Seton Hall has received a $10 million gift from the estate of an alumnus to establish a scholarship supporting students pursuing degrees in traditional STEM fields, the university announced on Thursday.
The Frank Rubino Endowed Scholarship memorializes Frank Rubino, SHU class of 1964. The scholarship reflects Rubino’s passion for Italy, as scholarship recipients must demonstrate interest in Italian studies by either studying the language, enrolling in the Italian studies minor, or participating in a study abroad program in Italy.
Preference will be given to students with financial need, as Rubino wants to support students from diverse economic backgrounds. His donation ensures that future generations of students will have access to the same opportunities that shaped his life, the university wrote.
“We’re honored to receive such a transformative gift,” Msgr. Joseph Reilly, president of SHU, said in the press release. “Ensuring more students have access to a Seton Hall education to hone their God-given talents is of the utmost importance to us.”
Dr. Jonathan Farina, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, said donations like Rubino’s ensure that SHU is preparing graduates to take advantage of economic opportunities and to serve society in healthcare, security, technology, and innovation.
“By correlating Italian studies with STEM, this gift also reinforces Seton Hall’s commitment to educating well-rounded students who excel in both technical disciplines and the arts, humanities, and sciences,” Farina said.
Jon Paparsenos, vice president of University Advancement, said that Rubino’s generosity reflects the “very best of the Seton Hall spirit.”
"[Rubino’s] legacy will continue to inspire and empower our students to explore, think critically and lead with purpose," Paparsenos said.
Rubino, a resident of Belleville and Montclair, passed away on Aug. 19, 2021. While at SHU, Rubino participated in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program, Math Club, Officers Club and Triphibian Guard, while earning a Bachelor of Science in mathematics. He went on to serve as a lieutenant in the Army, stationed in Germany. After serving in Germany, he returned to the United States to work as an actuary for the Prudential Insurance Co. According to his obituary, he was an avid worldwide traveler and a restaurant/food aficionado.
Dominique Mercadante is the Editor-in-Chief of The Setonian. She can be reached at dominique.mercadante@student.shu.edu.
