Sidney A. Weinstein ’42
Sidney Weinstein was a notable businessman and supporter of arts, colleges and the community. He was the president and CEO of Sidney's, Inc., a chain of women's apparel stores.
A native of Richmond, Virginia, Mr. Weinstein spent most of his life in the Roanoke Valley. He attended Jefferson High School and received his B.A. in English at Roanoke in 1942. He was the editor of the campus newspaper, The Brackety-Ack, and editor of the College's 1942 centennial yearbook.
Following graduation, he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps and served for three years, after which he joined the family business, Sidney's, Inc., which his father named after him. Mr. Weinstein was an innovator, ahead of his times in many ways, including being one of the first retailers to utilize a computer system. He grew the business from one store to a chain of 81 stores in seven states. The business operated successfully for decades before closing in 1993.
Though he was of retirement age at that time, Mr. Weinstein chose instead to get his real estate license and worked as an agent with Boone & Company realtors for more than a decade before finally retiring at the age of 87.
He was married to Ann L. Weinstein, an artist and art critic, and the couple were strong supporters of the art community, often making anonymous donations. They contributed several works of art to the College's collection, and Mr. Weinstein served as a member of the College's 1992 National Committee. He also was a Lifetime Sustaining Associate.
He served on the boards of many Roanoke Valley organizations, including the Roanoke Symphony, the Roanoke Ballet, the Roanoke Fine Arts Center, the Roanoke Science Museum and the Roanoke Valley Airport Commission. He taught Sunday School at Temple Emmanuel.
Mr. Weinstein was awarded the Roanoke College Alumni Medal in 1989 for his work in promoting the growth and development of his community and his college, and for his successful business practices.
Sidney A. Weinstein received the Roanoke College Medal in 1989.