Seton Hall University is celebrating a historic gift that will provide a major boost to its science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs. The university received a transformative $10 million estate gift from late alumnus Frank Rubino ’64 to establish the Frank Rubino Endowed Scholarship. The scholarship will provide crucial financial assistance to students pursuing degrees in traditional STEM disciplines, including mathematics, physics, chemistry, biochemistry, computer science and engineering.
Monsignor Joseph Reilly, President of Seton Hall University, expressed his gratitude for the gift.
“We’re honored to receive such a transformative gift,” Reilly said. “Ensuring more students have access to a Seton Hall education to hone their God-given talents is of the utmost importance to us.”
What makes this scholarship unique is its dual focus.
While supporting STEM students, it also honors Rubino’s passion for his Italian-American heritage and world travel. Recipients of the scholarship must demonstrate an active interest in Italian studies, which can be shown through studying the language, minoring in Italian Studies, or participating in a study abroad program in Italy. Preference will also be given to students with demonstrated financial need. This combination of technical skills and a liberal arts focus aligns with the university’s mission to educate well-rounded students.
This gift arrives at a critical time for the STEM job market. According to Jonathan Farina, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, it’s estimated that there will be more than 11.8 million new jobs in STEM by 2032.
“Gifts like Frank Rubino’s ensure that we are preparing graduates to take advantage of these economic opportunities and to serve society in healthcare, security, technology, and innovation,” Farina said. “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.”
Rubino was a proud Seton Hall alumnus who earned his B.S. in mathematics in 1964. During his time at the university, he was deeply involved in campus life, participating in the ROTC program, Math Club and other organizations. These experiences helped prepare him for a distinguished career that included serving as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and becoming a highly successful actuary.
Jon Paparsenos, vice president of University Advancement, said Rubino’s generosity reflects the best of the Seton Hall spirit.
“His legacy will continue to inspire and empower our students to explore, think critically and lead with purpose,” Paparsenos said.
This gift is a significant contribution to the university’s fundraising efforts and will have a lasting impact on its mission to provide a values-based education rooted in academic excellence and servant leadership.
