Lasting Memories

Robert Pernell Huff
Aug. 28, 1926-March 7, 2016
Stanford, California

Robert Pernell Huff, Stanford University's first director of financial aid, died March 7, 2016, in Palo Alto, California, after a short battle with cancer. He was 89 years old.

Robert was born in Santa Barbara, California, in August 1926. After completing his first year of college at Santa Barbara State College, he transferred to Stanford in 1944. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in September 1944 before he had completed even two quarters at Stanford. Returning to the university in 1946 he completed his BA in history in 1948, his MA in political science in 1949 and his Ph.D. in political science in 1966.

His career at Stanford began in the Chief Counselor for Men's office in 1948. He became the assistant dean of Men in 1956 and was named director of financial aid in 1958. He continued as director until 1994 when "Emeritus" was added to his title.

Always passionate about higher education and making it affordable to any student with the desire and aptitude, regardless of the family's ability to pay, Robert embraced his role in the newly created office. Initially a small office, it grew in size and staff as the complexity of delivering student aid increased with further involvement of the federal government. He always recalled fondly the early years when there was less red tape and he could work directly with students.

Robert was a national leader in the field of financial aid, advising, teaching, writing and serving as president for many state and federal associations including NASFAA and CASFAA. The National Association of Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) gives the Robert Huff Golden Quill Award yearly to the individual or individuals who have made a significant contribution to the literature on student financial aid. Robert was the first recipient of the Golden Quill Award in 1984. He was also founding editor of The Journal of Student Financial Aid. His involvement on the state and federal level was the foundation for many friendships with college administrators throughout the country that he really valued and enjoyed.

After retirement, Robert became a Hoover Fellow and continued to research, write and advise for many years.

It was at Stanford that Robert met his wife of 67 years, Mary Harriette Huff, a young chemistry graduate student from El Paso, Texas. They were married in Texas in 1947 and lived on the Stanford campus for 57 years, where they raised two children, Margaret and Bobby. Their kids recall the very strong emphasis that was placed on education in the family, and they subsequently both went on to pursue graduate level degrees.

Avid fans of Stanford sports, the Huffs particularly enjoyed men's basketball and football. Robert was always very upset when Stanford lost the "Big Game" and would be quiet at home for several days afterwards. They were very active socially at the Stanford Golf Club and the Faculty Club and were very blessed to have so many wonderful friends. They also enjoyed bridge, bowling, square dancing and traveling throughout the years. Cruising was a favorite pass time after retirement, as well as spending time with their kids and grandkids.

Robert was preceded in death by his wife Mary Harriette Huff in June 2015. He is survived by his daughter, Margaret Huff of Lake Oswego, Oregon; and son, Robert P. Huff III of San Jose, California; brothers, David and Edward Huff of Santa Barbara, California; and six grandchildren.