Phillip H. Rubin – 50th Reunion Essay

Phillip H. Rubin

phil@legalmaster.com

Spouse(s): Laurie Leiber (1987)

Child(ren): Sarah Church (1982) and Jacob Rubin (1989)

Grandchild(ren): still waiting

College: Timothy Dwight

About eight years after graduation, I wrote a bit of software in my bedroom and turned it into a 40-plus-year career. I still enjoy the process, though perhaps not with the pioneering fervor of the early years. I have a wonderful wife who is much more engaged in the world than am I; I admire her energy and do my best to emulate her. Our daughter has followed in her mother’s footsteps and is fully absorbed in repairing the world. Our son is a confident showman with boundless energy, a quick wit, and unpredictable creativity.

About 25 years ago I found community in my synagogue. It certainly came as a surprise to me; I have never considered myself spiritual, but I chair three committees, my favorite being the Pipe Organ Restoration Committee (PORC). I sing in about 20 events per year as a founder of the Guild of Ersatz Cantors and organize a dozen or so community-building events every year. My floormates will probably be amused to hear that I still sing the same 1920s hits that I belted out in the shower in Durfee and TD.

While in my recollection my Yale years weren’t particularly bright and the pleasures were anything but rife, many of my lifelong interests were first formed or nurtured there, and for that I am indeed grateful.