Kenneth “Ken” David Feigenbaum, Professor of Psychology, husband, father, and grandfather passed away on September 22, 2022 at age 89. Ken was renowned by his family, students, and friends for his curiosity and kindness. Teaching psychology up to his last days at the University of Maryland Global Campus, his students praised him for his incredible knowledge and support. An innovator in higher education, in 1959, Ken was a founder of Monteith College, an experimental college that offered a first-rate education to the commuter students at Wayne State University. An intrepid traveler, in 1971-72, he taught psychology at Trinity College, Dublin during his sabbatical year from Antioch College. In 1976-77 he taught at two medical schools in Ankara, Turkey as a senior Fulbright lecturer. And in later years, he traveled as far as Kyrgyzstan in Central Asia lecturing in psychology.
Born in Brooklyn, NY and raised in Queens, NY, he was the son of an immigrant and a factory worker. His parents instilled in him the importance of finding the good in every human being. He was graduated from Queens College at the age of 20. Later, while a graduate student in history at Yale, he was drafted into the army for the Korean War. While in the army he decided to change his academic focus to psychology; so, after being honorably discharged from the army, he transferred to the University of Chicago from where he earned a Ph.D.
Ken enjoyed helping others not just as an academic but as a practicing psychologist. In the 1980’s, he thrived treating adult patients at Group Health Associates in DC, and later in his own practice.
An accomplished pianist and lover of classical music, he and his wife Carolyn attended classical concerts worldwide. A lover of fine arts as well, he co-invented a board game, “Art Gallery.” Ken was an avid sports fan and a skillful basketball player in his day. For more than 50 years, Ken was an active member of Congregation Beth-El of Montgomery Co., where he sang in the choir and taught classes for their Adult Ed program.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Carolyn, with whom he raised four children, and by his six grandchildren.