1992 Fredericton Convocation

McFarlane, James

Doctor of Science (D.Sc.)

Orator: Patterson, Stephen E.

Citation:

CONVOCATION, OCTOBER, 1992
JAMES ROSS MCFARLANE
to be Doctor of Science

Jim McFarlane has had two careers since he graduated from UNB with a mechanical engineering degree in 1960, and both careers have permitted him to follow his love of the sea and his fascination with the technology of submarines. In the first, he was a member of the Canadian Navy and in the second, a successful businessman whose company, International Submarine Engineering Ltd., designs and constructs small remotely operated or autonomous submarines.

His naval career dates from his years as a student here, and also embraces time spent pursuing degrees in naval engineering, naval architecture, and marine engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. For the Navy, he assumed technical responsibilities related to the Canadian Oberon Class submarines built in England during the 1960s. When he left the Navy with the rank of Lieutenant Commander, he joined International Hydrodynamics as vice president of engineering and operations. Here, he took responsibility for the development of the company's submersibles including their launch and recovery systems.

By 1974, however, he was ready to venture out on his own, founding ISE to design and build a variety of remotely operated submersibles of the sort used in the offshore petroleum industry. With experience and success, the company branched out into other projects, including underwater machines used in hydrographic survey work, the search for downed airliners, or the observation of marine animals. His company is located in Port Coquitlam, B.C. There, in his role as president of the company, he has carved out a niche for himself in the business life of the province while responding to calls for his expertise from across Canada. He has served on numerous federal and provincial task forces on oceans, technology and innovation, and economic development. He has won awards from universities, professional associations, and government. His technical articles and his lecturing ability have put him in demand as a speaker and as a visiting scholar. In recognition of his many outstanding contributions to his community, his profession, and to business, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1989.

Jim McFarlane has had a busy life since his student days at UNB, and his career has brought distinction not only to himself but also to his alma mater. It is therefore both timely and appropriate for us to join the many others who have recognized his achievement by conferring upon him the University's highest honour.

From: Honoris Causa - UA Case 70, Box 3

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