Success Stories Feature

Louisiana native Art Babin earned an associate degree in Business Technology–Data Processing from NTID in 1980 and a bachelor’s degree in Computer Systems from RIT’s College of Business in 1982.

Now legally blind from Usher syndrome, Babin has worked at Fidelity National Financial, Inc., in Little Rock, Ark., as an application programmer for nearly 20 years. In the Customer Management and Deposits Development Group, he works on applications for tax reporting, commercial and installment loans, online collection and demand deposits.

“I believe that I have a keen sense of logic in my mind, and this helps me with my programming work,” says Babin.

As a student, Babin held several key positions in NTID’s Student Congress (NSC), including vice president. His prolific leadership was honored with multiple awards, including Outstanding NSC Cabinet Member two years in a row, and NTID Student Humanitarian in 1982.

“When I arrived at NTID, I was very shy and quiet,” Babin recalls. “Being involved in NSC helped me to overcome my stage fright. I became a more energetic and compassionate person.”

After graduation, Babin returned to Louisiana, married his girlfriend Kimberly, and worked as an application programmer with City National Bank in Baton Rouge.

In 1986, the couple moved to Little Rock, Ark., where Babin joined Systematics, now Fidelity National Financial. Two years later, the Babins decided to start a family.

Tragically however, Kimberly died from a ruptured aortic aneurysm during labor, and their son, Russell, died 18 days later.

“It was not easy,” says Babin.“With so much support from my dear family and friends, I picked up the pieces and moved on, knowing that’s what Kimberly and Rusty would have wanted me to do.

“Two inspirations guide me today,” says Babin. “One is from my favorite teacher at NTID, Don Beil, who once said that we should expect numerous changes in the business and computer fields and be prepared to adapt to them.

“The second is a motto I follow: Seek a career that you truly enjoy doing—no matter how much or how little the pay, because your happiness is more important than money.”

This story appeared in the Spring/Summer 2005 issue of FOCUS Magazine.