UAlbany Man: On a Mission to Spread Kindness, Hope and a Good Laugh

UAlbany Man stands in his purple and gold uniform at the University Entry Plaza.

UAlbany Man is known across campus for his signature purple and gold uniform. (Photo by Sophie Coker)

ALBANY, N.Y. (Oct. 28, 2025) — Not all heroes wear capes — some wear their university flag.

UAlbany Man was always a normal college student. He procrastinated essays and loved his school. He was a student who believed that everyone had the drive to do the right thing.

After a late-night study session at the campus library in October 2023, he passed through the Campus Center on his way back to his residence hall. In this journey, he forgot to rub Damien’s bronze nose for good luck. UAlbany Man heard a voice, beckoning him back to Damien. He returned to the statue, paying his respects just as hundreds of students had done before him. As he tapped Damien’s nose, a surge of power entered his body.

Damien had chosen him. UAlbany Man was born.

He discovered his powers slowly over the next few weeks. He began feeling stronger, lighter and faster. His quiet strolls along Parker Pond became time for testing his newfound powers. Students started to notice the mysterious figure, donned in purple and gold, appearing where school spirit needed saving or when students needed motivation. Soon, UAlbany Man began receiving online messages and comments from students about how they felt safe on campus knowing that he was around.

Damien the Great Dane and UAlbany Man stand together on the University Entry Plaza. — Damien the Great Dane and UAlbany Man are united in the mission to enhance school spirit. (Photo by Giovanna Sestito)

It was then that he realized his abilities were given to him for the benefit of others. He understood he had to represent the best of UAlbany and its student body.

“When I think about UAlbany students, I think of the word driven,” UAlbany Man said. “I am a firm believer that if we can be successful internally, by doing good and being kind, we have the tools to become successful materially, too.”

Since gaining his powers nearly two years ago, UAlbany Man has earned the admiration of students across campus, becoming a campus legend. He is known for his contagious enthusiasm and uplifting TikToks. He has recently partnered with UAlbany Residential Life and is teaming up with other campus organizations to make appearances at upcoming events.

Though he attracts lines of selfie takers and has tens of thousands of online views and likes, UAlbany Man has preferred to keep his identity a secret.

“The man behind the mask was never important to me. Once a hero does what they do for the attention, they’ve forgotten what it really means to be a superhero,” he added.

When he is not busy protecting campus and motivating students to succeed, UAlbany Man sets aside his flag-turned-cape and leads a normal life among his peers, attending classes and working on homework, quietly and anonymously making the world a better place.

While there is only one UAlbany Man, the superhero believes that every student on campus has the potential to be an everyday hero.

“What I represent isn’t anything abstract or hard to achieve,” UAlbany Man said. “I represent goodness, kindness, love, hope and a good laugh. Anyone can do good. Anyone can bring joy to those around them. Everyone can be kind. Everyone can love. You just need to take that extra step to be intentional with how you treat people.”