For 44 years, the听听has partnered with 麻豆传媒 (PBA) in bringing quality higher education to Palm Beach County. The Foundation,听established听in 1973,听operates听according to the values and legacy of its founder, J. M. 鈥淛ake鈥� Rubin.听
A general contractor听with a specialization in听asphalt, Rubin fell in love with Palm Beach County in the 1940s when he arrived to听develop Morrison Field, which听is now Palm Beach International Airport. In 1946, he听established听the Rubin Construction Company and made the area his home.听
鈥淧rimarily, his wealth was earned in Palm Beach County, and he was very grateful for that,鈥� said Kimberly Harris, who has been with the Foundation for 32 years and was recently appointed听president of the Foundation. 鈥淗e wanted to听provide听the same opportunity he had to be successful to others in the community. He was so passionate about that that he left most of his earnings and wealth to the Foundation, with the scholarships being the primary mission.鈥�听
Invested in Education听
Rubin deeply valued education and sought to promote educational opportunities for county residents through scholarships. His investment formed a natural connection with PBA in the 1980s, sparked by an acquaintance with one of its founders, Dr. Donald 鈥淒oc鈥� Warren. The Foundation鈥檚 succeeding president, Robert Owens, and the Foundation鈥檚 original board of trustees strengthened the relationship and pledged $1 million to the construction of the Warren Library before Warren鈥檚 passing in 2014.听
鈥淭here was a great relationship between Mr. Rubin and the early trustees听of the Foundation,鈥� said Harris. 鈥淸Mr. Rubin] shared his passion effectively so our Foundation is on board with the same mission today.鈥�听
A Lasting Legacy听
The J.M. Rubin Foundation has carried on Rubin鈥檚 commitment since his passing in听1993. In addition to supporting PBA鈥檚 capital expansion through the construction of the campus library, the Foundation has听established听a building maintenance endowment fund and contributed toward a music building, residence hall, nursing school, and more.听
Most notably, the Foundation honored Rubin鈥檚 affinity for baseball and other sports through the J.M. 鈥淛ake鈥� Rubin Park at the Rinker Athletic Complex and the Rubin Arena. Besides competitive sports, the arena has听impacted听countless students, alumni, and friends by hosting events and commencement ceremonies.听
In total, the J.M. Rubin Foundation has donated over $5.6 million to PBA and gifted over 1,000 scholarships to students in the local community. Their contributions have changed student life and education in Palm Beach County, creating an impact felt worldwide.听
鈥淲e hope to grow our scholarship program so that Mr. Rubin鈥檚 legacy continues,鈥� Harris said. 鈥淸Our goals] align with PBA and听Mr. Rubin鈥檚听love for Palm Beach County and education, and they continue to align as PBA is growing. We hope to听continue the partnership听and achieve a common goal of educating听students in our community.鈥�听
How to Apply听
Scholarships from the Foundation are available to all U.S. citizens who are residents of Palm Beach County. Funds apply to any college or university, and selected J.M. Rubin Scholars are eligible to renew their scholarship each year up to graduation. Interested students should听.听
鈥淚 think Mr. Rubin would be extraordinarily proud of what the Foundation has accomplished over the past 31 years of giving scholarships,鈥� Harris reflected. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a blessing, and we hope that Palm Beach County will continue to grow and benefit from the strong families and strong students we听support.鈥�听
Learn more about scholarship opportunities available to PBA students at听/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/.
