Norman Arthur Graebner

Three months after he had agreed to be my dissertation advisor at Illinois, he called me in to say that he had just accepted a position at the University of Virginia and he invited me to join him but I decided to stay. But although apart, we kept in touch and no matter he must have been until he passed at 94, he continued to write and wish me the best. A great historian and most wonderful man.
Tom Hardin, now 82

Of all of the teachers and professors I have had, Norman Graebner is at the top of my list. He could make American diplomatic history come alive.

For those who did not know him, at the beginning of the semester he would be assigned a classroom like everyone else.

But his reputation was such that so many students wanted to take his class he would always end up in the auditorium with a couple of hundred students.

I went back to UVA for my 20 year reunion in 1992 and they had a number of guest lecturers in classrooms we could attend.

Among the classes I took was the now retired professor Graebner in the same auditorium.

At the end of his lecture, he looked at all of us middle-age guys in our seats and started to tear up.

I am just so happy that he knew how many lives he had touched.

Norman Graebner was a great historian, professor and mentor. He was a gentleman of the first order, and the world is a lessor place as a result of his passing. I shall miss him terribly.

I am very sorry to see this news. Mr. Graebner was, simply, the finest teacher one could imagine. I knew him in only that way as a student, 35 years ago, but was fortunate to reconnect with him about 15 years back. As terrific a history professor as he was, he was even finer as a gentleman and friend. I will miss his keen sense of humor, along with his great intellect. My sympathies to his family, but congratulations for having had such a wonderful man in your lives.

My condolences to Mr. Graebner's family. He was by far the most memorable of my instructors. 40 years later, the lessons he taught still apply. I was fortunate to have such a great teacher.

To Brooks and Emily my deepest regrets. I will miss our conversations all these years while he set in my dental chair. Often time slipped away as we got into conversations about a multitude of topics. I enjoyed him as a patient and good friend. The relationship covered a number of years Kindest regards. Jack Wilkerson

Mr. Graebner was one of, if not the, best teacher I had at the U. 30 years later I can recall his lectures, his ability to connect with us, and his clarity of thinking, both in writing and speaking. He was one of a kind in all the best ways. My condolences.