News & Events Archives

Care Guides are asking for your experiences in navigating health care issues

The Care Guides want to discuss a new initiative in which they could assist UMRA members with health concerns not restricted to long-term care. They plan to meet in October with Professor Bob Kane, director of the Center on Aging, to plan for this new Care Guide role.

UMRA Care Guides continue to be available for consultation on a health care emergency. To speak to a Care Guide, call the Center on Aging, 612-624-1185.

Pursue your scholarly interests with this UMRA grant application opportunity

You are invited to submit an application for a Professional Development Grant for Retirees (PDGR) to pursue your scholarly interests.

The deadline for submitting an application for the 2017–2018 grant is December 15, 2016. See Activities / Grants for Retirees.

URVC Volunteers - Take Phone Pledges for KBEM Jazz 88 Radio

Volunteers needed to answer phones and take pledges for KBEM – The Jazz 88 Radio Station’s Fall Pledge Drive.

Volunteer Ambassadors / Greeters at Northrop

Here are opportunities to attend lectures, performances, and discussions on a wide range of topics while serving as greeter at Northrop Auditorium for the I.A.S. "Thursday at 3:30" Series. The Institute of Advanced Studies offers events in the newly redesigned Northrop Auditorium. These "Thursday" series are held in the 2nd floor Crosby Seminar Room, 240 Northrop.

Emeritus faculty, staff can support programs for international students and scholars

As U retirees we have much to offer...are you holding it in reserve for just the right opportunity? Can this be it?  The International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) will be greeting 1,800 new international students, undergrad and graduate, to the University in September. You have likely received Vice President Meredith McQuaid’s statement about the services the University provides to these students, and scholars who will visit the University during the year.  We need more facilitators for these projects. Contact URVC at [email protected] to explore your interests.

Need a ride to an UMRA meeting?

The recent survey of UMRA members found several comments about problems in transportation: members not involved with UMRA due to an inability to drive due to medical issues, age, metro traffic congestion, etc. Our intrepid community researchers quickly found 12 transportation options for senior non-drivers, and we would like to hear if you have had experience (positive or negative) with such services.

Looking to publish an idea or opinion? JOIE journal reaches worldwide audience.

UMRA is a co-sponsor with the University of Minnesota Libraries of the Journal of Opinions, Ideas and Essays (JOIE), the online journal that publishes a wide range of topics by authors from the University family of faculty, professional administrators, and retirees. Consider JOIE as an outlet for a pet project you have been thinking of publishing. 

“From the Bookshelf” needs your input

For the past year or so, the UMRA Cares committee has taken responsibility for the “Bookshelf” column which printed recommendations from UMRA members on interesting reading. If you found a book that you want to recommend to others, please take a moment and share your discoveries with us.

St Paul Bike Classic

The Saint Paul Classic Bike Tour seeks volunteers to help in many ways to facilitate the event which occurs on Sunday, September 11.  Please contact the URVC at [email protected] to indicate how you would like to volunteer to help.

Become a Health Consultant Volunteer

Volunteer to act as a team teaching consultant for students from the Schools of Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Occupational Therapy and Social Work. More consultants are needed who have a diagnosed medical problem and are taking a prescribed medication.  Registration deadline is August 19.  If interested in volunteering respond to <[email protected]>

URVC Volunteers -- Red Cross Run for Blood

RUN FOR BLOOD – URVC VOLUNTEERS—A Red Cross Fund-Raiser. Saturday, July 23 @ Lake Calhoun (Field Area/ south of the lake).

Volunteer to Distribute Produce

Join Neighborhood House / Wellstone Foundation for a meaningful, direct-service opportunity.  Volunteers will work outside at one of four St. Paul locations helping to distribute up to 15,000 pounds of fresh fruit, vegetables, and other vital food items directly to families in need.

The future calls for Smart Cities with Smart Grids, says April speaker

Dr. Massoud Amin, professor of electrical and computer engineering and director of the Technological Leadership Institute at the U of M, was both entertaining and enlightening about a very serious topic—the expanding demands on our electric grid and an aging infrastructure that can’t be expected to cope. 

Jan Hogan recognized by the University Foundation for her philanthropy and charitable giving strategy

Professor emeritus Jan Hogan, Ph.D., devoted her academic career to studying family economics to promote and support healthy, happy families. Through her fellowship for graduate students, she has inspired another generation of students devoted to similar work at the University of Minnesota. Hogan’s giving to the U has allowed students the opportunity to pursue their interests while also supporting the future of her academic passion. 

‘Journal of Opinions, Ideas, and Essays’ welcomes new leader, Bud Clawson

Last month the UMRA Board named Bud Clawson, professor emeritus of pediatrics, to serve as editor-in-chief of the JOIE project. Bud has published in JOIE and has the breadth of interests and experience essential to the continuing development of the JOIE program.