Welcome!

Be all you can be as a University retiree!!  Join the University of Minnesota Retirees Association (UMRA).

  • Attend stimulating monthly programs and seminars;
  • Connect with former colleagues and meet more friends;
  • Obtain discounts and other member benefits;
  • Stay informed on retirement issues with this website and a monthly newsletter.

       See Member Services to join, renew, or update.
  • November 2015 speaker UM Professor Craig Packer told us how to save the African lion, who is killing them and why, and who is not helping
    November 2015 speaker UM Professor Craig Packer told us how to save the African lion, who is killing them and why, and who is not helping
  • Professor and Minnesota State Economist Laura Kalambokidis showed and explained the numbers now in the Governor's budget, at the March 2015 Luncheon
    Professor and Minnesota State Economist Laura Kalambokidis showed and explained the numbers now in the Governor's budget, at the March 2015 Luncheon
  • January, 2012: Marla Spivak told us all about the bees
    January, 2012: Marla Spivak told us all about the bees
  • Paul Rosenblatt spoke about -- and to couples and communications at the end-of-year May 2013 Luncheon
    Paul Rosenblatt spoke about -- and to couples and communications at the end-of-year May 2013 Luncheon
  • College of Design Dean Tom Fisher extrapolated that computer controlled manufacturing was as life-changing as the first two industrial revolutions, during our first meeting of 2015
    College of Design Dean Tom Fisher extrapolated that computer controlled manufacturing was as life-changing as the first two industrial revolutions, during our first meeting of 2015
  • Massoud Amin, the U's intellectual leader in developing a "smart grid" to provide critical electrical power distribution, presented and summarized at the April, 2016 Luncheon
    Massoud Amin, the U's intellectual leader in developing a "smart grid" to provide critical electrical power distribution, presented and summarized at the April, 2016 Luncheon
  • Lori Sturdevant spoke to us in May 2012 on the "Year of Distraction: How can Minnesota focus on getting the most from our human capital when there are constitutional amendments and a stadium to fight about?"
    Lori Sturdevant spoke to us in May 2012 on the "Year of Distraction: How can Minnesota focus on getting the most from our human capital when there are constitutional amendments and a stadium to fight about?"
  • Bob Holt applied economic and political history from postwar Germany, Italy, and Britain to help us understand today's world at the January, 2014 Luncheon
    Bob Holt applied economic and political history from postwar Germany, Italy, and Britain to help us understand today's world at the January, 2014 Luncheon
  • Robert Kane used both professional and personal experience writing "The Good Caregiver" and he discussed many of its points at the April 2015 luncheon
    Robert Kane used both professional and personal experience writing "The Good Caregiver" and he discussed many of its points at the April 2015 luncheon
  • Two Professional Development Grant for retirees (PDGR) recipients spoke at the October, 2016 meeting: Kathleen O'Brien, historian and former Vice President for University Services was one
    Two Professional Development Grant for retirees (PDGR) recipients spoke at the October, 2016 meeting: Kathleen O'Brien, historian and former Vice President for University Services was one
  • Susan Hagstrum addresses the May 2011 meeting
    Susan Hagstrum addresses the May 2011 meeting
  • Psychiatrist Charles Schulz presented a summary of leading-edge research on early detection of schizophrenia which if coupled with available treatments may greatly reduce the effects of this disease on January, 2013
    Psychiatrist Charles Schulz presented a summary of leading-edge research on early detection of schizophrenia which if coupled with available treatments may greatly reduce the effects of this disease on January, 2013
  • In the final Luncheon of the year 2014, Clif Ware regaled us with wit and music that we all knew, this from "Fiddler on the Roof"
    In the final Luncheon of the year 2014, Clif Ware regaled us with wit and music that we all knew, this from "Fiddler on the Roof"
  • Hubert (Skip) Humphrey III spoke from a long career as a consumer advocate, "Scams for Seniors to Avoid" at the September, 2014 luncheon
    Hubert (Skip) Humphrey III spoke from a long career as a consumer advocate, "Scams for Seniors to Avoid" at the September, 2014 luncheon
  • Alexander Khoruts discussed the research and progess leading to the new field of Microbiota Therapeutics with an overflow crowd in January, 2016
    Alexander Khoruts discussed the research and progess leading to the new field of Microbiota Therapeutics with an overflow crowd in January, 2016
  • UMRA Member Joanne Eicher explained the process of creating the 10-volume World Encyclopedia of Fashion and Dress at the February 2012 meeting
    UMRA Member Joanne Eicher explained the process of creating the 10-volume World Encyclopedia of Fashion and Dress at the February 2012 meeting
  • Pat Hampl spoke humorously and seriously about writing memoirs and other things at our 2013 kickoff meeting on September 24th
