Harry Finestone

Background

Harry Finestone was born on July 19, 1920, in Atlanta, Georgia, United States.

Education

Harry Finestone, graduating from Emory University in 1941 with a bachelor's degree, earned his master's degree the next year at the University of Chicago before serving in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II. He saw action in Europe, returning home to complete a Doctor of Philosophy degree in American literature at the University of Chicago in 1953.

Career

Harry Finestone, after completing his doctor's degree, embarked on an English teaching career, first as an instructor at the University of Virginia from 1953 to 1956, then as an assistant professor at the University of North Carolina, and in 1962 finally joining San Fernando Valley State College, which later became California State University, Northridge. Finestone was named head of the English department in 1967 before becoming dean of academic planning and associate vice president for academic programs in 1970. He served in this role until he retired in 1983.

As a university administrator, Finestone was recognized for revising the curriculum, overseeing the Institute for the Advancement of Training and Learning, and working in conjunction with nearby community colleges to design innovative programs for the university's students. Also, during the student protests of the late 1960s, he helped to diversify student enrollment.

As well as being an academic leader and well-regarded teacher, Finestone edited four books, some of which are still used as textbooks on many campuses, including The World of the Short Story: Archetypes in Action (1971) and The Conscious Reader (1974).

Achievements

• Harry Finestone was a gifted teacher best remembered for his work as dean and associate vice president of California State University, Northridge. He was most successful in supervising the comprehensive reform of general education at the university, coordinating education innovation with surrounding community colleges, and overseeing the school's Institute for the Advancement of Training and Learning.
  
  In his honor, the Harry Finestone Award in English was established in the university.

Works

More photos

• book

  • The Conscious Reader

    (The Conscious Reader is an exceptionally rich, thematic a...)

    1974
  • The World of the Short Story: Archetypes in Action 1971

Connections

Harry Finestone was married to Mary Eve Finestone. The marriage produced a daughter, Anne, and two sons, Peter and Stephen.

Wife:

Mary Eve Finestone

Mary Eve Finestone (July 7, 1928 - May 5, 2014) was a longtime member of the French faculty at California State University, Northridge. She came to California in 1962 with her husband. After her retirement, Eve remained an ardent supporter of the arts and humanities in Los Angeles.