For 44 years, the J.M. Rubin Foundation has partnered with Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) in bringing quality higher education to Palm Beach County. The Foundation, established in 1973, operates according to the values and legacy of its founder, J. M. “Jake” Rubin.
A general contractor with a specialization in asphalt, Rubin fell in love with Palm Beach County in the 1940s when he arrived to develop Morrison Field, which is now Palm Beach International Airport. In 1946, he established the Rubin Construction Company and made the area his home.
“Primarily, his wealth was earned in Palm Beach County, and he was very grateful for that,” said Kimberly Harris, who has been with the Foundation for 32 years and was recently appointed president of the Foundation. “He wanted to provide 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.”
Invested in Education
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 “Doc” Warren. The Foundation’s founding president, Robert Owens, and the Foundation’s original board of trustees strengthened the relationship and pledged $1 million to the construction of the Warren Library before Warren’s passing in 2014.
“There was a great relationship between Mr. Rubin and the early trustees of the Foundation,” said Harris. “[Mr. Rubin] shared his passion effectively so our Foundation is on board with the same mission today.”
A Lasting Legacy
The J.M. Rubin Foundation has carried on Rubin’s commitment since his passing in 1993. In addition to supporting PBA’s capital expansion through the construction of the campus library, the Foundation has established a building maintenance endowment fund and contributed toward a music building, residence hall, nursing school, and more.
Most notably, the Foundation honored Rubin’s affinity for baseball and other sports through the J.M. “Jake” Rubin Park at the Rinker Athletic Complex and the Rubin Arena. Besides competitive sports, the arena has impacted countless students, alumni, and friends by hosting events and commencement ceremonies.
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.
“We hope to grow our scholarship program so that Mr. Rubin’s legacy continues,” Harris said. “[Our goals] align with PBA and Mr. Rubin’s love for Palm Beach County and education, and they continue to align as PBA is growing. We hope to continue the partnership and achieve a common goal of educating students in our community.”
How to Apply
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 apply by March 1.
“I think Mr. Rubin would be extraordinarily proud of what the Foundation has accomplished over the past 31 years of giving scholarships,” Harris reflected. “It’s a blessing, and we hope that Palm Beach County will continue to grow and benefit from the strong families and strong students we support.”
Learn more about scholarship opportunities available to PBA students at https://www.pba.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/.
