History professor Michael Finefrock passed away Dec. 6 of natural causes at age 72. Finefrock taught for more than 30 years at the College, according to history department head Bill Olejniczak.
Finefrock received his degree from Brown University in 1976, and obtained his Ph.D. from Princeton University. His specialty was Middle and Near Eastern history. He came to the College in 1974 and taught courses in Russian and Middle Eastern history.
According to an e-mail from Susan Morrison, Associate Provost for Academic Operations, Finefrock was successful during his career at the College. He served as Speaker of the College Faculty until 1987, and created and authorized presentations and significant papers related to Turkey and Turkish history and computer applications in the humanities area. Finefrock was also a Fulbright scholar and served on evaluation panels for the U.S. Department of Education Fulbright-Hayes program for international research and studies.
Finefrock’s funeral was held Jan. 26 at the Stuhr’s Downtown Chapel, and friends, relatives, colleagues and students were welcome to attend.