Rubendall's extraordinary service to HACC and central Pennsylvania includes serving as a member of the HACC board of trustees for an unprecedented 40 years. At the time of his retirement from the Board in 2004, his uninterrupted service spanned the entire history of the college, from the first meeting of the board of trustees on March 2, 1964.
It was through his role as a member of the Halifax Area school board and his civic leadership in northern Dauphin County that Rubendall was among the visionary group of HACC founders who successfully garnered regional and community support in order to create Pennsylvania's first community college.
For the next four decades, Rubendall served HACC in many ways. He provided leadership as treasurer for many years, playing a large role in establishing and perpetuating the College's reputation for fiscal stability and sound financial management. He served a number of committees of the board including finance, liaison, nominating, legislative and public affairs, and educational planning.
Over the years, he maintained an exceptional level of dedication and enthusiasm for the life and affairs of HACC, becoming a fixture at countless college events, commencements and other ceremonies during his four decades of service. Upon his retirement from the board of trustees, he was named founding trustee emeritus in recognition of his long and extensive service.
Born in Millersburg, Pa., and graduating from Millersburg High School in 1936, Rubendall earned his B.A. degree, summa cum laude, from Colgate University and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. He served as a Navy Lt. Commander in World War II, participating in the North African Invasion.
Upon his honorable discharge, he entered and graduated from Dickinson Law School in 1948, where he was editor-in-chief of the Dickinson Law Review.
Entering his legal career as clerk to Judge Robert E. Woodside, he then joined the firm of Hull, Leiby & Metzger. He then served as Deputy Attorney General of Pennsylvania under Judge Woodside who had been appointed Attorney General. He later rejoined his firm, now Keefer, Wood, Allen and Rahal, becoming a partner and ultimately retiring in 1980.
Active in civic and community affairs, Rubendall is a 50-year member of Rotary Clubs in Harrisburg, Elizabethville and Millersburg, a lifetime member of the Masonic Order, and for many years he taught men's Sunday school class at Grace United Methodist Church in Millersburg.He lives in Halifax with his wife Polly.