From the President Archives
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January and February tend to be quieter months for many of us, but I encourage you to find one more way to learn, serve, and connect through UMRA. It will add to your engagement in life.
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Alone and lonely—similar words, different concepts. We may live alone due to choice or circumstance, but not feel lonely. Or, we can feel lonely while surrounded by a crowd or even family. UMRA provides a variety of opportunities for meaningful interactions with people. Let us know if there is more we can do.
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UMRA provides opportunities in abundance to learn, serve, and connect. And if you want to help make UMRA activities happen, we welcome your participation. This is a volunteer-run organization. If someone doesn’t volunteer to do it, it doesn’t happen.
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UMRA members find many ways to connect with each other, from serving on committees and as representatives or liaisons to University activities, to participating in interest groups and learning something new from our living well workshops and luncheon forums. This month’s workshop is of particular interest because of some significant changes ahead in retiree health insurance options.
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It’s an exciting new year for UMRA. We are especially honored that University of Minnesota President Rebecca Cunningham has agreed to be our guest this fall, to share her vision and priorities as the 18th president of the University of Minnesota.
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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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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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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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Living longer means many of us can contribute for a longer time to causes and groups that are important to us—like the University of Minnesota.
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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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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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We’ve all contributed to the betterment of the University of Minnesota during our working careers. We can continue to make meaningful contributions during our retirement years.
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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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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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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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