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Real People Profiles: Rubin Waranch

We're asking some of the people you might encounter on the UMBC campus, including students, faculty, staff and alumni, to answer a few questions about themselves and their experiences. These are their responses.


Name: Rubin Waranch

Hometown: 
Owings Mills


Major: Political Science and Economics


Q: How long have you been at UMBC?

A: Senior

Q: What is your current title (job or student organization position)?

A: Currently, I am President of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity and a Student Manager in the Commons.

Q: In 12 words or less, what role(s) do you play on campus? 

A: On campus, I lead by example while serving as a source of motivation.

Q: What aspect of your UMBC role(s) do you enjoy most?

A: The aspect I enjoy most about my role in UMBC is the ability to connect with individuals that come from diverse backgrounds and social groups. Whether speaking to members of my organization, colleagues from class, or friends around campus, I have been able to experience various cultures and develop leadership qualities from such observation.

Q: What is the most important or memorable thing you learned in college/have learned at UMBC?

A: The most important thing I learned at UMBC was at my convocation in the Fall of 2011. Dr. Hrabowski emphasized the fact that intelligence is a valuable skill in the world, but nothing can replace the skill of diligence and persistence in the classroom. As a competitive individual, I have continuously challenged myself to be the most assiduous student in and outside the classroom.

Q: What is one way you have worked with others to make a positive difference at UMBC or in another community?

A: During my sophomore year, I was approached about joining a fraternity. Though I hesitated at first, the idea slowly became more attractive and eventually i choose to become a member of Pi Kappa Phi. Once initiated into this chapter, I worked with my brothers to not only make a difference on campus, but also at Maidens Choice Elementary School. An important reason I joined was due to Pi Kappa Phi's philanthropy Push America (now known as "The Ability Experience"). By volunteering to work with these children with disabilities, I can truly say I have made a difference with my brothers. Simply keeping these children company and having simple conversations with them brings the BIGGEST smile to their face. Additionally, my fraternity has raised thousands of dollars for Maiden Choice Elementary School since I joined. Though I have helped make an impact on these children, they have arguably left an even bigger impact on my chapter and I.

Q: Complete this sentence: "I am a big fan of __________"

A: The Baltimore Ravens.

Q: Do you have any UMBC stories, little-known facts about UMBC, favorite spots on campus, or anything else you’d like to share?

A: Entering UMBC three years ago, Move-In Day happened to be the same day as Hurricane Irene. Though this was a massive storm, I cannot imagine what my college experience would have been without it. Losing power at night fall prevented the Class of 2015 from sitting in our rooms, playing game systems and watching television after the storm subsided. So instead, everyone decided to go outside, socialize, and build connections that many of us will have for the rest of our lives. The people I met that day continue to play an integral role in my life.

Co-Create UMBC is a blog for and about UMBC, written by David Hoffman and Craig Berger from the Office of Student Life. Join the Co-Create UMBC group on MyUMBC. Like Co-Create UMBC on Facebook. And follow David and Craig on Twitter.

Posted: November 5, 2014, 9:40 AM