News & Events Archives

PDGR program needs contributions, mentors

The Professional Development Grants for Retirees program received only one application for 2021. Trying to create positive spin, I shall consider this an opportunity for us to replenish our program fund.

Mentoring URS students: Our brief but spectacular take

Over the last four years, with my spouse as co-investigator, I have benefitted greatly from having Undergraduate Research Scholarship students on our team for two projects supported by UMRA’s Professional Development Grants for Retirees program.

Book notes | One Hundred Years of Solitude

Free tax preparation services

Looking for answers to your tax questions and access to free tax preparation services? Many possible tax credits are available but only if taxes are properly filed.

New parking payment system on campus

Parking discount coupons which UMRA members have used for the past 10 years will not function with the new parking payment system being installed in ramps and parking lots on the Twin Cities campus.

Electoral College reform

Kathryn Pearson’s outstanding UMRA Forum presentation on November 24 about the 2020 elections ended with a brief exchange about Electoral College reform. As it happens, I have been immersed in this subject for the last four years and would like to offer this update.

Thank you, U of M retiree volunteers!

On behalf of the University Retirees Volunteer Center (URVC), I’d like to recognize and thank all the volunteers who contributed their talents and time to the success of the many projects both inside and outside the University coordinated by URVC this past year.

Help wanted: JOIE editor

Did you know the Retirees Association has its own open access, electronic journal? It's called JOIE, and UMRA is looking for a qualified volunteer to become the new editor-in-chief.

Vaccine update

In the world of science, the speed that has brought the coronavirus vaccines to the point of distribution is truly remarkable—and a clear sign of how technology, combined with our growing understanding of human immunology, speeds up discovery.

Personal pronouns

Have you noticed a proliferation of pronouns in some auto signatures, especially in the University world and the business community? Wondering what the change is all about?

Getting started: New UMRA interest groups

UMRA is flourishing. Even now, UMRA members are finding ways to connect with others. In response to a healthy burst of recent activity, the UMRA Board has instituted a new policy for recognizing new, member-initiated interest groups.

HELLO, my name is Fred Bertschinger

Meet UMRA member Fred Bertschinger, who has taken advantage of retirement to become a master naturalist and a beekeeper.

Denied access to Zoom: One person's experience

In late August, I set up a Zoom meeting that was to be held September 3 for a fundraising discussion with a national nonprofit that I work with as a volunteer. When I went to open the meeting as host, the system would not let me in.

Support our Zoom presentations

We need your help! The Retirees Association is seeking contributions from its members to support the technical side of our Zoom presentations.

Deactivation of retiree access to Zoom services

A number of our retirees have experienced the deactivation of their umn.edu-domain access to Zoom when trying to schedule a Zoom meeting. Here's why.