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UB president speaks publicly about administrator thefts

Chris Caya WBFO News

For the first time, University at Buffalo President Satish Tripathi is speaking publicly about two former employees who stole thousands of dollars from UB.

After stealing more than $330,000 from UB, former Vice President Dennis Black, pleaded guilty to grand larceny and other charges a month ago. Also at that time, former Campus Living Director, Andrea Constantino pleaded guilty to grand larceny after she admitted stealing $14,000.

"Their actions demonstrated a brazen disregard for our university, our students, our faculty, our employees, our alumni, and all the communities we serve," said UB President Satish Tripathi.

He made the comments during his sixth State of the University Address on Friday. Tripathi said, that he and his administration felt a collective sense of betrayal that trusted employees had abused their roles as public servants. As soon as he learned of it,  Tripathi said, he called for an internal audit and tightened financial controls.  

"This included assigning authority of all financial decisions and transactions in the Faculty Student Association and the former University Life and Services organization to the Vice President for Finance and Administration," Tripartite said.

Afterwards, Tripartite said, it was important for him to talk about the issue publicly so people know he felt about it and understand what UP has done to protect its finances going forward.  

 

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