Alumni Jennifer G’02 and Jeffrey Rubin ’95, G’98, donate $100,000 to iSchool’s Raymond F. von Dran Fund

Margaret Spillett
(315) 443-1069

Jeffrey Rubin ’95, G’98 leads by example. As a student in the School of Information Studies (iSchool) more than a decade ago, he put his classroom learning to work and launched his own company, Internet Consulting Services. As a professor of practice in the iSchool, he currently teaches all first-year iSchool students and students from across campus in the introductory course “Information Technologies” (IST 195) and incorporates real-world lessons from his experience as a successful entrepreneur, CEO and alumnus. His accomplishments inspire iSchool students and alumni, as well as his colleagues.

Now, at the age of 36, Rubin is forging the way in stewardship. He and his wife, Jennifer, a 2002 graduate of the iSchool’s M.S. in information management, have committed $100,000 over five years to the Raymond F. von Dran Fund to support scholarships, research and entrepreneurial and technological initiatives at the iSchool.

“I am very proud and pleased to accept this generous gift from Jeff and Jennifer,” says iSchool Dean Elizabeth D. Liddy. “It serves as an inspiring example of how our alumni can show their gratitude for what they’ve learned as students in the iSchool. Jeff is an exceptionally good model of a successful graduate paying it forward. Ray, too, would be very proud.”

Jeffrey Rubin says that he wants what he hopes is his first of several major gifts to the University to go to the iSchool. “The iSchool, in particular, has done a lot for us,” he says. “It’s where we got our education—for me, both my undergrad and graduate degrees. The iSchool also gave me my first teaching opportunity, and the faculty and staff here have done a lot to mentor me along the way. I wanted my first gift to be to the iSchool and in particular to the Ray von Dran Fund. Ray was a huge mentor of mine, and it was very important to me that my gift would support his fund.”

In recognition of their gift, the Rubins will have the opportunity to name a space within Hinds Hall, the home of the iSchool. They have yet to decide what space they will name.

“Jeff and Jennifer’s gift sets such a wonderful precedent and example,” says Paul Brenner, iSchool assistant dean for advancement. “Jeff has had such a positive impact on the lives of so many young alumni. The fact that he and Jennifer have dug deep for this shows their strong commitment to the school and the memory of Dean von Dran, and I hope it inspires others to join them.”

Jeffrey Rubin hopes the couple’s gift will act as a catalyst to other young successful alumni to support the iSchool. “I just think a lot of people don’t realize how much these gifts help,” he says. “Setting up a gift can be done on your terms—whether that’s a lump sum or spread out over time or in a will. One thing I realized with all the work that I do here at the University is that these gifts are what allow Syracuse University to be Syracuse University, with its exceptional facilities, faculty and opportunities for students. I am hoping that others might realize that and write out that check for whatever amount makes sense to them.”

The Rubins’ gift will be counted in The Campaign for Syracuse University’s total. With a goal of $1 billion, The Campaign for Syracuse University is the most ambitious fundraising effort in SU’s history. By supporting faculty excellence, student access, interdisciplinary programs, capital projects and other institutional priorities, the campaign is continuing to drive Scholarship in Action, the University’s vision to provide students, faculty and communities with the insights needed to incite positive and lasting change in the world. More information is available online at http://campaign.syr.edu.

For more information on how to support the iSchool and The Campaign for Syracuse University, contact Brenner at pbrenner@syr.edu or (315) 443-6139.