From the President Archives
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I thoroughly enjoyed this past year as UMRA president, and I’d like to recognize and thank all of you for being a part of our community of retirees and all of our leaders who provided activities and support for our 900-plus members.
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2024-04: Working to increase our connections with the U
I’d like to highlight a few areas where UMRA is working to increase our connections with and support for the University. If you are interested in being part of these exciting activities or have ideas for new initiatives, I’d love to talk with you and hear your thoughts.
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2024-03: $37,603,316
The amount of giving to the University of Minnesota by UMRA members shows that we are a force for good in the world. The University is a better place because we are here and because we care enough to give back.
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2024-01: Do we serve others?
In my previous articles I’ve discussed the ways we engage and serve each other as UMRA members, and the ways we engage and serve the University. But what about the communities where we live? How might we find joy and fulfillment in serving others outside the University?
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2024-01: Do we serve others?
In my previous articles I’ve discussed the ways we engage and serve each other as UMRA members, and the ways we engage and serve the University. But what about the communities where we live? How might we find joy and fulfillment in serving others outside the University?
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2023-10: Are you engaged?
Are you engaged with all UMRA has to offer? Are you and your friends finding value in UMRA’s many activities, social events, forums, living well workshops, interest groups, and opportunities to serve in leadership and volunteer roles?
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2023-09: A path to happiness
There are many paths to happiness. Examples include positive social relationships, service to others, and physical and intellectual exercise. I invite you to take part in some or all of what UMRA has to offer to help you lead a more fulfilling and happy life.
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2023-05: UMRA in full
Gratitude is one of the nicest emotions, and as I write this, my last column as UMRA president, I’m feeling a wave of it. Many volunteers are needed to keep UMRA growing, and I am grateful to them all.
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2023-04: Introducing the Silver Gopher Service Corps
UMRA members are great volunteers. We know from conversations and surveys that UMRA folks, as individuals, are volunteering in many places. But, up to this point, we haven’t done a lot of service projects as an organization. I think we should.
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2023-03: On being new
UMRA members are generally a pleasant and congenial lot, but we are working to become more welcoming. And if you are a newcomer, I’d like to extend a special invitation to you to our March luncheon and forum, which will be held at the Midland Hills Country Club in Roseville. Please come a half hour early for a newcomers’ reception.
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2023-02: Getting involved in UMRA
We know that people are most likely to get involved in something when they’re invited. So, consider this your invitation! Organizations do best when they have a mix of long-term members and newer people doing the work.
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2023-01: A spring experiment
The UMRA Board has decided to experiment with an alternative venue for our spring 2023 in-person luncheon forums.
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2022-11: We are not alone
Higher education institutions across the country have retiree organizations. We generally find a convergence in mission but many differences in organization and programs. It's fun and instructive to compare notes with the other associations.
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