Advised in the founding of the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy in 1986, serving as interim director in its first year. He again came out of retirement in 1991 to help establish the School of Film Making at the North Carolina School of the Arts.
1941 graduate of the University of North Carolina, subsequently served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was present for Japan's formal surrender on September 2, 1945, aboard the USS Missouri.
Served as chief executive officer for producer Louis de Rochemont's four affiliated film and TV companies for nearly 30 years.