Welcome
We welcome all retirees from the University of Minnesota. Learn more about UMRA, and our mission. See who we are and what we do below, in our many vital activities.
Join us -- share with us your own unique take on connect, learn and serve!
UMRA Forum
Tue, March 25, 2025, at 11am
The U.S. Supreme Court led by Chief Justice John Roberts since 2025 is considered to be the most conservative and activist in history. But it has much in common with the 1963–69 Warren Court, widely viewed as the most liberal and activist. U of M professor of political science and law Timothy R. Johnson will put these claims into perspective as the guest speaker for UMRA’s March 25 brunch forum.
Living Well Workshop
Tue, March 18, 2025, at 11am
In 2009, Albert Lea became the pilot project for adopting Blue Zones strategies to improve a whole community’s well-being. Since then, the project has expanded to more than 70 communities across North America. Cathy Malakowsky, the guest speaker for UMRA’s March 18 workshop, will explain the changes made in Albert Lea and new projects in the works.
Upcoming Events
Stephanie Daily will lead the discussion of Good Night, Irene by the Mexican-American poet and novelist Luis Alberto Urrea when the UMRA Book Club meets via Zoom on Friday, March 21.
UMRA’s Fourth Friday Book Club will discuss The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America by Erik Larson when it meets on Friday, March 28, via Zoom. It is a horrifying and compelling read.
News
At a contentious meeting March 14, the University of Minnesota Board of Regents approved a resolution restricting University units from issuing statements “of public concern or public interest.” Several dozen faculty and students present vehemently protested the resolution.
The election of UMRA officers and new board members for 2025–26 will be conducted via an online poll from May 12 to 18, with the results to be announced at our annual meeting on May 20. Sally Gregory Kohlstedt leads the slate of nominees as president-elect. She came to the University of Minnesota in 1989 as a professor and associate dean, and retired in 2018.
From the President
Interest Groups
