Robert Blynn Harris, Professor of Civil Engineering, will retire from active faculty status as of May 31, 1988, following a career manifested by excellence in teaching, publication, and service to The University of Michigan and the engineering profession.

Professor Harris received his B.S. degree in architectural engineering from the University of Colorado in 1940 and his M.S. degree in civil engineering from California Institute of Technology in 1947. He joined The University of Michigan faculty in 1947 as an instructor in civil engineering. He was promoted to assistant professor in 1949, associate professor in 1957 and professor in 1966. He was associate chairman of the Civil Engineering Department from 1967 to 1987 and acting chairman for three semesters during that period.

Professor Harris has served the University in many ways. He was associated with University commencements from 1950 to 1987, and served as chief marshal from 1970 to 1987. Besides having authored a number of professional papers, he is the author of Precedence and Arrow Networking Techniques for Construction, a textbook that is referred to throughout the world.

Under Professor Harris' leadership, the construction-engineering program at The University of Michigan has grown to be one of the most significant programs in the United States. As evidence of his dedication to the welfare of students, Professor Harris has served as faculty advisor to the student chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers and to the American Society of Civil Engineers National Committee on Student Chapters. He also served as president and counselor of the Civil Engineering Honor Society for the North Central District of Chi Epsilon.

The Regents now salute this distinguished engineering educator, researcher, and practitioner for his contributions and dedicated service by naming Robert B. Harris Professor Emeritus of Civil Engineering.

Regents’ Proceedings, May 1988, Page 263