Zenas R. Bliss papers (OF.1CA.B2)

Biographical note

Zenas Randall Bliss was born on March 3, 1898. His father, Major General Zenas R. Bliss (1835-1900) was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his service to the United States during the American Civil War. Bliss graduated from Brown University in 1918 and earned his master's degree in 1919. From 1923 until his retirement in 1965, Bliss served in a range of teaching and administrative positions at Brown, including Instructor, Engineering Department (1923-1926), Assistant Professor of Engineering (1926-1933), Associate Professor of Engineering (1934-1937), Director of Research, Division of Engineering (1938-1957); Professor of Engineering (1940-1965), Dean of the University (1957), Provost of the University (1958-1965), and Provost and Professor of Engineering Emeritus (after 1965). His service to Brown included membership on the following committees: the Committee on Curriculum (1952-1954), the Committee on Admission (1956-1959), and the Committee on Academic Standing (1956-1958). He was both a member and chairman of the Athletic Council.

During World War II Bliss served with U.S. Army Intelligence, retiring as a colonel. In 1946 he was awarded the Legion of Merit. Prior to the war, he served in the 43rd Division Rhode Island National Guard. He was a member of the Cruising Club of America and was the navigator for the late Harold Vanderbilt on the America's Cup yachts Ranger and Rainbow in 1934 and 1937. He was a member of the University Club, serving as its President from 1947-1949; the Providence Art Club, the Society of Colonial Wars, and the Providence Athenaeum. He was a trustee of the Rhode Island School of Design, the Lincoln School in Providence, Rhode Island; Citizens Savings Bank, and the Director of Narragansett Electric company. Bliss died in Providence, Rhode Island, on September 11, 1993.