Obituary of Jarus Quinn (1930-2012)

The Optical Society (OSA) expresses its condolences at the passing of the Society’s first executive director, Jarus W. Quinn, who died Aug. 11 in North Carolina. He would have been 82 on Aug. 25.

“Jarus was an exceptional leader, partner, mentor, and visionary whose impact on OSA and the optics and photonics community was significant,” said OSA CEO Elizabeth Rogan. “He attracted and engaged talented volunteers and staff, anticipated and understood both the current and future needs of our community and took innovative strategic risks, which resulted in a world class Society. For those who were fortunate enough to work with him, his love, wisdom and humor will be missed. On behalf of the OSA Board, members, and staff, I express our deepest condolences to Jarus’ family and colleagues.”

Quinn, who earned his Ph.D. in physics from Catholic University of America, served as OSA’s executive director from 1969 through his retirement in 1994. During his tenure, he provided an effective infrastructure and created programs and services to support the rapidly expanding scientific and engineering advancements in the field. Under Quinn, journal publication operations were brought in-house, topical meetings and conferences—such as the Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics (CLEO) and the Optical Fiber Communication Conference (OFC)—were established, the Washington, D.C. headquarters was purchased, and OSA’s international membership program was expanded.

Quinn received numerous honors and awards throughout his long and prestigious career, including being named an OSA Fellow in 1969 and being awarded the OSA Distinguished Service Award in 1993. Upon his retirement in 1994 the OSA membership established the Quinn Prize endowment to fund the Frederick Ives Medal, one of OSA’s most prestigious awards. Jarus is also an honorary member, one of OSA’s highest distinctions.