President: 1826-1829
Fr. William Feiner, S.J., served as Georgetown's 15th president from 1826-1829.
Early Jesuit and academic career
Born in Poland, William Feiner joined the Society of Jesus in 1808 and studied first in Russia with other Jesuit novices of the time. In 1822, he emigrated to the United States to aid in the re-establishment of the Jesuits in America. From 1825-26, Fr. Feiner served as a prefect of studies at Georgetown and taught theology and German.1On July 7, 1826, Fr. Feiner succeeded Fr. Stephen Dubuisson and became Georgetown’s fifteenth president.2
Presidency
Fr. Feiner was thirty-three years old, very religious, and an experienced professor, but he was plagued by tuberculosis before and during his presidency. Additionally, Fr. Feiner spoke English poorly having never mastered the language. Of his presidency, Fr. Feiner wrote to the Jesuit superior general, “I am . . . simultaneously Rector, Minister, Procurator, and spiritual Father. I fill these offices as much as I am able.”3
In practice, Fr. Feiner prioritized his pastoral duties, focusing on Holy Trinity parish and the religious discipline of Georgetown’s Jesuit scholastics. By the winter of 1829, Fr. Feiner’s worsening health forced him to resign the presidency, and he was succeeded by Fr. John Beschter. Fr. Feiner died at Georgetown a few months after his resignation.4
- 1Gilmary Shea, John. “Memorial of the First Century of Georgetown College, D.C.” 1891, p.70.
- 2“Historical Sketch of Georgetown College.” Georgetown College Journal, Vol. V, No.10, p.111.
- 3Emmett Curran, Robert. “The Bicentennial History of Georgetown University: From Academy to University, 1789–1889.” 1993, p.99.
- 4Id.
