Political science professor Eugene Victor Wolfenstein dies of pancreatic cancer at 70

Eugene Victor Wolfenstein, long-time political science professor and prolific author, died of pancreatic cancer at his home on Dec. 15. He was 70.

Wolfenstein was a 45-year veteran of the department and played an important role in its development. Colleagues praised his ability to resolve conflicts, calling him a healer who brought people with strong differences of opinion together, said Raymond Rocco, political science associate professor.

Mark Sawyer, a fellow political science associate professor, also spoke of Wolfenstein’s friendly demeanor when Sawyer arrived at UCLA.

“He was always warm and friendly ““ he went out of his way to make me feel welcome,” Sawyer said.

In addition to his interpersonal skills, Wolfenstein was known for his extensive knowledge of political theory, radical thinking and his unique teaching skills.

In his classes, Wolfenstein analyzed the writings of Marx, Freud, Plato and Nietzsche and looked at the interconnections among topics, which gave students a way to see and think of the world in critical terms, said Raul Moreno, a doctoral candidate in political science who was advised by Wolfenstein.

“It was really life-changing to take his course,” he said of Wolfenstein’s seminar on Marxist political theory. “Not only was he absolutely brilliant, but he was a true pedagogue.”

As a trained psychoanalyst, Wolfenstein also incorporated his clinical experience with his teachings, which brought a unique perspective to political theory, Rocco said.

Along with his work with the political science department, Wolfenstein was also active in the development of the African American Studies department and was scheduled to co-chair with Sawyer.

Wolfenstein wanted to be a part of the program because his writings and research dealt with issues of race, racism and the African American experience, Sawyer said.

But in spite of his busy schedule, which consisted of a full teaching load, involvement on various committees, graduate admissions and his own private psychoanalytic practice, the professor made time for students.

Moreno said he was always willing to listen to arguments from students about the material and really thought about what they said, often re-articulating their thoughts to them.

His commitment to teaching could be seen from the number of students who waited outside his door during office hours, Rocco said.

His approachability was also manifested in his teaching strategies. In classes, Wolfenstein would bring his guitar and sing songs relating Platonic concepts with Bob Dylan’s music to teach political theory to undergraduate students.

Even after his diagnosis in July, Wolfenstein maintained his commitment to instruction by continuing to teach multiple courses, advising students and submitting his grades during the last week of his life, Moreno said.

Outside of the classroom, Wolfenstein was physically active and would swim, run and walk regularly. During his runs around the perimeter of campus, Wolfenstein would frequently be accompanied by his standard black poodle, Béla, said his wife, Judy Wolfenstein.

Stemming from his long tenure at the university, Wolfenstein was an avid UCLA basketball fan who held season tickets for many years.

“He has always had tremendous respect for student athletes and was appreciative of UCLA athletics,” Judy Wolfenstein said.

Wolfenstein was born on July 9, 1940 in Cleveland, Ohio. He was raised by his maternal grandparents in Toledo, Ohio, after his mother died when he was 10 years old. He received his bachelor’s degree in history from Columbia University in 1962 and graduated magna cum laude before continuing his education at Princeton University, where he received his doctorate in politics.

In 1968, he met his wife Judy, and they were married a year later.

Wolfenstein is survived by his wife, Judy; daughter, Laura; sons, Leonard, Gabriel and Moses; and four grandchildren.

A memorial service will be hosted on campus later this quarter. A political science award in dialectical thinking will also be established in his name.