Jack DuBrul Earns Distinguished Citizen Award

Champlain College named Jack DuBrul of Shelburne its 2009 Distinguished Citizen at this year’s convocation on August 28. DuBrul, 75, was recognized for his longtime support of community and educational programs.

“Jack DuBrul long ago figured out that combining his passions with his work was the formula for both a successful business and a rewarding role in the community,” Champlain College President David F. Finney told the gathering, which included 550 incoming students in the class of 2013.

DuBrul, owner of the Automaster car dealership in Shelburne, spoke of his early days in business and how an ability to “change his sails” when the business winds shifted helped him grow a fledgling Rambler dealership with five employees into a company with more than 100 employees, selling some of the most prestigious cars available—Honda, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and Land Rover.

The Distinguished Citizen Award also acknowledges DuBrul’s many roles in the community, from serving 18 years on the Merchants Bank board of directors to supporting such civic and charitable organizations as Shelburne Farms, Champlain College, the Visiting Nurse Association, Fletcher Allen Health Care, United Way, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Vermont Mozart Festival, and the Flynn Center for Performing Arts. His philanthropy often occurs “behind the scenes,” Finney noted, helping individuals in need without any fanfare or recognition.

DuBrul’s zest for living was another highlight of Finney’s remarks, in particular DuBrul’s skill as an airplane and hot-air balloon pilot, which he often shares by taking charitable donors or kids with cancer on rides.

“He is in strong contention for the coolest grandpa around,” Finney added, “since not many other grandpas have a fleet of antique sports cars, motorcycles, airplanes and hot-air balloons and are still enjoying all of them.” —SM