Alan Shawn Feinstein, an educational philanthropist that donated to the University of Rhode Island and over 200 other schools, died at age 93 on Sept. 7.
Feinstein established the Feinstein Foundation with a mission to improve Rhode Island communities, Dean Dennis, professor and dean of the College of Education, said. Established in 1991, the Foundation continues to aid URI’s Feinstein College of Education.
URI renamed its school of education on Sept. 12, 2023 as the Feinstein College of Education in honor of Feinstein’s funding, according to the college’s website .
“[Feinstien sent a] message about the importance of kindness, compassion, doing good deeds and making the world a better place through community service,” Susan Brand, a professor in URI’s Early Childhood Education Program, said.
Resource developments at the Feinstein College of Education include artificial intelligence, clinical educator training, partnership and doctoral programs, Brand said.
Students involved in the Feinstein Foundation are given access to scholarships that support their attendance at URI, Dennis said.
“Our mission includes providing services for the public good and creating Rhode Island’s future workforce ,” Dennis said.
Feinstein received the Humanitarian Award from the Red Cross, Brand said. This award is given to the person who symbolizes the respect and betterment of humanity.
Feinstein found that by designating schools, universities and childcare centers to his foundation, making them Feinstein schools, he was making the world a better place, Brand said.
With $50 million in funding, according to Brand, Feinstein has aided over 200 Feinstein Leadership Schools in southern New England, according to the Feinstein Foundation website . Feinstein’s philanthropy efforts provided funds to over 600,000 children.
“For our college, many of our students work with schools associated with the Feinstein Foundation and have the opportunity to see firsthand how the Junior Scholars program encourages children to be good citizens,” Dennis said.
Created by Feinstein, the Junior Scholars program gives students access to places like the Mystic Aquarium and the Providence Children’s Museum, according to the Feinstein Foundation website.
“[Children] are recognized as Feinstein Jr Scholars for promising to do good deeds to make the world a better place,” according to the Feinstein Foundation website.
The Feinstein Foundation financially supports Feinstein Schools across the state, including Roger Williams University and Rhode Island College, according to the foundation’s website.
Cedar Hills Elementary School, located in Warwick, Rhode Island, is a recipient of Feinstein Foundation donations, Brand said.
“[Being a Feinstein School] holds students and teachers to a very high standard of character and behavior, striving to help others, both in school and outside in the world,” Brand said, quoting Leroy Joffre, the principal of Cedar Hills.
The work of Feinstein Schools manifests as food pantries, donation programs and playgrounds, Brand said. Feinstein had a goal that the students of Rhode Island have access to higher education and more opportunities to be a part of their community.
“His influence will live on in our memories and hearts, and his inspiration will be reflected in our outreach to others,” Brand said.
Feinstein’s legacy lives on through his daughter, Leila Feinstein, who shares a desire to make a difference in Rhode Island, Brand said.