News & Events Archives

UMRA launches fundraising campaign

As a result of the financial challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic, the University will not be able to fund the Professional Development Grants for Retirees (PDGR) program for 2021–22. In order to keep the program growing, UMRA is launching a fundraising campaign.

UMRA signs partnership agreement with UMAA

UMRA has a long history of partnering with the University of Minnesota Alumni Association. Now it’s official. UMRA and UMAA have signed a formal agreement, effective September 1, 2020, with benefits for members of both organizations.

Recommended reading

Participants in Ted Bowman’s provocative “Resilient coping” workshop requested suggestions for books to help address the changes and challenges we’re all facing, from retirement to social upheaval.

Book notes | Italian Shoes

Ideas welcomed for future Living Well workshops

Our recent Survey of Future UMRA Programming and Use of Zoom told us that many members would like to participate in online versions of our Living Well workshops. We welcome your suggestions.

Congratulations to UMRA’s 2020–21 Board of Directors

Congratulations to the officers and to the new and returning members elected to serve on UMRA’s board of directors for 2020–21.

Book notes | Where the Crawdads Sing

COVID-19 social isolation study

CATSS, the Center for Applied and Translational Sensory Science at the U of M, is recruiting participants ages 60 and older for a study of social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Forced to make cruel choices

In the last five weeks, more than 26 million Americans have filed for unemployment benefits and, says U of M economist V. V. Chari, the economic pain is surely just starting. 

Amazing scientific response

The COVID-19 pandemic has come to dominate our lives, disrupting travel, trade, work, and social life. Heroic efforts are now being made across the globe to mitigate the individual and population effects of this novel corona virus. The responses of scientific communities to this pandemic have been amazing.

My Grecian coronavirus odyssey

While many of us are feeling stuck at home, UMRA Webmaster Cathy Lee Gierke is glad to have finally arrived home after returning from a volunteer assignment halfway around the world.

Leadership transition for UMRA Grants Committee

With Dick Poppele’s retirement from UMRA leadership, the Professional Development Grants for Retirees program is transitioning to another outstanding leader, John Bantle, MD.

Inspired by aspiring health professionals

For the past five years, Jeanne Markell, pictured here with her husband, Michael, has had the rewarding experience of volunteering through the U of M’s 1Health Community Teacher Program.

Firsthand | Experiences with aging

Even before the coronavirus changed everything, two veteran world travelers decided they may never travel for a winter vacation again. 

Election of 2020–21 UMRA Board to be held by email

With the closing of the Campus Club and cancellation of our May luncheon, UMRA’s annual election will be conducted by email. Frank Cerra, retired dean of the Medical School and senior vice president for health sciences and services, tops the slate of candidates put forward by the Nominating Committee.