During the 1980’s, various ideas about an organization for retired faculty at the University of Virginia had been floated around the University. These ideas ranged from a social club to a University-sponsored housing project for retired faculty from any university, who could take courses, play golf, and otherwise enjoy the atmosphere of Charlottesville. In early 1991, Robert Rutland met with President John Casteen to pursue the idea of organizing an association of the retired faculty at the University. According to Norman Graebner, who attended this meeting along with Bob, Kenneth Crispell, and Edwin Cohen: “The president agreed immediately and overwhelmingly. He offered a party each year as well as his office for handling all correspondence.”
University of Virginia