy and inspiration. After completing her studies, she initially planned to return to Germany but decided to stay in New York. She began building a freelance music career, which took her across several states, including California, Texas, Indiana, and Ohio.
Her path eventually led her to Cincinnati for a position at the University of Cincinnati, followed by part-time teaching roles at Xavier University and Mount St. Joseph University. It was in 1997 that she officially joined the Mount full time—a decision that would shape the rest of her academic life.
A Career Rooted at the Mount
At Mount St. Joseph University, Ulli Brinksmeier built a reputation as both a master harpist and a deeply engaged educator. As an associate professor in the Department of Creative Arts, she teaches harp, CORE courses, and capstone classes exploring complex social and political themes such as immigration and the Second Amendment.
Among her favorites to teach are those capstone courses, where she encourages students to examine difficult topics with openness and critical thinking. Her approach reflects one of her guiding beliefs, that education should stretch beyond disciplinary boundaries. She also emphasizes that her role as a professor extends beyond course content. She sees teaching as a commitment to student well-being, making a point to check in, reach out, and ensure students feel supported both academically and personally.
Over the years, she has often said that the students “keep her young,” a reflection of the energy, perspective, and connection she draws from working with each new generation. For her, teaching is not only about instruction, but about presence and willing to help students navigate both academic challenges and life beyond the classroom.
Within the music department, she has also become known for her flexibility and curiosity, always willing to step outside her expertise and perform on instruments such as steel drums or cymbals in ensemble settings. As colleagues note, she often led with the simple question: “What can I do to help?”
Musical Career
Outside the classroom, Ulli Brinksmeier’s musical career has included memorable and unexpected experiences. Her most widely known contribution comes from film history. Brinksmeier performed the iconic harp instrumental in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, the moment when Elliott and E.T. soar into the sky on a bicycle. Called in last minute to replace a sick colleague, she improvised her part on set. With no written music provided, she played what felt right for the scene. The result was recorded in a single take and later earned her royalties for years after the film’s release.
A Legacy of Teaching and Connection
Colleagues describe Ulli as a steady, generous presence whose impact extends far beyond music.
“Ulli Brinksmeier’s presence at Mount St. Joseph University has been nothing short of transformative—quietly powerful, deeply generous, and full of grace. Her artistry didn’t just live in her performances, but in her teaching, where she guided students with patience, insight, and a genuine care that left a lasting impact. She was always willing to volunteer for search committees and had a special way of connecting with colleagues. I’ll always treasure the moment of receiving her CD of harp music—a gift that, like Ulli herself, carries beauty, intention, and a lasting sense of calm. Her legacy will continue to resonate long after her final note on campus.” Michaelann Kelley, Chair, Department of Creative Arts
“I love that Ulli, a world-class harpist, has been willing to perform with our ensembles as a beginner on instruments from steel drums to cymbals. I’ve had a blast struggling alongside Ulli trying to figure out instruments we’ve never played before.
Outside of music, Ulli has had incredible success at teaching courses on difficult topics, from immigration policy to policies on firearms. She is so clear and even-handed that every student can feel comfortable and every student is able to deepen their understanding of their own perspectives.
Did you know that Ulli played the harp in a classic movie scene? She played the glissando that launched ET and Elliott’s bike into the air in the movie ET: the Extra-Terrestrial. And she did it in one take!” Mike Sontag, Dean of the School of Arts & Sciences
“Ulli's common refrain is, "What can I do to help?" This led her to play cymbals in my first band here at MSJ, and led her to serve of numerous committees. Whether evaluating book publishers, or pioneering new ways to teach music, Ulli is always ready to step up and do her part. She passionately champions the Liberal Arts, reminding us that the reason we study a diversity of Liberal Arts, is because it teaches us to think critically.
Beyond her teaching and service, Ulli has served as a personal mentor. As a past Chair of Music, she could often help me find perspective that I didn't immediately see, and helped me to always see the truth of the matter at hand. Ulli's direct evaluation of situations often led to insights and opportunities that would not have otherwise arisen.” Mark McCafferty, Program Director, Music and Music Education
Across these reflections, a common theme emerges: Ulli’s presence has always been defined by curiosity, service, and a deep commitment to others’ growth.
Looking Ahead
Though retiring from full-time faculty work, Ulli Brinksmeier is not stepping away from teaching entirely. She plans to continue as an adjunct instructor, teaching two music courses and a capstone course each semester. In addition, she will travel with the Road Scholar group during the summer, continuing her lifelong pattern of learning through movement and experience.
Her retirement plans reflect a philosophy that has guided her entire career: stay engaged, stay curious, and stay connected. In a meaningful continuation of her legacy as both teacher and mentor, she has also gifted her harp collection to a former student, now a professor at the University of Dayton, ensuring that her instruments, like her influence, will continue to shape future generations of musicians.
A Final Note to the Community
Looking back on nearly three decades at the Mount, Ulli’s message is simple and heartfelt: gratitude.
She notes that what kept her at the university was not only professional opportunity, but the people and the academic freedom she found there. Her parting sentiment is less an ending than a continuation of the relationships she has built.
Her legacy at Mount St. Joseph University resonates in classrooms, rehearsal spaces, and memories!
