Alan Shawn Feinstein

Philanthropist's Motto, "to Better One Life is to Better the World," is Realized
Many Times Over at URI Thanks to His Continued Generosity.

Evidence of the generosity of well-known philanthropist Alan Shawn Feinstein is apparent throughout the University. URI hosts the Feinstein Center for a Hunger Free America, the Feinstein Center for Service Learning and Clearinghouse for Volunteers, and the Dr. Pat Feinstein Child Development Center. The latter is housed at the URI Feinstein Providence campus, which is also home to the Alan Shawn Feinstein College of Continuing Education.

Feinstein’s gifts have far-reaching impact: The Hunger Center is involved in research relating to issues facing low-income populations, and the Clearinghouse aims to promote volunteerism among the student body. And just as significant is the Alan Shawn Feinstein College of Continuing Education (or CCE, as it is known).

Students attending CCE are anything but typical. Many are adults returning to college after decades away from the classroom or starting college for the first time. Most are 25 to 45 years old and juggle part-time studies, family obligations and full-time employment. They chip away at their degree requirements one or two courses at a time with the support of an extraordinary faculty who encourages their educational endeavors—especially when pursuing an undergraduate degree becomes overwhelming, even for these uber multi-taskers.

Also easing their burden is the assistance many receive through the Lillian and Alan Shawn Feinstein Scholarships, awarded to new and returning students. In addition to helping to defray tuition expenses, the scholarships cover the full cost of child care for parents enrolled as undergraduates. These funds not only help relieve financial pressure, but also benefit those in need. Hundreds of students have directly benefited from these scholarships over the years.

“I established the endowment to make scholarships available to those who commit to doing community service,” explains Feinstein. Scholarship recipients must agree to perform 30 hours of community service for each semester they receive an award, as the lesson he wants the students to take away from their CCE experience is “that helping to better the lives of others is a wonderful thing to do.”

The assistance these students provide to area organizations—including local school systems, churches, nursing homes, The Salvation Army and A Wish Come True—is invaluable. Planning and organizing activities, coaching and visiting with patients or residents are just a few of the ways Feinstein Scholars avail themselves. In return, students learn what a difference they can make.

“Most tell us they will continue giving back to their community, so the impact this scholarship makes is multiplied time and time again,” says Director of CCE Enrollment Management, Marketing and External Affairs Joanne DiBello.

Feinstein scholar Omar Bah ’11 exemplifies this ideal of paying it forward. He is establishing the Refugee Advocacy Program to help newcomers transition to America by providing assistance with job placement, child care and housing.

In addition to developing a passion for helping others, some scholarship recipients, such as Carlene Fiorito ’11 (profiled on this website) also discover—or reignite—an enthusiasm for lifelong learning and are inspired to enroll in graduate programs. Fiorito will apply to URI’s doctoral program in psychology by the end of this year.

Whether they continue their education or aim to help others who have to overcome extraordinarily difficult obstacles, like Matt McFadden (also spotlighted on this website), Feinstein is humbled by their determination.

“I admire them immensely, and I am honored that I could have been a motivator for their ambitions.”

Just as Feinstein highly regards the students who succeed despite trying circumstances, the University holds him in esteem for his continued contributions to higher education and social causes. “Our graduates are Alan’s legacy, and we are forever grateful for his support,” says DiBello.