Make a difference—Share the vision
Making a difference—Share the vision of the U’s cross-disciplinary work in addressing world problems
Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Karen Hanson spoke at the UMRA Luncheon in February; she described the development of the Grand Challenges Research Strategies, designed to build clusters of cross-disciplinary researchers to attack really big world problems.
The strategy was, and is, to identify challenges about which the U of M faculty have considerable strength, and, by working together, can contribute considerable knowledge.
Provost Hanson enthusiastically embraces the idea that cross-disciplinary work is necessary if we are to make a difference in the world. She looks forward to encouraging faculty to participate in producing some quick wins in each of the five major categories: Assuring clean water and sustainable ecosystems; Feeding the world sustainably; Advancing health through tailored solutions; Enhancing individual and community capacity for a changing world; and Fostering just and equitable communities.
Addressing the question: what role can retirees play in the success of the strategic plan, she suggested “reciprocal engagement.” We, as retirees, can be champions for the plan with our colleagues, our community, and the Legislature. We can share the vision with people we know in local private companies. She emphasized that communication about the work at the U of M is every bit as important as the research itself. The Grand Challenges arise out of a changing state, nation, and world. The considerable experience and wisdom that is shared among retirees can be extremely valuable in supporting the ongoing contributions of the U.
— Jean Kinsey, UMRA President
News
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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.
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.
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.
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: