Programs & Events

UMRA hosts two organization-wide events each month during the academic year, some in person and some online. Interest groups, committees, and other groups also hold many events each month.

Forum & Living Well Workshop   

 

Upcoming Events   

The Cause book cover.
Event Date: August 28, 2026, at 2pm

You are invited to join the discussion of The Cause: The American Revolution and Its Discontents, 1773-1783 by Joseph J. Ellis.

Taj Mahal
Event Date: September 8, 2026, at 12:30pm

"Monuments" is the theme for September.

Minnesota Genealogical Society graphic
Event Date: September 9, 2026, at 10am

UMRA member Mike Amidon, president of the Minnesota Genealogical Society in Mendota Heights, will provide a brief overview of the society, the library, and the many volunteers who help maintain it, when UMRA’s Family History Interest Group meets on Wednesday, September 9.

Lake of the Isles
Event Date: September 15, 2026, at 9:30am

Bev Moe leads a hike around Lake of the Isles in Minneapolis with a social gathering afterwards at Isles Bun & Coffee.

The Original Pancake House
Event Date: September 17, 2026, at 8:30am

Older adults often have difficulty with sleep. Our goal for this informal discussion is to share with each other helpful routines and strategies. Our resource person will be sleep specialist Marcel Hungs, MD, PhD.

'The Secret Life of Flora Le,' book cover
Event Date: September 18, 2026, at 2pm

UMRA Book Club I will discuss The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry when it meets via Zoom at 2 p.m. on Friday, September 18. The day’s discussion leader will be Judy Helgen. 

Event Date: September 21, 2026, at 10am

Critical issues facing detained immigrants and their families will be discussed.

Bee Lab, UMN
Event Date: September 24, 2026, at 1:30pm

We'll visit with Marla Spivak, MacArthur Fellow and Emeritus Professor of Entomology and Dr. Katie Lee

The Stories of John Cheever
Event Date: September 25, 2026, at 2pm

A 1978 short story collection by American author John Cheever. 

Hallgrimskirkja, Reykjavik, Iceland
Event Date: September 30, 2026, at 10am

 The architecture in Iceland is as spare as the culture -- honest and simple.

William O'Brian State Park
Event Date: October 5, 2026, at 9:30am

Michelle Trudeau-Spanjers leads the hike at William O'Brien State Park.

Event Date: October 5, 2026, at 10am

Topics include longevity, distributions, long term care, Social Security, and comprehensive planning.

Event Date: October 13, 2026, at 12:30pm

The theme for October is "Hands."

John Morris, president and CEO, UMF
Event Date: October 15, 2026, at 3pm

UMRA’s second “Campus Conversation” with a University leader will offer UMRA members an exclusive opportunity to meet with John Morris, president and CEO of the University of Minnesota Foundation. The focus of the conversation will be the role of the foundation and its relationship to retirees.

The Mystery of Mrs. Christie
Event Date: October 16, 2026, at 2pm

The Mystery of Mrs. Christie by Marie Benedict

Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
Event Date: October 19, 2026, at 9:30am

Jon C leads the hike at Nerstrand Big Woods with lunch afterwards.

Michael Osterholm
Event Date: October 20, 2026, at 11am

** PROGRAM CANCELLED **  New program topic is forthcoming

Michael Osterholm is a well-known epidemiologist, author, and public commentator with particular expertise on infectious diseases and vaccines. His conversation with us via Zoom will address current major public health outbreaks around the world, as well as the importance of preparedness for future pandemics.

Event Date: October 26, 2026, at 10am

Discuss long term care options with Fred Andersen.

Chris Coleman
Event Date: October 27, 2026, at 11am

Chris Coleman, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity president and CEO and a two time alumnus of the University of Minnesota, will provide a deep dive for UMRA’s October 27 luncheon forum into how Habitat creates, preserves, and promotes affordable homeownership for low-income households.

Event Date: November 2, 2026, at 10am

Bob & Jean Hall and Andy Whitman, participants. 

UMRA Workshop
Event Date: November 10, 2026, at 11am

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Red River Valley
Event Date: November 10, 2026, at 12:30pm

The theme for November is "Pathways and roadways"

Veterinary Medical Center
Event Date: November 12, 2026, at 10am

UMRA’s Cabinets of Curiosity tour will offer an insider's look into the important work happening at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center. We will enjoy a walking tour through patient exam rooms, student learning areas, and clinical/surgery suites, highlighting how faculty experts and student veterinarians collaborate to deliver life-saving care.

Event Date: November 16, 2026, at 10am

Gift planning strategies and ideas for impactful tax-efficient gifts to accomplish your goals.

UMRA Forum
Event Date: November 17, 2026, at 11am

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The Feather Detective
Event Date: November 20, 2026, at 2pm

The Feather Detective: Mystery, Mayhem, and the Magnificent Life of Roxie Laybourne by Chris Sweeney.

Event Date: November 30, 2026, at 10am

Consult with a tax professional to come up with a financial plan well before year end.

Landscape
Event Date: December 8, 2026, at 12:30pm

The theme for December is "Landscapes."

Annual Calendar

See all UMRA events. Preview future program topics; scan the diverse topics and speakers for the entire year. 

Annual Calendar
 

Event Summaries

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