You will be missed Prof. Gerstenfeld

Art passed away on Jan 19, 2022 at the age of 95. He was my professor, thesis advisor, and friend. Art was an amazing individual!

Just a short recap of his achievements:

- Industrial engineer from RPI

- MS and PHD in Management from MIT Sloan

- First head of the WPI Department of Management

- Founder of WPI MBA program, Namibia project center and Wall-Street project center

- Published 55 articled and 9 books

- Held 4 patents on his work on Air Traffic Control Systems

Art was a great professor, mentor, leader, and friend to so many WPI students throughout the years. Just giving me the opportunity to complete my senior thesis at his London Wall-Street project center, not only strengthened my experience and curriculum to find a good job out of college but also opened my eyes to high expectations and possibilities in life.

He was kind enough to invite me to guest speak in his “Finance and Technology” class in October 2013. At the age of 86, he was still actively teaching a few courses, leading international project centers, and helping the WPI community at large. After the class, he invited me to lunch at the amazing Soul Proprietor in Worcester. We had a great time, catching up and exploring ways to collaborate with his students and WPI. Here is a picture of us after lunch:

A few years later, he would tell me he had stepped back from teaching but continued to be active within the community. Those who knew him, knew he was never just going to stay put!

Thank you Art, for always pushing me and all of your students to swing big in life. You were the premier example of it!

I am confident that your students will continue to make you proud throughout the years. We have been privileged to have you.

Kindest regards always professor! You will be missed…