The
contributions of Robert Luke greatly contributed to the heritage of continuing
education. In 1950, he was a member of the committee that developed the
plan for organizing what became the Adult Education Association of the
United States (AEA). Prior to its formation, Dr. Luke worked with both
of the predecessor organizations. He served as Chair of the Community
Organization Committee of the American Association for Adult Education
(AAAE) from 1947 to 1948 and as Associate Executive Secretary of the Department
of Adult Education of the National Education Association (NEA) from 1949
to 1951.
He was the author of The NEA and Adult Education: A Historical Review 1921-1972, a research project that compiled the history and accomplishments of the National Education Association, which greatly contributed to the heritage of adult and continuing education. His editorship of The Teaching Profession and the Worldwide Literacy Program impacted the scene of adult and continuing education beyond the boundaries of the United States.
From 1964 through 1975, Dr. Luke served as International Secretary of the Adult Education Committee of the World Confederation of Organizations of the Teaching Profession. In addition, during 1984 through 1988, he served with distinction as a member of the AAACE Publications Standing Service Unit, and in the final two years he was its chair.
Robert Luke received many awards for his outstanding contributions to the field of continuing education. In 1987, he was awarded the AAACE Outstanding Service Medallion. He was the recipient of the AAACE President's Award in 1988 for his exceptional leadership in adult and continuing education.