headshot of Mary Jo Fabich

Mary Jo Fabich

Associate Director of University College Mary Jo Fabich is the recipient of the 2018 Stan and Sandy Rives Excellence in Undergraduate Education Award. She will be honored at the annual Founders Day Convocation at 2 p.m., Thursday, February 15, in the Brown Ballroom of the Bone Student Center.

Fabich joined Illinois State University in 1990, serving as coordinator of Orientation Services until 2006, when she was promoted to associate director. For more than 25 years, Fabich has led Preview, the two-day summer orientation program required for all incoming freshmen. Her work impacted nearly 100,000 students during their transition to higher education. She has also been instrumental in leading the Transfer Day Program.

A long-time mentor for undergraduate students on campus, Fabrich also inspires fellow staff, noted University College Director Amelia Noël-Elkins, saying she has helped many to “enhance their skills and professional strengths.” The National Orientation Directors Association honored Fabich with an Outstanding Contributions to the Orientation Profession Award in 2005.

Fabich received a master’s degree in college student personnel from Bowling Green State University.