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.
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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 -
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 -
Robert Kane used both professional and personal experience writing "The Good Caregiver" and he discussed many of its points at the April 2015 luncheon -
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 -
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" -
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 -
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 -
Pat Hempl spoke humorously and seriously about writing memoirs and other things at our 2013 kickoff meeting on September 24th -
February 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 -
David Walsh, Director of the University Opera Theater is March'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 -
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 -
In September, 2011, WAM Director Lyndel King presents the new Weisman in time for its reopening -
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 -
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 -
UMRA Member Joanne Eicher explained the process of creating the 10-volume World Encyclopedia of Fashion and Dress at the February 2012 meeting -
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 on October 29 -
PDGR winner Ron Anderson amassed global statistics on suffering as part of his books project, supported by the 2014 grant -
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 -
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 -
October, 2011 speaker Larry Rudnick updates retirees' understanding of just about everything in the Universe -
Krista Tippet and Ron Anderson engaged in conversation about meaning, spirituality, and ethics in the midst of 21st century cultural and technological shifts. -
At the October 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 -
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 -
Deborah Swackhamer shared what we know and still need to know about Minnesota's water at the final meeting of 2013, November 19 -
Philip O. Larsen used their grant to support volunteer work educating Tanzanian farmers with his 2012 grant -
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 -
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 -
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 on the April 203 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, John Adams brought his own antique presentation machine to display transparencies he has lovingly preserved throughout the 3rd industrial revolution
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.
Announcements
Grants to help retirees pursuing projects related to their scholarship has been announced by the Office of the Vice President for Research, Office of the Provost, and University of Minnesota Retirees Association. All faculty members, professional and administrative, and civil service retirees from the Twin Cities and Coordinate Campuses of the University are eligible to apply for the grants (up to $5,000). The guidelines for applying for grants are available at 2016-17guidelines. The deadline for applications is December 16, 2016.
Judy Howe (j-howe2@umn.edu) was browsing the University Archives to get a better understanding of what UMRA documents had been archived. She noticed a document she thought might interest all of us. The 23 page, typewritten (remember those?) document is titled: "
umra_history_1976-1983_by_e_gerald.pdf." It is very interesting reading. Read online or download a copy.
The recent survey of UMRA members found several comments about problems in transportation: members not involved with UMRA due to an inability to drive due to medical issues, age, metro traffic congestion, etc. Our intrepid community researchers quickly found 12 transportation options for senior non-drivers, and we would like to hear if you have had experience (positive or negative) with such services.
For the past year or so, the UMRA Cares committee has taken responsibility for the “Bookshelf” column which printed recommendations from UMRA members on interesting reading. If you found a book that you want to recommend to others, please take a moment and share your discoveries with us.
UMRA is a co-sponsor with the University of Minnesota Libraries of the Journal of Opinions, Ideas and Essays (JOIE), the online journal that publishes a wide range of topics by authors from the University family of faculty, professional administrators, and retirees. Consider JOIE as an outlet for a pet project you have been thinking of publishing.
Did you know that UMRA members can also join the Campus Club and take advantage of the Club’s beautiful spaces, convenient location, great food, and social events? The Club tries to make it feasible for retirees to join. Retirees are an important part of the University community, and the partnership between the Club and UMRA is a longstanding tradition. I am always delighted to see the UMRA group at the Campus Club for monthly meetings and lunches.
As U retirees we have much to offer...are you holding it in reserve for just the right opportunity? Can this be it? The International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) will be greeting 1,800 new international students, undergrad and graduate, to the University in September. You have likely received Vice President Meredith McQuaid’s statement about the services the University provides to these students, and scholars who will visit the University during the year. We need more facilitators for these projects. Contact URVC at urvc@umn.edu to explore your interests.
Thousands of U of M parking discount coupons have been distributed to UMRA members and successfully used over the past five years. However, from time to time, a number of us have encountered instances in which the coupons failed to work at the check-out stations. Such failures are likely due to deactivation of the magnetic strip by exposure to a magnet, perhaps on a purse closure or a cell phone speaker. To maintain the effectiveness of your discount coupons, please guard them from magnets of all kinds.
Events
At the close of UMRA’s luncheon meeting, September 27, UMRA members will be treated to a unique tour of some special archival collections as well as the storage caverns at the Andersen Library.
Sign up for tour when you make your luncheon reservations, and, if you want a ride to the Andersen Library, please indicate that so we can save you a seat on the chartered bus. Please let us know so we can give the tour staff at Archives a count to plan for.
We kick off our program year with a real treat for all for whom preserving research and history is paramount—or just plain interesting. Let me introduce Kris Kiesling, director of the Elmer L. Andersen Archives and Special Collections, who will be speaking at our luncheon about the experience of curating the many collections in the University archives. After the luncheon she will lead UMRA members on a tour at the Andersen Library to see not only some of the collections, but also the famous caverns created to store a vast variety of materials.
—Kathleen O’Brien, Program Committee