Kellogg describes events that led to his arrival at NCAR as Director, Laboratory of Atmospheric Science, the Laboratory retreats, the development of an interdisciplinary approach to atmospheric research with examples of research at NCAR. He summarizes the evolution of research in atmospheric science and chemistry at NCAR. He comments on the Joint Evaluation Committee's criticisms of the Laboratory of Atmospheric Science; the views of universities toward NCAR in the 1960s and now; NCAR's ability to attract university scientists; the attributes that make NCAR a successful research institution and the people who contributed to its development; and the areas that NCAR should focus on in the future, primarily global change, man's influence on the environment, and ecology.