The Olive Tree

The Friends Remember Thomas Lynch and Arthur Johnson

Thomas Lynch, former vice president for Advanced Technology, Gould, Inc., graduated from the University of Maine in 1938 with a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering. Among other accomplishments, Lynch pioneered work in underwater acoustic devices. As an inventor, he held 14 patents for underwater devices and was one of the principal designers of an early anti-submarine-warfare torpedo and made many contributions to the advancement of underwater sound technology. During the late 1960s, he was totally involved in the design and development of the most sophisticated underwater system known in the free world. Such operating systems are still the mainstay of the U.S. submarine fleet. 

During his undergraduate years and as an alumnus, Lynch was active on the UM campus. One of the founding member of the Fogler Library Friends, he was also a member of the University of Maine Development Council, the Engineering and Science College Technical Advisory Board, and the General Alumni Association President’s Club.

Arthur Johnson, one of our Fogler Friends Members, served as UMaine's president from 1984-86. An economic historian who was a member of UMaine's history faculty from 1968-86, Johnson had also taught at the U.S. Naval Academy and Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration. Johnson's tenure as the A. and A. Bird professor of history at the University of Maine, from 1970 to 1986, and his two-year term as president from 1984 to 1986 were marked by his quiet diplomacy and a real respect for students and faculty, colleagues said. He was proud he accomplished some pet projects during his presidency, including completion of the Maine Center for the Arts and the Hudson Museum.

Another accomplishment close to Johnson's heart was an improvement of the marine sciences department on campus. As an economic historian, Johnson was a founder of many groups that helped local economic development, including the University of Maine's President's Advisory Council, the Action Committee of 50, a business development organization in Bangor, the Maine Community Foundation, and the Camden Conference. 


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