“It was in their blood,” said Weiner.

Weiner described Black as confident, assertive and trustworthy.

“He has the utmost respect for people and rules and policies,” said Weiner, who was caught off guard by the suddenness of Black’s exit from UB and from the area, given his extensive involvement in the community. “That’s a big, quality loss. You never want to lose people like this,” he said.

On campus, some of Black’s former colleagues and associates were reluctant to believe he would be involved in any wronging.

“I would say this may be a matter of bookkeeping or a regulatory process. It could be innocent errors,” said one staff member who asked to remain anonymous. “People are cynical, but I would have a hard time believing that Dennis would have any malice in his heart.”

“I hope there’s nothing there, I truly do, because I really like Dennis. He’s a very personable guy,” said another source who teaches at the university. “But if you’re stealing, you’re stealing.”

Subordinate charged