The idea for Rochester Institute of Technology's (RIT) Institute of Fellows was proposed in 1977. RIT President Paul A. Miller and RIT Trustee Richard H. Eisenhart met with the Eastman Kodak Company's former Vice President, William S. Allen, over lunch. During the meeting, Allen and Eisenhart proposed a way for retirees to work with the university, while giving back to the greater Rochester community. Allen and Eisenhart felt that Rochester's pool of retired individuals was an untapped market that still had much to offer to the area in experience, ability, knowledge, and expertise. With the "changing circumstances of retirement," these individuals had more time to pursue interests that could benefit society. After some discussion, Miller suggested the name Institute of Fellows and Allen was tapped to spearhead the project. After researching similar programs at other institutions, the steering committee for the Institute of Fellows first met on March 8, 1978. Four main objectives were established for the program: to encourage projects and activities of the Fellows which may benefit Rochester or RIT; to help mobilize resources for individuals who, following retirement, pursue, advance and complete a creative endeavor; to foster the interchange of ideas and experiences among people in the community, faculty, and students; and to provide opportunities for lively discussion among persons of different background, education and experience. In order to be selected for the program, an individual had to have led a distinguished career in his or her field, have demonstrated an interest in the community, and be willing to share his or her time and findings for a specific project. Once selected, fellows were given access to RIT's facilities and resources such as the library, and were assigned a sponsor to assist with the project's development. Given that each project was to take approximately three years, the first set of final projects was not presented until 1983. As of 2011, the Institute of Fellows was still available to accomplished retirees wishing to further their contributions to the Rochester community.
From the description of RIT Institute of Fellows records 1979-2009 (RIT Library). WorldCat record id: 757742107
