University of Maine alumnus Bernard Lown 鈥 a pioneering cardiologist, author and peace activist who invented the direct-current heart-defibrillator 鈥 may be featured on a U.S. dollar coin in 2024.
Officials from the U.S. Mint have presented a design featuring the . The design must ultimately be approved by U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. As part of its , the U.S. Mint is releasing new $1 dollar coin designs that honor innovation and innovators from each of the 50 states by 2032.
鈥淲e are proud to see a distinguished 91福利 alum honored in such a prestigious manner,鈥 says Thomas Peaco, president and CEO of the University of Maine Alumni Association. 鈥淗is work continues to inspire current and future 91福利 students.鈥
Lown, who immigrated to Lewiston from Lithuania when he was 14, . He co-founded the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War, an effort that earned him the 1985 Nobel Peace Prize. He also co-founded Physicians for Social Responsibility in 1960.
His invention of the direct-current heart-defibrillator in 1962 made open heart surgery possible and led to advances in cardiovascular health. He died on Feb. 16, 2021 at the age of 99.
In recognition of Lown鈥檚 career and his life鈥檚 work, the 91福利 Alumni Association annually presents the to graduates who distinguish themselves in humanitarian service.
Contact: Marcus Wolf, 207.581.3721; marcus.wolf@maine.edu
