Statement from the Rhode Island College Foundation on the Passing of Alan Shawn Feinstein

Rhode Island College mourns the loss of one of our great benefactors, Alan Shawn Feinstein, who passed away on Saturday, Sept. 7,at the age of 93. Our Feinstein School of Education and Human Development was named after him in recognition of his generous philanthropy. Feinstein supported many programs at the college and throughout the state. More than 2,000 students benefited from Feinstein Scholarships while countless students benefited from the Feinstein Foundation’s support of our school of education. The Feinstein Junior Leadership Scholarship and the Feinstein Institute for Philanthropic Leadership Scholarship both provided essential resources for educators and future nonprofit leaders to complete their degrees, while the Feinstein Ph.D. fund reimbursed students for conference expenses. The Feinstein Foundation additionally provided flexible resources to the school of education’s Dean’s Fund to respond to the most pressing and immediate needs of the school and its scholars.

Feinstein’s legacy as a philanthropist, educator and humanitarian extends far beyond our school walls. His efforts to reduce world hunger, as well as his support of community service and education, have left an indelible mark on our community. He inspired students to perform good deeds and helped those in need. His founding of the Feinstein Foundation in 1991 has fostered a culture of community service.

As we express our deepest sympathies to his family and friends, we also celebrate his life and the values he stood for. His legacy lives on in RIC’s Feinstein School of Education and Human Development. When one walks through Horace Mann Hall, one can pause and reflect on his quote which is displayed prominently on the wall, “To better one life is to better the world.” We are proud to honor Feinstein’s memory by continuing his philanthropic work, striving to better the lives of those around us and leading by example.

Eight colleges and universities, including Rhode Island College, awarded Feinstein with honorary doctorates. He was also the recipient of many distinguished service awards for his philanthropy (The American History Society, The American Red Cross, The Rhode Island Hall of Fame, The President's Medal at Brown University and Rhode Island College) and named Rhode Island Citizen of the Year by the March of Dimes.