Bob Rinehart distinguished himself at Denison as an outstanding lacrosse and football player, earning eight varsity letters. In lacrosse, Rinehart was selected to the All-Midwest team three times. His senior year he was honored as captain and Most Valuable Player. He was also recognized as a lacrosse All-American. In football, he was selected as Most Valuable Player his senior year.

After earning a B.A. in economics, Rinehart attended the Wharton School of Government Administration. He joined Marine Corps and served in the Far East for 13 months. He entered the foreign service in the mid-1960’s and lived and worked in five countries in Europe and Asia.