    Pat Hampl spoke humorously and seriously about writing memoirs and other things at our 2013 kickoff meeting on September 24th
  • February 2015 speaker Michael Osterholm discussed the why and how of epidemics Using Ebola as the example; after his presentation he chatted with Joseph Terry, MD
    February 2015 speaker Michael Osterholm discussed the why and how of epidemics Using Ebola as the example; after his presentation he chatted with Joseph Terry, MD
  • Peter Moe, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Director, presented "Apples and Grapes," highlighting research accomplishments for cold climates at the May 2016 gala luncheon
    Peter Moe, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Director, presented "Apples and Grapes," highlighting research accomplishments for cold climates at the May 2016 gala luncheon
  • David Walsh, Director of the University Opera Theater is March 2011's speaker
    David Walsh, Director of the University Opera Theater is March 2011's speaker
  • Former Minnesota Chief Justice Eric Magnuson held rapt attention as he discussed the intersection of law and politics at the kick-off luncheon September, 2012
    Former Minnesota Chief Justice Eric Magnuson held rapt attention as he discussed the intersection of law and politics at the kick-off luncheon September, 2012
  • On February 25, 2014, Lowell Noteboom very clearly explained the situation of Orchestras including the SPCO and the Minnesota Orchestra -- just weeks after the MOA lockout was settled
    On February 25, 2014, Lowell Noteboom very clearly explained the situation of Orchestras including the SPCO and the Minnesota Orchestra -- just weeks after the MOA lockout was settled
  • Ever-enthusiastic Vern Sutton sang and described his way through the first half of the 20th century using - and singing Ziegfield Follies music and history at the Gala May meeting of 2015
    Ever-enthusiastic Vern Sutton sang and described his way through the first half of the 20th century using - and singing Ziegfield Follies music and history at the Gala May meeting of 2015
  • Political Science Professor Kathryn Pearson did her best to explain the election results at the November 15, 2016 Luncheon meeting
    Political Science Professor Kathryn Pearson did her best to explain the election results at the November 15, 2016 Luncheon meeting
  • In September, 2011, WAM Director Lyndel King presents the new Weisman in time for its reopening
    In September, 2011, WAM Director Lyndel King presents the new Weisman in time for its reopening
  • February, 2013, and U Alum Garrison Keillor speaks highly of his alma mater and entertains his University audiences with fond stories about working as a U parking attendant
    February, 2013, and U Alum Garrison Keillor speaks highly of his alma mater and entertains his University audiences with fond stories about working as a U parking attendant
  • Krista Tippet and Ron Anderson engaged in conversation about meaning, spirituality, and ethics in the midst of 21st century cultural and technological shifts, in March 2013
    Krista Tippet and Ron Anderson engaged in conversation about meaning, spirituality, and ethics in the midst of 21st century cultural and technological shifts, in March 2013
  • At the October 2014 meeting, Mary Nichols provided food for thought as she discussed the technologies that continue to be applied to education
    At the October 2014 meeting, Mary Nichols provided food for thought as she discussed the technologies that continue to be applied to education
  • At the February, 2016 Luncheon, U of M Provost Karen Hanson talked through the strategic plan for the next ten years, and the process of developing it
    At the February, 2016 Luncheon, U of M Provost Karen Hanson talked through the strategic plan for the next ten years, and the process of developing it
  • In March 2012, President Eric Kaler presented a broad and complete view of his leadership agenda, and responded to questions from the full-house audience
    In March 2012, President Eric Kaler presented a broad and complete view of his leadership agenda, and responded to questions from the full-house audience
  • Steve Ruggles astounded the audience with integrated census data spanning 200 years and 2 billion records, in October, 2013
    Steve Ruggles astounded the audience with integrated census data spanning 200 years and 2 billion records, in October, 2013
  • At the March 2015 luncheon, PDGR winner Ron Anderson showed how he amassed global statistics on suffering as part of his books project, supported by the 2014 grant
    At the March 2015 luncheon, PDGR winner Ron Anderson showed how he amassed global statistics on suffering as part of his books project, supported by the 2014 grant
  • September 2016 was kicked off by Kris Keisling, Director of the Elmer L. Anderson Archives, combined with a tour of the archives
    September 2016 was kicked off by Kris Keisling, Director of the Elmer L. Anderson Archives, combined with a tour of the archives
  • Tom Stinson addresses UMRA audience at the April, 2011 Luncheon
    Tom Stinson addresses UMRA audience at the April, 2011 Luncheon
