In the time leading up to this year’s Gray Stone Society celebration, we’ll be sharing stories that highlight our newest inductees and their inspiring commitment to Oglethorpe University. This society, the university’s highest giving level, honors those whose lifetime giving has reached a momentous level.
When Shelley Rubin reflects on her husband Donald’s connection to Oglethorpe University, she thinks of it with the word enduring.
“Donald left New York to attend Oglethorpe when he was very young and searching for himself and his place in the world.” she says. “He has warm memories of how the school community embraced him.” As a 1956 graduate, he continued to carry that sense of belonging with him throughout his entire career.
Today, Shelley and Donald’s commitment to Oglethorpe continues through the Shelley and Donald Rubin Endowment for the Arts, an endowment gift that reflects their shared belief in the transformative power of art.
“Donald and I have always sought to give back to our communities,” Shelley explains. “We are committed to broadening people’s view of the world and those who inhabit it. We believe that art is a uniquely powerful tool in de-mystifying ‘the other.’ Through fostering cultural exchange, we can move towards building inclusive communities. We firmly believe in the transformative power of art, and that a vibrant arts and cultural ecosystem is an essential part of a resilient society.”
The Rubins’ passion for art began unexpectedly when they encountered the art and cultural material of the Tibetan people. “It came into our lives in a small quiet way that ended up as a life-changing passion and adventure,” Shelley recalls. “Tibetan art, and the people we met as we became immersed in the collecting community, broadened our world view. It brought us in touch with new ideas, histories, and ways of life. We learned the central role art plays in the communication and continuity of culture. It solidified our belief that art is foundational and matters!”
The Rubins’ commitment to art and social justice extends far beyond Oglethorpe. Shelley and Donald Rubin are recognized globally as philanthropists and cultural leaders who have worked tirelessly to expand public access to the arts and creating bridges between people.
Shelley hopes their contributions at Oglethorpe will continue to inspire curiosity and courage in future generations. “The Rubin Museum and its initiatives, such as Project Himalayan Art and the traveling Mandala Lab, were created to bring more art to more people where they are, rather than imagining that they will come to us,” she says. “We hope that learning about how others see the world will open eyes and minds to be curious, take risks, be brave, and creative.”
The honor of being inducted into the Gray Stone Society is extremely meaningful for the Rubins. “We are amazingly proud,” Shelley says. “It reflects a lifetime of Donald’s deep connection to Oglethorpe, which started before he was collecting art and had the opportunity to give back. I too feel proud, but mostly it’s Donald’s honor. His connection to Oglethorpe has been truly life-long.”
Through their vision and generosity, Shelley and Donald Rubin have ensured that Oglethorpe students will continue to encounter art that challenges, inspires and transforms, just as it did for them.
Donors who wish to support our fundraising efforts can do so by visiting oglethorpe.edu/give.
