Why couldn’t the pony talk? It was just a little horse. This pun-filled joke is Albie Rinehart’s go-to conversation starter when it comes to sparking a conversation with a new face on Waynesburg University’s campus. Albie Rinehart, alumnus of the then-Waynesburg College has had a place for Waynesburg in his heart ever since Hanna Hall was constructed in 1851.

Rinehart’s great, great grandfather, Elisha Rinehart helped build Hanna Hall, the first building to stand on campus, while he was a student at Waynesburg. The photograph of his relative is currently hanging in the Paul R. Stewart Museum.

The Rinehart family have been around the Waynesburg campus ever since the construction of Hanna Hall. Albie was a graduate of Waynesburg University in education of 1967. Along with finding a degree, Albie also found love at Waynesburg. He and his wife, Donna, have been “happily married” for over 50 years.

Rinehart used his degree to teach at Nineveh, Rogersville and Graysville Elementary from 1967 to 2002 and a Waynesburg College adjunct from 1997 to 2002. In addition to being a former adjunct, he is also a retired Army staff sergeant from the Pennsylvania Army National Guard.

Being a lover of the Waynesburg campus, Rinehart said he enjoys coming onto campus but he makes it a scarce trip by visiting once a week.

“I try not to make a pest of myself,” Rinehart said.

Rinehart also has grown to admire the students, as they have become a large contributor for his love of Waynesburg.

“The students are willing to stop and talk, and I am able to talk to them,” said Rinehart.

Rinehart said he admires the values, character, direction in life, positive thoughts, smiles and willingness to share time.

“I have observed them sincerely wanting to serve others and the community, thoughtfulness, polite, kind, make me and others feel welcome and wanted, greet others with a smile and a friendly hello, personalities,” Rinehart said. “They all contribute and create a positive environment – a place you want to be a part of. I do speak highly to many (I know and see many people) that I see about [Waynesburg University] and its students.”

Albie said he has taken that admiration for the students and is working to expand a scholarship to students on campus. The scholarship he will be offering to Waynesburg University students, called the Rinehart Scholarship, was originally offered to West Greene high school students but will soon be available to Waynesburg University students. According to the scholarship form, the scholarships purpose is to “recognize the contributions of his family to the Mission of Waynesburg University.”

In addition to the Rinehart Scholarship, Albie has proposed another scholarship that he will be offering to all students enrolled in the Nursing Program.

Rinehart is arranging the final touches on his scholarships in the upcoming weeks. Rinehart said that he has been grateful to previously arrange the outline of the scholarships with faculty members on campus.

“I am thankful to have worked with Heidi Szuminsky and Waynesburg University President, Doug Lee, in making these scholarships possible.” Rinehart said.