Hello, my name is Brad Clary
Hometown: Richmond, Virginia
When did you join UMRA? As I recall, I became a member of UMRA in 2020.
What was your very first job? My first paying job was in high school as a clerk/messenger on the staff of a local law firm, where I eventually, many years later, became a partner.
What was your occupation when you retired from FT work? I was a clinical professor of law in the U of M Law School. I joined the Law School full time in 1999 after teaching as an adjunct for many years. I liked law practice, and loved teaching.
You took up tae kwon do in midlife, earned your black belt two years ago, and have said that it helped to make you a better teacher. How? I originally went to the tae kwon do class as a father-son activity. I kept going because it helps continuous improvement in patience, focus, perseverance, and balance. These are all good things for teachers.
You were honored with several distinctions during your career, for outstanding contributions to teaching and legal writing. What did you learn from your students? I learned to meet students where they are.
What is something you currently enjoy doing with your time? I enjoy travel, chess, bridge, and sailing.
Do you have a favorite place on the U of M campus? I think my favorite place on campus is the mall in front of Northrop. That is such a beautiful spot, especially when the weather is sunny and pleasant.
News
The election of UMRA officers and new board members for 2024–25 will be conducted via an online poll from May 13 to 19, with the results to be announced at our annual meeting on May 21. Look for the ballot in your email inbox on May 13. Diane Young has been nominated to be president-elect.
“I convinced myself I could handle this problem without support groups or doing additional research, but that’s only because I didn’t want to make it any more real than it already was. Denial comes in many forms, and one is to avoid thinking about the problem any more than need be.” —Alice A. Larson
Meet UMRA member Peter Moe. He retired in 2023 after a career that spanned nearly half a century at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, and is credited with developing the “Arb” into one of the few in the U.S. with world-class fruit and landscape breeding programs.
The University Retirees Volunteer Center (URVC) has welcomed two new members with valuable skills and experience to the URVC Leadership Council: Lynn Slifer and Jeanne Jacobson.
The University plans to remove retirees from the @umn.edu internet identity domain on December 7. UMRA has advocated for ensuring continued access to this identity (including email, Google Workspace, and associated services), citing University retirees’ enduring contributions to and engagement with the University. Thus far, our efforts have not prompted any change of plans.
Leading the online Journal of Opinions, Ideas & Essays has been a labor of love for Kris Bettin. Alas, a change in family needs has necessitated her retirement. So, JOIE is seeking a new leader to join a savvy editorial committee of five and bring fresh ideas for continued development of the UMRA-sponsored journal.
If you’re looking for an opportunity to explore your photographic interests, hone your photographic skills, and hear what other retirees are up to, the UMRA Photo Club is a great place to be. We have fun! And whatever your skill level, there is room for everybody.
Soon you will receive an email or letter inviting you to renew your UMRA membership for the 2024–25 year. Please renew before you get busy with your summer activities. Your support helps to make our programs and many other member benefits possible!
This will be a new regular column where you can find organizational tasks that need your help! We are currently looking for help researching a new UMRA Membership Database and URVC volunteer database, and a co-producer for UMRA's Zoom webinars. See more details: