Discovering Significance in Life by Giving Back
The first member of his family to go to college, Dick Brubaker ’55 credits Cornell for turning his life around and heading him on the road to success. “Ending up at Cornell was a pleasant surprise,” says Dick. “I feel very indebted to them that they gave me a chance.” This unending gratitude has resulted in gifts that have paid back Cornell many times over.
At the age of 70, Dick Brubaker leads a very active and fulfilling life. Between traveling with his wife, Beth ’61, to see his six children and 14 grandchildren, Dick keeps busy working at the company he founded, Rich Wrap Inc. And he still has time to give back to his alma mater; Dick has served on Cornell’s board of trustees for the past seven years.
While Dick has served on the board, five major capital projects have been completed—the Law Hall Technology Center; an eight-lane all-weather track; the Athletics Facilities Campaign, which Dick chaired; the renovation of Merner Hall; and the Fine Arts Campaign. In addition to his leadership efforts, Dick generously made financial contributions to help fund the projects. “In accepting the invitation to become a part of the board, that carried with it a certain responsibility to provide financial support of the needs of the college,” says Dick.
“I believe our country needs all the good, small liberal arts colleges we can have,” he adds. “If those colleges are going to exist and prosper, they are going to need the support of the alumni.” Of course, Dick has a soft spot for Cornell. “A college like Cornell needs to be a place where people learn to think critically, communicate effectively, live caringly and serve generously.”
Proudly, he sees his alma mater shaping the lives of students into respectable citizens. According to Dick, there are two ways of giving, and he has determined the right method for him.
“A lot of people will write Cornell into their estate. I’m pleased that I’m able to do the giving that I do while I’m alive so I can see the good that is accomplished. It’s been a joy for me to see the work that we’ve been able to do.”
While Cornell could not be more grateful for the good work of Dick Brubaker, Dick finds that he is the one that truly benefits.
“I think all of us need to feel that our lives are significant. Certainly, I’ve felt significant in raising my family; I’ve felt significant in growing my business,” he says. “This experience has increased my feelings of significance.”
