The College of Engineering and Engineering Technology is saddened by the loss of Professor Vincent McGinn, 71, of DeKalb. Dr. McGinn passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2017.
Dr. McGinn had an extraordinary reputation among his peers and students alike for possessing a sharp mind and a superb grasp of the theoretical and design aspects of electrical engineering. An expert in electromagnetics, Dr. McGinn joined the Department of Electrical Engineering in 1996 as professor and department chair. He brought significant experience in design, research and teaching to NIU, with expertise in aircraft and spacecraft electronics, microelectronics, microwaves, electro-optics and photo electronics. He was instrumental in developing CEET’s first course in electromagnetic compatibility through a grant from IEEE. He also led the Workshop for Scientists Helping America, sponsored by DARPA, in 2002. That same year he was recognized by the NAACP with the Outstanding Educator award.
Dr. McGinn was a retired lieutenant colonel in the United States Air Force. He maintained a lifelong interest in aircraft and avionics, and was looking forward to flying helicopters while on sabbatical this fall. He also had an interest in amateur radio and in restoring antique shortwave radios. He was a graduate of New York University PolyTech, the University of Southern California and Penn State University.
Visitation will be on Monday, Aug. 21 from 4 until 8 p.m. at Butala Funeral Home, 1405 DeKalb Ave. in Sycamore. A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22 at St. Mary Catholic Church in DeKalb, followed by burial at Fairview Cemetery in DeKalb.
To view his full obituary, visit www.butalafuneralhomes.com.
