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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A crowded room hear Tom Swain and Lori Sturdevant's conversation March 2016 -
Our September speaker, Minneapolis police chief Janee Harteau and colleagues share lunch with Jean Kinsey and Kathleen OBrien -
The capacity crowd disperses after a fascinating presentation on lions by Craig Packer at the Novermber 2105 luncheon -
Craig Swan introduces the Photo Club program as an open discussion at the April 2016 workshop -
New Member Welcome in the Campus Club lounge October, 2016 -
A full house listens to announcements by John Adams, just before the February 2016 luncheon -
Jerry Rinehart and Julie Medbery moderated and took notes on the discussion at the UMRA August 11, 2016 retreat -
Van Linck introdues the Cares Committee to 2015-16 new members -
Andy Whitman of the Carlson School introduces a 3-part workshop series on finances for retirees after the October, 2015 luncheon -
UMRA Photo Club members display some of their , April 2016 before the luncheon and workshop -
Following lunch, September 2016 attendees began a tour of the Weisman Art Museum -
President Jean Kinsey introduces workshop leader Martha Feda, after the November 2015 luncheon -
Quite a lot of UMRA members stayed for the April 2016 Photo Club workshop -
Welcome new members before the regular October 2015 luncheon meeting -
Earl Nolting introduces our workshop leader after the February 2016 luncheon -
UMRA Board members and other key volunteers wrestled with our size and resource issues discussion at the 2016 retreat -
Andy Whitman emphasizes a point about money in his October 2015 UMRA workshop -
UMRA Photo Club display April 2016 -
Noticing the natural light in the Weisman on September 22, 2015 -
Vern Eidman, David Naumann, and Andy Whitman share a break at the November 2015 workshop -
Photo Club member Bob Patterson displays the camera he uses most often because he can easily carry it -
Meeting new members October 2015 -
Many members stay for the workshop topic of advance health care directives after the Feb 2016 luncheon -
Earl Nolting has a story for others at his table at the kick-off meeting September 2016 -
Members listen to Craig Packer speak about Africa lions at the November 2015 meeting -
Photo Club members favorite photos are often framed for display, April 2016 -
Social commentary at the WAM September 2015 -
At the November 2016 workshop, stand and raise your hand if you are ready to exercise -
Bob Patterson speaks from hil long photography experience, especially travel photos, April 2016 -
Jean Kinsey and John Anderson introduce UMRA to new 2015-16 members -
February 2016 workshop leader Marlene Stum
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
At UMRA’s annual meeting on May 22 the membership elected the slate of candidates presented by the Nominating Committee for UMRA’s 2018–19 Board, including Bill Donohue as our new president-elect and Lynn Anderson our new secretary. In keeping with UMRA tradition, Jerry Rinehart, who served as president-elect for the past year, will lead the Board as president. During its meeting earlier in the afternoon, the Board approved increases in membership and luncheon/buffet fees for the coming year.
UMRA was pleased to host President Eric Kaler at its 2018 Annual Meeting on May 22. The president outlined major challenges facing the University, and provided updates on the University’s strategic plan and ambitious $4 billion capital campaign.
Prof. Joseph Gaugler, newly named to an endowed chair in the School of Public Health and the speaker for the workshop following UMRA’s April luncheon meeting, is profiled in a feature story in the Spring 2018 issue of Legacy, published by the U of M Foundation. The article highlights his pioneering work to help family members who provide care for people with Alzheimer’s and related diseases. See the article.
Author delivers a riveting account of his parents’ determination to survive the chaotic events that took place during the reign of Robert Mugabe.
“Eighty-three percent of all help provided for persons with Alzheimer’s and related diseases comes from family members,” Joseph Gaugler, a gerontologist and professor of long-term care, noted in his presentation following UMRA’s April luncheon.
Prof. Erika Lee addressed the complicated nature of the United States’ approach to immigration and provided a “quick tour” of the country’s history of xenophobia, beginning in the mid 1700s.
Of the many places to find meditation classes in the Twin Cities, two that have attracted UMRA members are the University’s Center for Spirituality and Healing and the Common Ground Meditation Center in Minneapolis.
The seven individuals up for election to UMRA's 2018–19 Board of Directors offer a wealth of experience from the University of Minnesota and beyond.
Memory loss is frightening for all of us. The Lyngblomsten Care Center in St. Paul offers programs to assist both clients suffering from memory loss and their caregivers. There are two ways you can help.
At a Glance
Happy summer!
Please save the date for UMRA's next meeting on
Tuesday, September 25, 4-6 p.m.,
in the
Campus Club West Wing.
Learn about exciting changes to upcoming UMRA luncheons and meetings.
Events
The UMRA Social Activities Committee invites you to a summer wine tasting on the Campus Club Terrace with sommelier Jason Kallsen. Jazz music featuring vocalist Charmin Michelle will set the tone.
The UMRA Social Activities Committee invites you to enjoy a day in the countryside with a midsummer visit to the Veit Automotive Museum in Buffalo followed by a walk through the marvelous Munsinger and Clemens Gardens in St. Cloud.
All UMRA members are invited to this Finance & Legal Group workshop at John A. Knutson & Co. in Falcon Heights.
UMRA’s Social Activities Committee invites you to a narrated, one-hour tram tour to view the vibrant early autumn colors at the award-winning Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. The tour will be followed by light refreshments and socializing.