DLBA Naval Architects has created the Donald L. Blount Memorial Graduate Scholarship to support graduate and post-graduate students in the field of high-speed-craft hydrodynamics. It’s offered through the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, and the inaugural award will be made for the 2023-2024 academic year.
The scholarship is named for naval architect Blount, the firm’s founder and noted designer of military and commercial vessels, and sportfishing boats. Parent company Leidos, along with subsidiaries DLB Naval Architects and Gibbs & Cox, are funding the scholarship.
“Donald is dearly missed by all of us at DLBA, as well as the worldwide high-speed craft community,” Jeffrey Bowles, DLBA Naval Architects director, said in a statement. “This scholarship honors his many personal and professional contributions as an innovator, teacher and mentor.”
Eligible individuals must apply through SNAME on or before Feb. 1. The form and requirements can be accessed here.
Blount died July 14, 2022; he was 87. His work in hydrodynamics for high-speed craft contributed to the U.S. Navy’s high-performance, small-vessel fleet. He also managed the Combatant Craft Department. Blount formed DLBA in 1988.
