Dr. Arthur W. Winston

Dr. Arthur Winston, Scientist, Engineer, and Educator.

Past President of the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers,) an esteemed educator, and a key figure in the creation of the Gordon Institute at Tufts University passed away on December 27, 2024, at 94. Recognized for his influential work in the engineering community worldwide and in engineering education, he has left a mark on the field.

Arthur was born on February 11, 1930, in Toronto, Canada. After earning his bachelor’s degree at the University of Toronto, in 1954 Winston completed a Ph.D. in Nuclear Physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Arthur’s professional journey spanned more than six decades, during which he held numerous positions in both academia and industry. His ability to bridge the gap between engineering, business, and leadership has had a lasting effect on how engineers are trained and how they approach problem-solving in their careers.

He was a co-founder and past director of the Gordon Institute at Tufts University. As a key architect of the Institute, Arthur was instrumental in creating an environment where engineers could develop not only the technical skills needed for their careers but also the leadership qualities required to drive change in the global economy. In recognition of his contributions to engineering education, Winston was awarded the Educational Innovation Award in the mid-1990s and the 2007 National Academy of Engineering’s Gordon Prize.

In addition to his work at Tufts, Dr. Winston taught at Northeastern University, where he educated and mentored generations of engineers inspiring them to think creatively and critically. Many of his former students credit him with helping to shape their careers and encouraging them to pursue ambitious goals. His influence is reflected in the success of his former students, many of whom have gone on to become leaders in academia, industry, and government.

Throughout his career, Arthur was deeply engaged as a volunteer with the IEEE, where he held several prominent leadership positions. He served as Chair of the IEEE Student Educational Resource Committee, 2004 President of IEEE, and Chair of the Development Committee. Through these roles, he contributed to advancing the field by fostering educational initiatives, mentoring young engineers, and shaping standards that have influenced the global engineering community. He was an advocate for international collaboration and frequently worked with engineering institutions and organizations around the world, building bridges between academia and industry.

Arthur’s career stands as a testament to his unwavering dedication to engineering and education. His contributions to the field were both technical and also visionary, as he sought to create educational models that would better prepare engineers for the rapidly changing world. He was also an avid hiker and photographer, traveling the world with the Appalachian Mountain Club.

Arthur was known not only for his professional achievements but also for his warmth and kindness. He was deeply committed to his family and is survived by his children Leslie (Ewa) Winston, Pam (Peter) Hoffman, David Winston, and Matthew Winston, grandchildren Ezra, Adlai, and Mirabel Winston, Adam and Daniel Hoffman, and Rebecca and Gabriella Winston, great-grandchildren Jemma and Freyja Ferrington, and many beloved colleagues, friends, and former students. Lily Winston, his wife of 73 years, predeceased him on January 31, 2023. His family, along with countless individuals whose lives he touched, will remember him as a devoted husband, father, mentor, and friend.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, December 29, 2024, at 11 AM at Temple Isaiah, 55 Lincoln St., Lexington, MA. Instead of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the IEEE Foundation and Care Dimensions Hospice www.caredimensions.org