News & Events Archives

Help Wanted: Cares Committee seeks new members

UMRA Cares Committee seeks new members to assist workshop development and important communication work. Those of you who’ve experienced the Cares Committee’s outreach at a time of serious illness or loss know the important role filled by these caring members.

To volunteer, all Ron Anderson, Cares Committee Chair at 612-963-6660 or email him at [email protected]

Three honored with 'Service to UMRA' awards in May

This year the executive committee awarded three awards for Service to UMRA. All three of the awardees have served UMRA for many years in demanding positions, which required steady and consistent leadership. All three are leaving their respective positions this year. With thanks, we recognize them for helping to making UMRA the successful organization that it is.

Curious about how UMRA was started?

University Archives contains many UMRA documents. One of the earliest was created with one of the most common tools of the trade of the early 1980's. The 22 page, typewritten (remember those?) pdf document can be found in the article.

Voter Registration Volunteers Needed

Neighborhood House / Wellstone Foundation is initiating a voter registration opportunity in tandem with its Mass Produce Distribution events in an effort to promote community resources when residents congregate. Here is a chance to contribute to higher voter turnout and foster the democratic process.

Tactile Acuity Research For Aging Piano Players

The purpose of this study is to determine whether you, a piano player, have not had a decline in your sense of touch. Your participation is welcomed if you are between ages 55 to 75 AND have been a long-term piano player.

Red Cross Front Desk Support

The Minneapolis Red Cross main office – 1201 West River Parkway – (near the Guthrie) serves many functions of this valuable service organization. The position requires a regular 3 – 4 hour weekly shift. 

Therapy Research for Post-Stroke

If you experienced a stroke in the past seven years, consider volunteering to participate in a research therapy project.

UMRA members can help the University of Minnesota with a Call to Action

As you may have seen in our newsletter and on this website, the UMRA board is collaborating with the university’s office of Government Relations and the U of MN Alumni Association to gain support for the 2017 legislative funding request. This is a CRITICAL TIME and YOUR HELP IS NEEDED NOW! Click on the following link from the Office of Government Relations to see more about the status of the budget recommendations and what you can do to contact your legislators: z.umn.edu/act2017.

The Subject Is Teaching

Why do people engage in the noble art of teaching?  There are undoubtedly many motivations, but the theme that seems most prevalent, and at the same time most intriguing among educators, is the love of learning. “To teach is to learn twice,”  and “Who dares to teach must never cease to learn.” 

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of Minnesota is an organization of lifelong learners whose passion for knowledge and understanding is a driving force in their lives.  Put them together...

Candidate for re-election as Treasurer

Carl Adams retired in 2013 from the faculty of Information and Decision Sciences in the Carlson School of Management (CSOM). Carl has served on the UMRA Board since May 2014 and as Treasurer 2015–17.

Candidate for Board of Directors Gierke

Cathy Lee Gierke grew up in Minnesota, riding and training horses, fishing, and reading voraciously. Cathy helped develop the current UMRA website and serves on UMRA’s Communication Task Force.

Candidate for Board of Directors Poppele

Richard Poppele retired in 2006 from the Department of Neuroscience. Dick has served on UMRA’s Grants committee and will chair the committee in 2017–18.

Volunteer for UMRA committee tasks, serve others, and get to know new colleagues

New UMRA Newsletter needs writers and editors

If you like to write, enjoy editing, or if you can assist with collecting incoming news, please join us. If you like the idea of an e-newsletter and want to help combine our website information with an e-news function, we need you! Read on.

The UMRA Cares Committee

In the process of reorganizing and expanding in new directions, the Cares group needs volunteers to help us plan and develop a variety of initiatives to assist UMRA members.  Read on.

Candidate for election as Secretary

Judy Garrard was a psychologist and faculty member in the health sciences at the University for 44 years, prior to retiring in 2015. Throughout her career, she was active in faculty governance at the school and University levels, including chair of FCC.

Candidate for Board of Directors Markell

Jeanne Markell retired in July 2009 from a 40-year career at the University of Minnesota. Jeanne has served one term on the UMRA board beginning in 2014.