News

From the President   

Eric Hockert
FROM THE PRESIDENT

2023-11: Can we do more for the University? Should we do more?

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. More...

 

News   

UMRA November 2023 forum, with Maggie Towle, Jerry Rinehart, Calvin Phillips
FORUM

Food insecurity, mental health, and freedom of speech top the list of student concerns today

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There are just over 30,000 undergraduates today at the U of M, and in some ways the campuses are more or less back to normal post-pandemic. But more than one-third of all students report some degree of food insecurity, and mental health challenges are increasing. More...

Screenshot from November 2023 UMRA workshop on PDGR awards.
LIVING WELL WORKSHOP

Exploring important issues

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Bugs, human rights, and children’s tantrums. What do these have in common? University of Minnesota retirees received awards from UMRA’s Professional Development Grants for Retirees program to continue their work in these fields. More...

Strongmen, Mussolini to the Present, book cover
BOOK CLUB I

Book Notes | ‘Strongmen from Mussolini to the Present’

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The topic covered by this well-researched and carefully documented history is depressing but very important as the battle between democracy and autocracy continues around the world today. More...

FINANCE AND LEGAL GROUP

Estate Planning

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Overview of all your important financial decisions from taxes to trusts and health care directives. More...

Regent Mary Davenport with UMRA members October 2023
EVENT SUMMARY

Meeting with Presidential Search Advisory Committee chair was candid and cordial

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Regent Mary Davenport, chair of the U of M Presidential Search Advisory Committee, met with members of UMRA on October 20 to share information about the search process and invite input regarding the qualities that are essential to a good president. More...

BlueCross Blue Shield of Minnesota 2023
LIVING WELL WORKSHOP

Understanding Medicare and the retiree health insurance plans offered by the University

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Open Enrollment for the University’s health insurance plans for next year is November 1–30. Those who already have University plans can continue with those plans, switch to other University plans, or leave the University plans. However, if you leave the University’s plans, you cannot return. More...

NEWS

FY23 Financial Report shows UMRA's overall financial status is good

In my first year as treasurer for UMRA, I learned a lot. It was a year of change as we grappled with issues of venue for the luncheon forums, and trying to determine the best possible ways to reach our members and offer the most value.

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Ann Nordby with son Erik Lucas and daughter Caroline Lucas in Oslo 2019.
NEWS

Hello, my name is Ann Nordby

UMRA member Ann Nordby’s first job, at age 15, was in the Sears catalog department, fulfilling orders arriving via the vacuum tubes lining the walls. Today, among many interests, she coaches high school students on how to write effective college application essays.

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Scott Elton, Habitat for Humanity volunteer. Photo by Dennis Chick.
VOLUNTEER CENTER

Variety and flexibility suit him

UMRA member Scott Elton started volunteering with Habitat for Humanity eight years before he retired from the University in 2016. Photo by Dennis Chick.

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Jean Kinsey and Frank Busta, UMN Homecoming 2023. Photo by Carly Danek.
NEWS

Homes: Leaving the old, starting anew

Leaving one’s longtime home is both emotionally draining and exciting. But the catharsis of right-sizing your belongings, and saving and relocating just the right things, brings a new kind of freedom that makes the transition exciting.

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UMRA logo
NEWS

New Membership and Communication Committee

UMRA has formed a new Membership and Communication Committee, replacing the Membership Committee and the Communication and Outreach Committee. 

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Tips and Tricks
NEWS

Cyber tips & tricks--Protecting your cyber identity

Cybersecurity is a pervasive concern.  And the recent “data incident” where a hacker obtained the personal information of past UMN employees and students raises the specter again for UMRA members.  What can we do to protect against potential identity theft resulting from the stolen data?

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FAMILY HISTORY

Growing up Revell

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This Family Reunion Project is about sharing family stories and learning about surprising family connections. I asked everyone to write an essay, prior to coming, about growing up in the Revell family.  The compilation of essays from three generations that was distributed at the reunion has become a family keepsake. More...

UMRA President-elect Julie Sweitzer with U of M Regents Mary Turner and Penny Wheeler, 2023.10.04
EVENTS

Getting to know the U of M regents and what they do

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U of M Regents Mary Turner and Penny Wheeler provided an engaging and personal exchange about their roles as new members of the University of Minnesota Board of Regents during UMRA’s special forum on October 4. More...

 

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