From the President Archives
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All good things come to an end, and my term as president of UMRA is nearly over. It has been a pleasure to serve as your president, and I look forward to continuing to volunteer in various roles.
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2025-04: Intriguing questions about UMRA’s relationship with the University
The last year has raised intriguing questions about UMRA’s relationship with the University of Minnesota. Some of us questioned whether the University perceived any value in retirees when our access to email, Google workspace, Zoom, and library privileges were cut off. On the other hand, President Rebecca Cunningham asserted the value of UMRA, and expressed gratitude for the contributions of retirees when she spoke at our October 2024 luncheon forum.
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2025-03: I have seen the future regents, and the future looks good.
On February 4, I attended a public forum at the Capitol hosted by U of M Alumni Association in early February to present 14 candidates shortlisted for four open seats on the Board of Regents. The candidates ranged from the recent U of M interim president to an impressive array of four graduate students.
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2025-01: Providing opportunities for meaningful interactions with people
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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2024-11: Living our Mission Statement
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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2024-10: Opportunities to connect, serve, and learn
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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2024-09: Welcome to an exciting new year
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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2024-05: Thank you to everyone
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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