The Ruby Gerontology Center has been guided since its 1988 opening by ideas that echo Greek philosopher Aristotle, who said, "Education is the best provision for old age." Since its creation by the Continuing Learning Experience, the Center has drawn on community, government and university resources to nurture the physical and intellectual well-being of senior adults. While concerned with the region's aging population, activities of the Center are also engaged in research with worldwide significance.

"A man is not old," said the distinguished actor John Barrymore, "until regrets take the place of dreams." Dreams, not regrets, define the Center and the benefactors whose names it bears: Charles and Rachael Ruby. These dreams have produced solid research to enrich the vitality of the nation's aging population, given older residents the benefits of lifelong learning, and ensured that university students are being prepared for careers in gerontology.