The Day Redford Came to Town to be a nice guy. H e seems That was the feeling that rippled around the room as university officials and representatives met Robert Redford. Over a 100 elegantly attired Idaho Board of Education members , administrators , professors, politicians and students milled for a half an hour watching the main door of a made-over ballroom in Gault Hall. Self-consciously, many speculated about their own, and the group's, reaction when he walked through the door. Redford came in the back way. Instantly, the receiving line was formed. But once the actor, director, and promiser of $6.5 million to the Ul and Washington State University started shaking
hands, there seemed to be a minimum of awe in the room. Redford cheerfully smiled and greeted people for over an hour, attired in boots, jeans and a pullover sweater - reportedly borrowed - because some of his luggage had been left on the plane. President Gibb stood beside Redford introducing everyone as they progressed through the receiving line. Few people actually stopped and had a conversation with Redford, most simply saying hello. Bowls of shrimp and numerous other goodies were served to the reception crowd. As dressed-up university associates sipped fruit punch, Redford filled his crystal goblet with Miller beer. At a few minutes past 7 p.m ..
the reception line ended and the Redford entourage the Gibbs, Hope Moore, Lois Smith and a few others - hustled him out. By this time, most of the guests had already left, soon after meeting the man they wanted to see. Redford was in town in connection with the Institute of Resource Management, a joint Ul and Washington State University project. He initiated the program last year because he " believed it would be in the national interest to develop a strong broad-based program that will provide sound training for those who manage the nation's resources." The director of the institute Hope Moore started looking for a site for the institute in
ave."·,.,._, 0... St.leatAd..,S.mc..
DeGa 1.. v.aru., GenerwJ ,_,.,. ASUI/ StHnt Unloa
CoUe.- of Art ... Arclaltecttlre
Pcrull.. Blanlon, Deon
December, 1980 and in January she recommended the Ul and WSU operate the project jointly. After a secret visi.t to campus last year, Redford approved the site. During that first visit, Redford told a local newspaper his role in the institute would be to get it off the ground. He said he would play a "pretty strong role" in the fund raising and expected no problems in raising the $6.5 million needed to endow the institute. He said government agencies would be approached for money. When Redford visited this year he wasn't as specific about where the funds were coming from however. When pressed to answer financial questions at the press conference, Redford continued
Arthur R. GIINn, Deon Gr....te Scllool
a-faD. IIcQellll-. 0 . .
c.a.e of Ba1la111 _. Ecaaa •Ice
~dministration
87