Joel L. Fleishman, a prominent figure in the field of philanthropy and a cornerstone of Duke University for over five decades, passed away on September 30, 2024, at the age of 90. His death, resulting from complications following a fall, marks the end of an era for the institution he helped shape.
Fleishman's journey at Duke began in 1971 when he was recruited by then-university president Terry Sanford. This move came after Fleishman had served as a legal advisor to Sanford during his tenure as governor of North Carolina from 1961 to 1965. Sanford, known for his progressive stance on civil rights in the South, entrusted Fleishman with the task of establishing a program to prepare students for careers in public service and civic engagement.
The Institute of Policy Sciences and Public Affairs, which later evolved into the Sanford School of Public Policy, was Fleishman's brainchild. It offered its first undergraduate courses in 1972, expanding to include graduate programs two years later. This initiative was part of a broader trend in the United States, as public policy schools gained prominence in the 1960s and 1970s.
Fleishman's impact extended far beyond the classroom. He was instrumental in fundraising efforts, chairing a campaign in 1983 that raised $500 million for Duke's arts, sciences, and engineering departments. His course on philanthropy, voluntarism, and non-profit management became a rite of passage for many students.
As a scholar, Fleishman made significant contributions to the understanding of philanthropy. He authored several books, including "The Foundation" (2007) and "Putting Wealth to Work" (2017), which aimed to demystify the workings of the non-profit sector. His work aligned with the growing academic interest in philanthropy, which began to emerge as a distinct discipline in the 1980s.
Fleishman's expertise was not merely theoretical. From 1993 to 2001, he served as president of Atlantic Philanthropic Services, a grant-making arm of the Atlantic Foundation. This experience provided him with practical insights into the challenges of effective charitable giving.
Born on April 15, 1934, in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Fleishman's early life was shaped by his Jewish faith and his family's business ventures. His father was among the first to sell beer in North Carolina after the repeal of Prohibition in 1933. Fleishman maintained strong ties to his religious roots throughout his life, serving as a cantor in his synagogue.
Fleishman's academic journey began at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned degrees in history, law, and dramatic arts. He later obtained a master of laws degree from Yale University in 1960. This diverse educational background perhaps contributed to his wide-ranging interests, which included writing a wine column for Vanity Fair magazine.
One of Fleishman's most cherished traditions was his annual holiday card, sent to thousands of friends and acquaintances. Often including a poem, these cards reflected his personal philosophy and gratitude for his life's work.
"For me You have arranged a fulfilling career, replete with mentors wise and kind; And varying organizations and causes to serve, duties that challenge my mind. … Perhaps too many of these I embraced, but You generously gave me the strength To try to serve them wisely and well, whether if so is not for me to say at length."
Fleishman's legacy in the field of philanthropy is profound. His work has contributed to the growth of the nonprofit sector, which now accounts for approximately 5.6% of the United States' GDP. His teachings on strategic giving have influenced countless philanthropists and foundation administrators, helping to shape the modern landscape of charitable work.
As the academic and philanthropic communities mourn the loss of Joel L. Fleishman, they also celebrate a life dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge and the betterment of society through strategic and thoughtful giving.