Knowing somebody’s always ‘here to help’ at heart of True Blue

As amazing as the UB experience is for students, Ben Fabian knows there are times when one might need a hand with a difficult situation.

And that’s when he steps in. As an associate director in the Dean of Students Office, Fabian works as part of a team that provides assistance to students as they navigate university life so that they can flourish here.

“The goal of our office is to make sure that when students need help in this really big place, they never feel alone and they always have somebody here to help them with whatever they’re going through.”

That kind of support is what makes UB — and his place within it — special. Fabian says he, too, finds a real sense of belonging.

A big part of it comes from his involvement with the LGBTQ Faculty and Staff Association. Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the organization has been part of Fabian’s professional life since he started at UB in 2015. He now serves as president.

“There is a lot of importance and benefit for folks who work here from being a part of a group that shares and celebrates that identity,” Fabian explains. “It makes me feel really proud and more connected to UB to have this group be a part of my experience.”

Another factor that fuels his True Blue spirit is hometown pride. Being Buffalo-born-and-raised, Fabian appreciates how UB offers a premier, affordable and accessible education that brings young people from across the world to the city he loves.

Working at UB has only deepened his devotion to Western New York.

“After I finished my education, I spent a little bit of time living outside of Buffalo, but I always knew that I wanted to come back,” Fabian says. “And I’m so glad that I did because the home that I have found here at UB is really special. The relationships that I’ve had with students and with colleagues from across the campus have been fantastic. I’m continuing to meet new people, and that makes every day exciting. And that’s what I want out of my career and my home here.”