  • Kathleen Zahs was encouraging about the prospect for clinical solutions to Alzheimer's in her October, 2012 presntation
    Kathleen Zahs was encouraging about the prospect for clinical solutions to Alzheimer's in her October, 2012 presntation
  • March 25, 2014 Speaker Lance Brockman lucidly and animatedly explained the "Theater of the Fraternity" to an attentive UMRA audience
    March 25, 2014 Speaker Lance Brockman lucidly and animatedly explained the "Theater of the Fraternity" to an attentive UMRA audience
  • Minneapolis Police Chief Janee Harteau emphasizes a point at the first meeting of the 2015-16 year, September 22
    Minneapolis Police Chief Janee Harteau emphasizes a point at the first meeting of the 2015-16 year, September 22
  • January, 2017 was unusually mild, and was a starting point for speaker Mark Seeley at the January Luncheon
    January, 2017 was unusually mild, and was a starting point for speaker Mark Seeley at the January Luncheon
  • October, 2011 speaker Larry Rudnick updates retirees' understanding of just about everything in the Universe
    October, 2011 speaker Larry Rudnick updates retirees' understanding of just about everything in the Universe
  • UMRA February 2017 speaker and activist scholar Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer urged us to focus our questions on the real issues
    UMRA February 2017 speaker and activist scholar Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer urged us to focus our questions on the real issues
  • November, 2011: 2009-10 Professional Development Grants recipients presented: Alan Lathrop, William Zimmermann, and James Tracy, with PDG Committee members Martin Dworkin and Jan Hogan-Schiltgen
    November, 2011: 2009-10 Professional Development Grants recipients presented: Alan Lathrop, William Zimmermann, and James Tracy, with PDG Committee members Martin Dworkin and Jan Hogan-Schiltgen
  • Art Rolnick spoke at the April 2013 luncheon on “The Economic Case for Public Investment in Early Childhood Education,” making the case that that brain development must be nurtured from ages 2 and 3
    Art Rolnick spoke at the April 2013 luncheon on “The Economic Case for Public Investment in Early Childhood Education,” making the case that that brain development must be nurtured from ages 2 and 3
  • For November 2014, John Adams brought his own antique presentation machine to display transparencies he has lovingly preserved throughout the 3rd industrial revolution
    For November 2014, John Adams brought his own antique presentation machine to display transparencies he has lovingly preserved throughout the 3rd industrial revolution
  • Lori Sturdevant talked with Tom Swain about his extraordinary Minnesota careers in politics, industry, the U, and volunteering , at the Luncheon meeting March 2016
    Lori Sturdevant talked with Tom Swain about his extraordinary Minnesota careers in politics, industry, the U, and volunteering , at the Luncheon meeting March 2016
  • April 2012 speaker and noted Human Sexuality researcher Ira Reiss reviewed highlights of his lifetime of research
    April 2012 speaker and noted Human Sexuality researcher Ira Reiss reviewed highlights of his lifetime of research
  • Deborah Swackhamer shared what we know and still need to know about Minnesota's water at the final meeting of 2013, November 19
    Deborah Swackhamer shared what we know and still need to know about Minnesota's water at the final meeting of 2013, November 19
  • At the March 1015 luncheon, Philip O. Larsen spoke about using their grant to support volunteer work educating Tanzanian farmers with his 2012 grant
    At the March 1015 luncheon, Philip O. Larsen spoke about using their grant to support volunteer work educating Tanzanian farmers with his 2012 grant
  • Two Professional Development Grant for retirees (PDGR) recipients spoke at the October, 2016 meeting: Katherine Fennelly, formerly of Public Health and Dean of UM Extension Service was one
    Two Professional Development Grant for retirees (PDGR) recipients spoke at the October, 2016 meeting: Katherine Fennelly, formerly of Public Health and Dean of UM Extension Service was one
  • President Bob Bruininks shares his experiences at the May 2011 meeting
    President Bob Bruininks shares his experiences at the May 2011 meeting
  • November, 2012 speaker Kathryn Pearson discussed politics with Bob Holt after her presentation analyzing the just-completed election
    November, 2012 speaker Kathryn Pearson discussed politics with Bob Holt after her presentation analyzing the just-completed election
  • April 2014 speakers Henry Blackburn, Carol Miller, & Jack Zipes being introduced by Ron Anderson before they each spoke about their PDGR projects
    April 2014 speakers Henry Blackburn, Carol Miller, & Jack Zipes being introduced by Ron Anderson before they each spoke about their PDGR projects
  • October 2015 speaker Philip Pardey not only discussed the range of population projections but the impact of food needs and the value of research in meeting those needs
    October 2015 speaker Philip Pardey not only discussed the range of population projections but the impact of food needs and the value of research in meeting those needs

