As a member of the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics’ class of 2025, Richard Fabri, accounting and financial planning and wealth management double major from Lakeville, Pennsylvania, has thoroughly demonstrated his excellence and dedication during his time at UD.
Fabri was nominated for this series by Assistant Professor of Accounting and Management Information Systems Joan Fico, who recognized him as an outstanding student.
In this profile, Fabri shared his favorite UD memories, how he has changed during his time at UD and his plans following graduation.
Lerner: How do you think you have changed from your first semester at UD to now?
Fabri: I transferred to UD the fall semester of my junior year searching for challenges in a new environment. I feel like I found what I was looking for. During my time here, I’ve become comfortable with the unknown, and even excited about it. I’ve been inspired by many outstanding people at UD, and I hope to one day make them all proud.
Lerner: What have been some of the challenges you have faced during your college experience and how did you overcome them?
Fabri: When I transferred to UD, I only knew a handful of people. But it forced me to put myself out there. This taught me the importance of being confident and taking chances. Since then, I’ve met so many great people that I’m lucky enough to call friends.
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience and why?
Fabri: I don’t think I really had a traditional “signature UD experience.” I spent a great deal of time working and studying; I was not really involved in clubs or extracurriculars. But, the connections I’ve made personally and professionally are absolutely irreplaceable. I would have to write pages about experiences that I’ve had with those people, a few sentences is not enough.
Lerner: Did you have a Lerner professor or staff member that had a big impact on your UD experience?
Fabri: I give my sincerest gratitude to every professor and staff member that I have had the privilege of working with at UD for the impact they’ve had on me. However, I need to give special recognition to professor Roger Coffin. He coached me through one of the most difficult decisions I have ever had to make in my life, and, at the beginning of every lecture, he shared wisdom about life’s greatest challenges that will stick with me forever. Were it not for his guidance, my life would be on a completely different trajectory.
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Fabri: The people of Lerner College have helped me to become a better version of myself. I will commit the rest of my life to becoming the best person I can be with the aim of helping others do the same.
Lerner: What advice would you give to incoming freshmen to make the most out of their college experience?
Fabri: The only barrier that stands between you and what you want is the big “secret” of life. And, as far as I can tell, the “secret” is that there is no secret at all. If you want to build lifetime connections, put yourself out there and meet people. If you want to become more knowledgeable, go to class with the ambition to learn everything you can. Results often take a while to show, but as long as you do the best you can every day, there is no need to worry about your future.
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Fabri: I’m excited to share that I’ve accepted a full-time offer as a tax associate in New York Financial Services with KPMG.