Mandell Rosenblatt Lester Rosenblatt
1903-1966 1920-2003
SNAME Remembers
Mandell and Lester Rosenblatt
The Legacy of Mandell Rosenblatt & Son Endures
through SNAME Scholarships
At the request of SNAME’s Council and with the
enthusiastic support of Presidents Robert Kramek,
Keith Michel and SNAME’s Executive Committee, the
Society has committed to enhancing its scholarship
program in the coming years. SNAME recently
introduced its “Matching Scholarship Contribution
Program”, which is intended to stimulate giving to the
named scholarship funds and encourage new named
scholarships. SNAME will match dollar-for-dollar
donations given by SNAME members to the various
funds. Provision is made on the dues notice to
contribute to these funds, and we hope many SNAME
members will take advantage of this unique
opportunity to assist in the development of future
generations of marine professionals. For newly
established scholarship funds, SNAME will match the
first $50,000 given to the Society. Thus, donations of $50,000 or more by individuals or corporations
together with the Society’s matching contribution will provide sufficient funds for a perpetual named
scholarship, which would be awarded annually.
SNAME’s first named annual undergraduate scholarship, the Mandell and Lester Rosenblatt Undergraduate
Scholarship, was awarded in 2007. Beginning in 2008, the Robert N. Herbert Undergraduate Scholarship
was also designated to be given annually. As described below in the brief biographies, as two of the leading
ship designers of their era, Lester Rosenblatt and Robert Herbert were responsible for many outstanding
technical achievements. However, when you ask the former colleagues and business associates about the
most important attributes of these industry leaders, the discussion inevitably begins with their exemplary
personal integrity, business ethics, and dedication to their profession. These personal characteristics were
also instilled in the successful marine consulting firms that these men developed and nurtured over their
lifetimes. It is appropriate that the criteria for the two undergraduate scholarships that honor these
gentlemen include both good scholastic achievement and contributions to professionalism. Leadership in
SNAME student sections and/or the SNAME Student Congress, involvement with technical committees of
SNAME, ASNE or other professional organizations, and contributions to K-12 and university level maritime
related educational programs are the types of professional contributions that will be considered when
selecting the recipients of these scholarships.
Mandell Rosenblatt’s inclination towards and talents in the art and science of ship design were apparent at
an early age. When he was sixteen, Mandell entered a design contest sponsored by Motor Boat Magazine
and won. He honed his talents through a life long dedication to self-study, and evening courses taken at
Columbia University, New York University and City College of New York. He eventually became widely
recognized for his expertise in engineering and naval architecture. During the Depression era Mandell
taught classes in naval architecture and ship drafting at Drake College, and in subsequent years played a
key role in the design of numerous wood and steel yachts, as well as commercial and naval ships.
Lester Rosenblatt received his bachelor's degree in naval architecture and marine engineering from the
University of Michigan in 1942. Upon graduation he began his career with the John H. Wells firm, and from
1944 to 1946 served in the U.S. Navy at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, working on the structural repair of
damaged warships.
In 1947, Mandell and his son, Lester, formed the firm of M. Rosenblatt & Son, Naval Architects and Marine
Engineers as equal partners. The firm was incorporated in 1958 with Mandell Rosenblatt as chairman of the
board and naval architect and Lester as president. Years later, Lester’s son, Bruce Rosenblatt, would
continue the family tradition by assuming the role as president of the company.
Under the guiding hands of Mandell and Lester Rosenblatt, M. Rosenblatt & Son grew to be one of the
world's largest and most respected private engineering firms specializing in naval architecture and marine
engineering. The company designed a broad range of naval and commercial ships, extending from aircraft
carriers and submarines to tankers, tugs, oceanographic vessels and high performance craft. Before the
sale of the firm in April, 2000, M. Rosenblatt & Son had successfully completed over 25,000 design tasks.
Among its earlier designs were the aircraft carrier, Saratoga; the experimental submarine, Albacore: and the
oceanographic research sister ships R/V Knorr and Melville. Its later work included being Litton’s chief naval
architectural consultants for the design of the Guided Missile Destroyer, Spruance and more recent work
included the T-AGS 39 Maury Class Oceanographic Survey Ships.
Mandell Rosenblatt was a member of SNAME and served on a number of technical committees. Lester
Rosenblatt was an ardent supporter of technical societies and the maritime profession. His contributions are
numerous and include serving as president of SNAME, and on the governing board of Webb Institute and the
advisory board of the University of Michigan. In recognition of his accomplishments in ship design and
marine engineering, Lester was honored in 1967 by his alma mater, receiving the University of Michigan's
Sesquicentennial Award. In 1984 he was awarded SNAME's Vice Admiral "Jerry" Land Medal and in 1987
he was awarded ASNE's Harold E. Saunders Award. In 1995 he was inducted into the International Maritime
Hall of Fame and presented with the coveted Ship's Lookout Award for his dedication and leadership in the
advancement of the marine industry.
With their belief that a strong navy, coast guard and merchant marine are vital to the well being of the nation,
Mandell and Lester Rosenblatt dedicated their long and successful careers to professionalism, integrity, and
technical expertise. It is most fitting that SNAME’s first named undergraduate scholarship, the Mandell and
Lester Rosenblatt Undergraduate Scholarship, will be awarded in perpetuity in honor of these two men who
gave so much to the profession they loved.
The Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers
601 Pavonia Ave. Jersey City, NJ 07306
phone (201) 798-4800
fax (201) 798-4975