Aaron Feinsot '45, of New York, N.Y. and East Hampton, N.Y., a former Union dean who fought in World War II, landing on Omaha beach June 9, 1944, and serving in the U.S. Army as a French interpreter, died Aug. 2, 2012. He was 88.
After the war, he served in the U.S. military governments in France and Germany, and was awarded the Purple Heart.
Honorably discharged in 1946, Aaron earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at Union was elected to Phi Beta Kappa.
He went on to create the Office of Special Services to Business and Industry at New York University in the mid-1950s, serving as its director from 1956 to 1965. During a portion of this period, Aaron, who earned a master's degree and Ph.D. in sociology from NYU in 1965, had a simultaneous appointment at NYU as director of the Brazilian Institute.
During his career, he also served as chairman of the board of Grace Church School in New York City, and as dean of Graduate and Continuing Studies at Union between 1975 and 1985. While here, he helped start the College's Graduate Management Institute. He was also a dean at Polytechnic University before returning to NYU, where he was divisional dean in the School of Continuing Education, in charge of professional and industry programs.
Known as an innovator in education, Aaron was passionate about lifetime learning. The unique program he developed at Union enabled students to continue their studies in the graduate school, starting with two free courses. He also believed in developing partnership programs. Beginning with his experience at the Brazilian Institute, Aaron pursued international relationships in education throughout his career, which grew to include programs in England, Spain, China and Japan. In retirement, he was an active consultant to business and education.
A talented writer with a consummate wit, Aaron is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Louise, and children Paul '80, John '82 and Lauren.
Services were held earlier this month.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association of New York or to the College.