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Arnold Rumbold (Photo: Supplied)

Arnold Rumbold met Einer Boberg in the tenor section of the Richard Eaton Singers in Edmonton.

“He was a very good tenor,” Arnold, now 92, says of the renowned speech pathologist.

Soon their friendship expanded to include their wives, Julia Boberg and Grace Rumbold. The four enjoyed many meals, evenings of madrigal singing and deep discussions together. His friend was full of life and stories, Arnold remembers. “Einer loved to converse — which meant arguing sometimes — but he just loved to sit down and discuss world affairs.”

It was with surprise that Arnold and Grace learned Einer once had a severe stutter. “As I understand it, he had trouble getting through his marriage vows,” Arnold says.

They were even more fascinated by Einer’s remarkable research into treating people who stuttered.

“He never got treatment,” Arnold laughs, “He developed the treatment!”

In 1986, when Einer established the Institute for Stuttering Treatment and Research (ISTAR) in the Faculty of Rehabilitative Medicine, Grace was quick to recognize the life-changing impact of ISTAR and began donating regularly. Arnold soon joined her and recalls that no financial pitch was needed.

“We were so impressed with what Einer was doing. He broke the myths and the beliefs of stuttering down by his dedication to evidence-based learning and methods. That was the crux of it – he fearlessly broke new ground.”

What began for the Rumbolds as a friendship with Einer and admiration for his work grew into a decades-long commitment to support ISTAR’s mission, even after Einer’s death in 1995 at the age of 60. In that year, in addition to their regular annual giving, the couple set up an endowment fund that will continue to support ISTAR in perpetuity.

As a donor-funded entity of the U of A, ISTAR has thrived with the support of donors like the Rumbolds. Funding not only helps ensure that people who stutter receive transformative care, it also opens doors for rehab med students to gain experience in research and working with clients. Expanding those kinds of opportunities is a key goal of Shape the Future, a new U of A campaign that supports students through experiential learning, as well as scholarships, awards and bursaries, and improved access to spaces and facilities.

ISTAR interim director Ashley Saunders is grateful for the Rumbold family as ISTAR’s longtime friends and donors. “The awareness and support they have cultivated for ISTAR since the beginning has affected many lives,” she says. “Their dedication and ongoing commitment to attend the final speeches events is a true testament to their unwavering support for ISTAR’s clients and continuing Einer’s legacy.”

Every summer, the Rumbolds have been invited to final speech presentations by people who have participated in the ISTAR program. Videos are presented of each person speaking before the program. Then they each deliver a second speech to the listening crowd in real time.

“There are Kleenex boxes on every chair,” Arnold says, tearing up as he recalls the transformations he has witnessed. ISTAR’s gift to clients lasts the rest of their lives, and Arnold says he and Grace were proud to play a small part.

Though Grace passed away in 2024, Arnold remains committed to supporting ISTAR, which will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2026. Arnold says their intent has always been to give where they see real impact. “Our main criterion has been that it benefits the community.”

Learn more about how you can support ISTAR. Your donation will forever change the life of someone who stutters, ensuring that they achieve their dream of speaking with confidence and without fear.