News & Events Archives

Help support UMRA programs and activities

UMRA members now have two convenient online giving options for making donations to support UMRA programs and activities.

Program Committee wants feedback

UMRA runs on volunteers. The Program Committee is a great way to have an impact with a very reasonable time commitment. 

Nominations sought for UMRA officers and directors

The Nominating Committee invites you to contribute to UMRA by volunteering to run for election to serve on UMRA’s Board of Directors or by nominating someone else who would add value and perspective to our organization.

Dale Lange

I have developed a special interest in my seventh great grandfather, Michael Pierce… Putting together the pieces of Michael’s life has been an interesting journey, even if at times complicated and confusing. I have learned to evaluate sources that tell different stories and cannot agree on what one might think are basic facts like when and where someone was born. I have learned to accept and live with these and other ambiguities.

Knowing Iceland

Presidential search

UMRA sent a letter to the University of Minnesota Board of Regents on January 9, urging them to be keenly aware of the overwhelming challenges the new University president will face and the immense range of skills they’ll require. An abbreviated version of the letter was published on the letters-to-the-editor page of the Star Tribune on January 25.

Book Notes | ‘Fox Creek’

UMN email update

Attention UMRA members who use a UMN email account and internet ID. In early January, you should have received an email from the Office of Information Technology stating “… your University of Minnesota email and Google Workspace account will be closed on Saturday, December 7, 2024.”  See the announcement for this event.  

Hello, my name is Brad Clary

Meet UMRA member Bradley G. Clary, emeritus clinical professor of law, Distinguished University Teacher, and tae kwon do black belt.

JOIE wants your opinions, ideas, and essays

If you have an article you’ve written, or would like to write, but haven’t found a place for publication, UMRA’s online Journal of Opinions, Ideas & Essays may be just the right place for you. 

UMRA’s Silver Gopher Service Corps welcomes you

If you’re one of the 200-plus new members who joined UMRA in the past two years and are looking for ways to meet people and give back to the community, consider volunteering with UMRA’s Silver Gopher Service Corps.

Reframing your identity

The first session of the three-part “Reimagining Retirement” series developed by the Association of Retirement Organizations in Higher Education featured University of Toronto sociology professor Michelle Pannor Silver, PhD. She discussed how careful planning for late career transitions can honor one’s lifelong commitment to work. 

UMRA dues will increase in 2024

UMRA provides an engaging array of learning opportunities and social events to make UMRA membership a great value. But, like everyone, we’re feeling the effects of inflation and paying more for everything we buy.

Hello, my name is Alice A. Larson

Meet UMRA member and Professor Emeritus Alice Larson, and take note of what she has to say about the importance of “creative muscle” as we age. 

Help wanted: Nominating Committee members

As UMRA’s immediate past president, it’s my job to chair this year’s Nominating Committee to recommend nominations for our next president-elect/Program Committee chair and open positions on the UMRA Board of Directors. Might you be interested in serving on the committee, or being a candidate?