News & Events Archives

Future City Competition needs Volunteer Mentors for: “The Power of Public Space”

The Power of Public Space is the theme for a middle school engineering program for a regional competition sponsored by Success Beyond the Classroom. The University Retirees Volunteer Center seeks technical professionals to be mentors. You would meet a student team at a middle school weekly until January, providing advice, guidance, and technical assistance.

2016-2017 PDGR Abstracts

On February 25, 2016, a committee of retirees, appointed by Frances Lawrenz, Associate Vice President of Research, reviewed and recommended 11 of 12 applications for Professional Development Grants for Retirees.  On March 1, Brian Herman, Vice President for Research, announced the recipients for the 2016-2017 Professional Development Grant for Retirees.

Photo Club meets in new location in fall 2016

The UMRA Photo Club welcomes photographers of all abilities. Most of us are struggling amateurs who like to take pictures and want to get better. We benefit from the kind help we get from each other.

A buffet of fall volunteer projects

The University Retirees Volunteer Center’s guiding principle is to provide a diversity of opportunities to meet the wide range of your interests. Here is a selection for the current season. Contact [email protected] for more information and your registration.

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.

Member survey results aid leadership retreat discussions over the summer

The survey was designed by the planning committee for the August Board and Committee Chair Retreat. The information helped inform the discussion about UMRA’s future. Thirty-five percent of our membership responded to the survey. Thanks to everyone who participated.

Help the Cares Committee start a new book group

Here is a list of some new interesting books published this year on health and aging. Check your local library or bookseller for these references. After your read, please send us a one- or two-paragraph summary along with the author, title, and publisher to share with UMRA members.

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.