The Susan B. and William K. Wasch Center for Retired Faculty at Wesleyan University was established in 2004. The purpose of the Center is to provide a place for the development of a shared intellectual and social community for retired faculty members. The Center provides facilities and encouragement for retired faculty members to continue their scholarly activities as well as their participation in the life of Wesleyan.

The initial planning and development of the Center at 51 Lawn Avenue was made possible through the generous gifts and participation of Susan B. and William K. Wasch. Their initiative has encouraged other faculty members and alumni to make contributions to the facilities and program of the Center. Fund-raising activities continue, with the objective of providing a firm financial basis for the long-term operation of the Wasch Center.

The house at 51 Lawn Avenue has been beautifully restored and renovated, with a major addition to the rear of the house providing elevator service from ground level to all three floors of the building. The first floor features the Kay Butterfield Room—a meeting space that can accommodate 35 chairs—suitable for lectures, luncheons, or film showings. Small parlors to the left and right of the main entrance are attractively furnished and named for Professor George Creeger and Elva Creeger and Professor William Barber and Sheila Barber. The foyer on the first floor is named in honor of Professor Burton Hallowell. The desk and work space for our Administrative Assistant is also on the first floor, as is a small kitchen. The second floor has four double offices for retired faculty members and the office of the Director. The third floor has five private offices.

All retired faculty members and their spouses are welcome to use the Wasch Center. Coffee and tea are available throughout the day. The parlors contain a selection of current newspapers and magazines.

During the academic year, programs consisting primarily of presentations by retired faculty members are scheduled on a regular basis. All members of the Wesleyan community are welcome on these occasions. We also have a monthly film series and will at other times schedule special events.

Click here to view the bylaws.

The Center is normally open Monday through Friday from 8:30 A.M. until 6 P.M.
and at other times for special occasions.