Actions UMRA has taken on your behalf:

Professional Development Grants Program—The Office of the Vice President for Research and the University of Minnesota Retirees Association (UMRA) jointly created a grants program in 2007. These grants are awarded annually to support faculty, P&A and civil service retirees wishing to pursue projects related to their research, instructional, or other work history. Details of the programs and awards made are given on this website's grant's page.

Faculty Retirees’ Bill of Rights—UMRA led negotiations resulting in a statement of faculty rights and privileges. The document The Rights and Privileges of University Emeriti (Word doc) summarizes the rights and privileges that are guaranteed to retired faculty by the Resolution passed by the University Senate in 1998.

Keeping in touch with University actions

  • UMRA tracks discussions of, and seeks improvements in, health insurance coverage for retirees.
  • Designated UMRA board liaisons report monthly on the activities of the Board of Regents, the Alumni Association, the Senate Committee on Faculty Affairs, the Benefits Advisory Committee, the University Retiree Volunteer Center (URVC), and the Campus Club.

University E-mail Accounts—In 2005, UMRA clarified a University policy that e-mail accounts were to be continued for all retirees, and the association ensured that this privilege would be communicated to all retirees and providers. If you believe you are qualified as a retiree but do not have a University e-mail account, please notify UMRA at umra@umn.edu.

University/National Car Rental Contract—All retired University faculty and staff can continue to take advantage of the University's National Car Rental discount contract for business and personal travel, whether in the United States or abroad. Conversations between UMRA and the University Purchasing Services Department confirm that all faculty, P&A, and civil service employees who have retired from the University are eligible for this rental discount program. The amount of the discount varies with location and type of service, but the amount of savings often is substantial. If you are not already utilizing this discount, contact your former department or office for the relevant information, including the contract number.

In the 1980s, UMRA members envisioned, helped to plan, and oversaw the construction of 1666 Coffman, an independent condominium near the St. Paul campus. Direct inquires to coffman@umn.edu.

Your comments and advice regarding these and other issues are most welcome. Send any comments to umra@umn.edu, contact one of the UMRA officers, or use the Contact Us page.

News

Curious about how UMRA was started?

University Archives contains many UMRA documents.  One of the earliest was created with one of the  most common tools of the trade of the early 1980's. The 22 page, typewritten (remember those?) pdf document is titled: "PDF icon umra_history_1976-1983_by_e_gerald.pdf." It is very interesting reading.  Read online or download a copy.

Publication date:
Jul 31 2017
New Grand Challenge Course Fall 2017

A SPECIAL INVITATION FOR RETIREES IN THE TWIN CITIES AREA FROM THE CARLSON SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA 

We invite you to participate in a Grand Challenge Course, which will be offered this fall at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus. Grand Challenge Courses (GCC) are special courses designed to address significant challenges in the world, and they attract the brightest and most creative students. 

Publication date:
Jul 13 2017
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At a Glance

MAY
FESTIVE LUNCHEON
AND ANNUAL MEETING

Tuesday, May 23, 2017
Social in bar & lounge:10:30 a.m.
Luncheon in ABC: noon
Program will follow the Electionand brief Business Meeting.
Program Speaker
U Professor Julie Schumacher
“Dear Committee Members”

Menu
All meals are served with fresh-baked bread
and seasonal vegetables.
Please select one entrée from the following:

1. Trout Fillet, Brown Butter and Almonds: Oven
roasted trout drizzled with Hope Creamery brown
butter, lemon, and toasted almonds
2. Ricotta-Stuffed Chicken: Boneless skinless chicken
breast stuffed with bacon and ricotta, pan seared and
served with demi-glace
3. Beef Ribeye Steak: Grilled to medium rare and
sauced with red wine demi-glace. Served with skin-on
garlic mashed potatoes
Finale for all: assorted organic cookies, fresh brewed
coffee, and water will be served.

Reservations ARE Required
Deadline: Wednesday, May 17
Cost: $30 per person
Please honor the reservationdeadline date; if cancellations are
necessary, please call by May 17.

(Note: those who prepaid for ayear’s luncheons are advised that
May was included, but you mustselect an entrée.)

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Events

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