In this 2001 file photo, David Rubin, former dean of the Newhouse School at Syracuse University, poses in his office on the SU campus. Rubin, who is from Cleveland, is an avid Indians fan.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- David Rubin taught his last class Wednesday.
The champion for the arts and the First Amendment served as dean of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications for 18 years. Rubin worked as dean from 1990 to 2008, before he stepped down into the role of dean emeritus. He continued to teach classes.
Rubin is a long-time columnist for The Post-Standard and Syracuse.com, known for not shying away from controversial topics. Rubin's final column analyzed the possible impact of the Donald Trump presidency on freedom of speech and press.
Rubin also hosts The Ivory Tower Half Hour, a weekly round-table discussion that airs on WCNY-TV.
Rubin's legacy at Newhouse is vast. The school's Career Development Center was named for him and his wife, Tina Press, a former broadcast journalist who also taught at the school.
In his time at the school, Rubin has helped start and bring in funding for numerous initiatives including the Goldring Arts Journalism program, Tully Center for Free Speech, fellowships for specialized professors and construction of the memorable Newhouse 3 building, which has the First Amendment emblazoned across its western side.
On Rubin's last day of class, colleagues and students lined the hallway awaiting his exit from the classroom. He emerged to hugs and applause.
Peers in the communications industry contributed to a tribute video, compiled by the school, by recording their memories of Rubin.
Many credited him and Press with cementing and elevating the reputation of the school.
"I can't think of two people who together spent more hours, more time, and put more knowledge, passion and support behind all of us," said Mike Tirico, an '88 graduate and member of the SU Board of Trustees.
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"You two helped make Newhouse what it is today."
Reporter Julie McMahon covers Syracuse University and Syracuse city schools. She can be reached anytime: Email | Twitter | 315-412-1992
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