During these years, while they were nurturing UMass into a place of "many facets," including the growing Schools of Education, Engineering, and Management, Bob and Nancy were also raising three boys. Nancy did social work at a psychiatric hospital and Bob worked in insurance law with Robert D. Gordon Adjusters, Inc.

Perhaps even more fruitful for the University were the years in which Bob served as a Trustee, beginning in 1963 under Governor Peabody, and continuing through 1978. In 1964, he secured initial funding for the highly-respected Massachusetts Review (a publication which continues today). In 1965, he worked with Professor Fritz Ellert and, at his urging, travelled with Governor Peabody to Germany. There they negotiated with the rector of the University of Freiburg the beginning of the University's interchange with that institution. This highly successful interdisciplinary program now includes nine other German universities. In 1970, he proposed an idea which today, as the Donahue Institute, links cities and towns with University experts who provide information and help on fiscal matters from a variety of academic disciplines and perspectives.

Since 1979, Bob Gordon's role has been an advisory one (which includes appearing at as many athletic events as possible). Bob still retains his vision for the University. He has always cared about the quality of education and seen the need to keep size in balance with quality. He has worried when the institution was not adequately funded, but sees a hopeful future. The combination of increased legislative support coupled with increased private giving - as evidenced in Campaign UMass - have, as he notes, "put us on the way back. Together, we'll build one great University here in Amherst."

The Gordons know it won't happen overnight, and that it will require creative thinking. Bob points to the Isenberg's challenge gift as one model for building on success. They also see Athletics as a positive force propelling UMass forward. To that end, Bob is interested in helping to raise funds for the new women's softball and men's and women's soccer complex, a "facility that's very well deserved." They believe, too, in the extraordinary importance of the Presidential Scholars Program, which helps attract the best students in the Commonwealth to the University. He supports the continuation of trends that raise standards and lower tuition to increase the "price/value" relationship for Massachusetts families.

But the core of Bob and Nancy's vision lies in establishing the University's place as a leader in Massachusetts, bringing the recognition UMass enjoys nationally and internationally to the citizens of the Commonwealth. In rekindling the idea of the land-grant university. In offering our students and faculty the very best teaching, research, and learning environment possible. In providing meaningful service and outreach to the citizens of Massachusetts. These may be the connections that a great research university needs to bring the vision back home. And to make the Gordon's dream a reality.