DR. Hassan MINOR

MINOR, Dr. Hassan Passed away in Reston, VA, on October 10, 2025. He loved and was especially proud of his family. He is survived by his wife, Linda; daughters, Keija and Kalila; son-in-law, David; grandchildren, Graham and Elinor; and cousins, Robert L. Lattimer and Dr. Penelope Lattimer, who were like siblings to him. His extended family and friends will remember and very much miss his friendship, intellect, and sense of humor. Dr. Minor was born in Washington, D.C., on December 1, 1946, to Anne Cornelius and Harry Francis Minor. For 23 years, Dr. Minor provided senior leadership at Howard University: the first ten as Vice President for External Affairs and University Research and then for more than 12 years, as Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer. In addition to leading communications and technology, Dr. Minor was also the University's government liaison to the federal government. At Howard, Dr. Minor oversaw the University's major capital projects, including the Vernon E. Jordan, Jr. Law Library, the restoration of the Howard Theatre and the neighborhood redevelopment effort, known as the LeDroit Park Initiative. He founded the Howard University Middle School of Mathematics and Science, (MS)2, now in its twentieth year, a project that was especially meaningful to him. His colleagues at Howard warmly remember his deep commitment to the University's mission and to the success of his team. Prior to his tenure at Howard University, Dr. Minor was a member of the faculty at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he focused on organizations and public policy. He was tapped to lead the Corporation for Boston (CFB), a new organization of academic, corporate, civic and government leaders, working together to address major issues facing Boston. He was the first managing director of CFB for ten years and was asked by Governor Michael Dukakis to serve two terms as a Regent of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. During this period, he was also a consultant to the Rockefeller family and was selected as a Fellow for Stanford University's Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences. He was a governor of the American Institute of Planning and a director of the American Planning Association. He served on the boards of numerous organizations, including the Boston Museum of Science Corporation, CityFirst Bank and the United South End Settlements. He was a Trustee of the Community Foundation of Greater Washington and of the Langley School in McLean, Virginia. After retirement, Dr. Minor consulted in education, technology, urban planning, and government affairs. He was an active member and a Sire Archon of the Beta Nu Boulé of Sigma Phi Pi fraternity. He loved to read, watch movies and had an extensive collection of books and art. Dr. Minor completed his BA in Urban Studies at the University of Detroit, a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Brandeis University, and a Master of City Planning (MCP) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) from MIT. He served for several years in Army intelligence and in the Vietnam War. It was at MIT that he met his wife, Dr. Linda Cummings. Along with Linda, Dr. Minor was an engaged parent who instilled in his daughters the importance of education and encouraged them to travel and pursue their interests. He was close with many of his daughters' friends who remember fondly his wisdom, wit, and warmth. As a family, they enjoyed traveling and spending summers on Martha's Vineyard. He adored his grandchildren and delighted in being "Granddad" to Graham and Elinor, both of whom share his quick wit, love of music, and determination. A Celebration of his Life is being planned for the spring. Donations in his memory can be made to the Howard University Middle School of Mathematics and Science: https://app.99pledges.com/fund/DrMinor

View the online memorial for Dr. Hassan MINOR