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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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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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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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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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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The UMRA Board has decided to experiment with an alternative venue for our spring 2023 in-person luncheon forums.
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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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