An exceptional postlude to a long career
David Hunter, M.D., retired University of Minnesota Medical School professor and interventional radiologist, typically volunteers more than 200 hours annually by participating in University Retirees Volunteer Center (URVC) opportunities, including Help at Your Door and Academic Integrity Matters (AIM), and various University research studies. His current volunteering also includes serving as treasurer of the URVC Management Committee.
“I do it because it makes me feel good, “Hunter said when asked why he volunteers. In particular, “Being an AIM volunteer has been an exceptional postlude to a long career. It has given me much greater insight into the human experience.”
Upon his retirement, Hunter and his partner, Janet Legler, decided to focus their volunteer efforts on projects representing a societal need, such as education and physical or mental health, and where “we feel we can help make a difference,” he said.
Before Hunter decided to apply to attend the U of M Medical School, where his father was a cardiothoracic surgeon, he was enrolled in a University of California San Diego doctoral program focused on solid-state physics theory. He envisioned himself as a professor in a small college, walking across campus with a pipe in his mouth, dressed in a tweed jacket with leather on the sleeves, on his way to teach students.
Today, in addition to his extensive volunteer work, Hunter enjoys traveling. His upcoming travel adventures include trips to Hawaii, Portugal, and Colorado, along with an annual “bro-cation” with his brothers.
Visit the URVC website or call 612-625-8016 to learn more about the variety of volunteer opportunities available.
—Deanne Magnusson, vice chair and project director, URVC
News
For 2023 grant year, the UMRA PDGR Committee reviewed 10 applications for Professional Development Grants for Retirees. The applications covered a diverse set of topics and goals. The PDGR Committee recommended that nine be funded in April 2023. The recipients represented the Morris and Twin Cities Campus. The awardees and grant abstracts are listed on the 2023 PDGR Abstracts page.
In mid-July, a hacker on the “dark web” claimed they had gained access to University records with more than seven million Social Security numbers. Here’s what you can do if you are concerned about the security of your records and online identity.
Meet UMRA member Paul Ranelli, a man of many talents. His LinkedIn profile identifies him as professor emeritus, Santa Claus, photographer, voice talent, and public address announcer. Funny AND educated!
With this year’s World Series coming up soon, UMRA member Ron Matross is savoring memories of sharing America’s pastime with his son at the old Metrodome in downtown Minneapolis in the 1980s. Those were glory days for the Minnesota Twins.
UMRA members have logged nearly 200 hours of volunteer service to the University and broader community through the Silver Gopher Service Corps since its launch six months ago.
How I learned, this summer, that my great aunt, one of my paternal grandfather’s sister, was included in a fresco at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. As far as I know she is the only relative of mine who is part of a fresco anywhere in the world.
Meet UMRA member Joni Mitchell, no relation to the “other” Joni Mitchell but there is an interesting connection.
Applications for UMRA’s 2024 Professional Development Grants for Retirees competition will be accepted beginning October 1. Funding of up to $5,000 per grant is available.
Sneak Preview Days have been happening at the University for many years. This year, adding 18 UMRA Silver Gopher Service Corps volunteers put a new twist on the welcome. Who better to provide a friendly greeting and lend a helping hand than those of us who have spent our careers at the University?
One of the great benefits that come with UMRA membership is the discounted rate for parking in University parking facilities. Forgotten whether you’ve already renewed your UMRA membership for 2023–24? It’s easy to check online.
Eric Hockert and Ron Matross represented UMRA at the 2023 Big Ten Retirees Association Conference held at UW–Madison in late July. They enjoyed sharing ideas and practices with the other conference attendees, and came away with several ideas worth pursuing.
The UMRA Board has selected Midland Hills Country Club in Roseville as the location for five of our in-person luncheon forums in the coming year, in part because of the high marks those who attended last year’s forums gave the location for its food, service, and easy and free parking.
As retirees, we are all learning to adapt to a world that seems to change on a daily basis. So, the editorial committee of the Journal of Opinions, Ideas & Essays (JOIE) is inviting UMRA members to share their thoughts on resilience via a short essay.