David Rubenstein has redefined the meaning of success.
Growing up in a working-class household in Baltimore, Rubenstein worked in a variety of jobs including as a camp counselor and door-to-door salesperson. He also studied hard, graduating from high school at 16. He came to understand that by working hard, he could achieve his life goals.
Rubenstein studied political science at Duke, graduating magna cum laude in 1970. He was elected Phi Beta Kappa. He then earned his law degree from the University of Chicago Law School, serving as editor of the Law Review.
He practiced law and served in the administration of President Jimmy Carter as deputy assistant to the president for domestic policy, among other roles. In 1987, Rubenstein co-founded The Carlyle Group Inc., a global alternative asset manager.
Rubenstein’s philanthropy is far reaching. At Duke, his contributions include funding for the Rubenstein Arts Center, Rubenstein Library, including the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book and Manuscript Library, and the university’s Innovation & Entrepreneurship Initiative. His gifts have also supported Duke’s public policy program, athletics, and graduate and professional internships. In 2017, Rubenstein gave $20 million to launch the David M. Rubenstein Scholars Program, providing academic, financial, and professional development support for students from first-generation and lower-income backgrounds.
Rubenstein served on Duke’s Board of Trustees from 2005 to 2017, and as chair of the board from 2013 to 2017.
In 2019, Rubenstein was awarded the University Medal – Duke’s highest honor for service.
