Caritas Medal Recipient
President, Rubenstein Communications, Inc.
“A Living Legend in the World of Public
Relations”
An “A list” of New York’s social elite gathered last month at The
University Club in Manhattan to honor Public Relations icon Howard
Rubenstein `59 in celebrating the 50th year of his graduation from
St. John’s University’s School of Law. In recognizing his
extraordinary fidelity to the ideals of alma mater, Rev. Donald J.
Harrington, C.M., President of St. John’s University, presented
Rubenstein with the Caritas Medal which is given to those who have
provided exemplary service to the poor and disadvantaged within the
City of New York.
“This honor has special meaning for me,” said Rubenstein. “When I
enrolled at St. John’s Law School I was very impressed with the
students who came to class, as I did, after a full day’s work. They
were a real cross-section of New York – there were policeman,
teachers, firefighters and salesman. We all wanted a good education
and had a great work ethic. Ultimately, the most valuable
educational experience of my life came at St. John’s and I have
used it every day since in my career in public relations. Tonight
is one of the great highlights of my life.”
On the dais with Rev. Harrington, C.M. for the presentation was New
York Governor David Paterson who spoke reverently about his friend
and mentor before a crowd of well wishers that totaled close to
300. “I can’t think of anyone in this city, or in this state,
that demonstrates so much integrity and shows so much valor in the
most difficult of circumstances. Howard is really the bridge
between all parties of interest in the city,” said Governor
Paterson. “There are heads of major institutions, corporations and
government who don’t speak to each other but all speak to Howard
Rubenstein – and when they have to speak to each other they speak
through Howard Rubenstein. He is dynamic, articulate, perceptive,
courageous and outspoken. A man who walks with Kings but retains
the common touch.”
Jenny Steinbrenner-Swindal, daughter of New York Yankees owner
George Steinbrenner, made a special presentation following Governor
Paterson’s speech, to Howard Rubenstein from her father. The gift
was two stadium seats from the old Yankee Stadium to mark the
special occasion. Governor Paterson and Ms.
Steinbrenner-Swindal highlighted a high powered “A-list” of New
York dignitaries in attendance to pay tribute to Howard
Rubenstein. Former New York Governor Mario Cuomo `61 and
Current New York Police Commissioner Ray Kelly `71 rounded out the
guest list of fellow Law Alumni in attendance.
A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Pennsylvania,
Rubenstein began his own public relations business fresh out of
college in 1954 bearing his name. His desire to want more out of
his education brought him to St. John’s where he enrolled in night
courses. He graduated first in his class from the St. John’s School
of Law in 1959. In the years that have followed, he has
become a living legend in the world of public relations, serving as
advisor to and representative of some of the most influential and
well-known corporations and personalities of our time.
A long time friend and trusted advisor to St. John’s University
President Reverend Donald J. Harrington, C.M., Mr. Rubenstein
offered this advice to St. John’s Law Students and fellow
graduates, “I hope that students currently enrolled at St John’s
School of Law are fortunate to take away the kinds of valuable
lessons that I received from the School—they’ve served me well
throughout my career. My education at St. John’s instilled a
strong ethical standard that has remained a cornerstone to my
business. And, by teaching me to apply myself rigorously in
order to achieve my goals, the School strengthened my determination
to be passionate about everything I do. I look back on my
time at St John’s with a great deal of gratitude and wish all of
today’s students success in both their learning experience and
future careers.”