We are excited to announce that the University of Minnesota Retirees Association (UMRA) and the University Retirees Volunteer Center (URVC) have agreed to reconnect as a single organization to broaden and expand volunteer service opportunities for U of M retirees.

A Statement of Reaffiliation, developed by a joint UMRA-URVC Work Team after nine months of discussion and officially signed on April 10, 2022, outlines a reconnection in which URVC will become a center within UMRA, and the URVC Board of Directors will become the Volunteer Center’s Management Committee. 

Our two organizations have a long and productive history. URVC began as a committee within UMRA focused on connecting retirees with volunteer needs in the University and the broader community. As volunteering became increasingly popular among U of M retirees, URVC—with support from the U’s central administration—was established in 1987 as an independent entity. Many dedicated individuals, including Alan Kagan, who has served continuously as a URVC volunteer since its inception, have contributed to URVC’s success over the years in matching the talents and energy of retirees with campus and community needs.

Working more effectively, together
In addition to our historical connections, several factors have led to bringing our organizations back together. First, we often heard that having two groups focused on University retirees was confusing. Second, the UMRA-URVC Work Team concluded in its final report that by working together we can more effectively develop connections with departments on campus and agencies in the community. Third, as part of the University community, we also wanted to signal our alignment with University initiatives to streamline service operations for efficiency and effectiveness. 

Finally, we felt that bringing our two organizations back together would underscore our collaborative commitment to providing U of M retirees with opportunities for social engagement, intellectual stimulation, and service to others. 

Earlier this spring, UMRA President Jan Morlock and U of M Provost Rachel Croson signed a new Memorandum of Understanding between UMRA and the University. The MOU reaffirms the central administration’s support for UMRA and acknowledges UMRA’s partnership with URVC in serving the University’s retirement community. 

Details for the implementation of the UMRA-URVC reaffiliation agreement will be developed during 2022–23. 

—Jan Morlock, UMRA president, and Jerry Rinehart, URVC chair