Hello, my name is Susan Kubitschek
Hometown: I was born in Sauk Centre, Minnesota, and raised in Belgrade, Minnesota.
When did you become a member of UMRA? Just three years ago when I retired after 40 years at the University of Minnesota.
What was your very first job? I worked at the local department store in Belgrade before I left for the U.S. Army. I was trained in Alabama, then Fort Sam Houston, Texas, and Fort Lewis, Washington. I then returned to Minnesota and attended the U of M on the G.I. Bill.
What was your occupation when you retired from FT work? Assistant dean and director of Collegiate Life in the College of Science and Engineering (CSE).
How is collegiate life different today from the years you worked in student services? University of Minnesota student support services have grown exponentially, from the admissions process and recruiting to the dedicated work to secure more scholarships for our students; and the enhancement and growth of academic advising and career services has so improved retention and graduation rates in our college. A focus in creating the WISE (Women in Science and Engineering) program, supported by Medtronic, was recognized nationally by the Society of Women Engineers. Other great opportunities for today’s students include the growth of international study abroad, intern abroad, and research through the curriculum integration project spearheaded by the Learning Abroad Center and strongly supported by the CSE.
Do you have a favorite place on campus? My favorite place is the Northrop Mall—the beautiful green space and buildings—and my favorite events are Convocation, Gopher football games, and Commencement.
What is a fun fact about you we might not know? We (my husband of 40 years, Tom Kubitschek, and I) were in Cooperstown, New York, when our godson, Joe Mauer, was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in July.
What is something you currently enjoy doing with your time? Tom and I have moved to our lake home in Pine City and enjoy all Minnesota lake living has to offer. We also serve on the board of directors of our lake association. We have three granddaughters who give us total joy and are true blessings in our lives. I also love to garden, volunteer, and socialize.
News
On December 7, many of us will lose our UMN email addresses and any files associated with these accounts. There are three basic things we need to do to prepare.
UMRA member Susan Kubitschek attended the University of Minnesota on the G.I. Bill and, after working at the U for 40 years, retired as assistant dean and director of Collegiate Life in the College of Science and Engineering.
Delegates to the Big Ten Retirees Association 2024 annual conference met at The Ohio State University in July to learn about Ohio State, share ideas, and develop closer ties among the 28 attendees from 12 of the 14 Big Ten schools. Minnesota will host the conference in 2026.
“UMRA members are engaged ‘University citizens’ with decades of experience at every level of this great institution, and we want to have a mutually useful and effective relationship with the Board of Regents,” says John Finnegan, UMRA’s new liaison to the regents.
UMRA member Mike Austin is taking full advantage of his retirement to volunteer in a variety of activities, travel, and learn a new language. He says, “I have the time, I have the ability, and I get bored sitting around.”
Funding of up to $5,000 per grant is available to support U of M retirees’ research, instructional history, new scholarship, or creative interests.
Members of UMRA’s 2024–25 Board of Directors were elected in May. Directors are elected to three-year terms and may serve two consecutive terms.
Fall is approaching and UMRA needs everyone to renew their membership. New membership cards for 2024–25 include the QR code you need to access one of the great benefits of membership: a discounted rate in University parking facilities.