Membership matters
Virtually every study that examines factors contributing to longevity identifies social connections as a key factor. And just recently, I read about a large-scale study that found social connections enhance happiness, too.
The study—“Everything is Better Together”—was published in the journal Social Psychological and Personality Science and reported in The Washington Post.
Belonging to a group, a pack, a tribe, or a community helps us to live longer and be happier. I hope you belong to several, and I hope that you see UMRA as one of those that you find enjoyable. If you haven’t been very involved with UMRA, I invite you to check out some of the ways UMRA can help you connect. Go to a monthly breakfast and chat about an interesting topic. Or try out a special interest group such as the Photo Club, or the Hiking Club. Volunteer for a Silver Gopher Service Corps project, or help out with UMRA, itself.
It was volunteering for an UMRA project that got me really connected with people in the organization. I was asked to help out with a survey for the Program Committee, and that led to my joining the committee, and eventually becoming president of UMRA. Along the way, I got to meet a bunch of interesting new people and to feel like I was serving a purpose (another key factor in longevity). And I’ve had a good time. I wouldn’t have done it if it wasn’t fun!
So, take the plunge and try out a little more of UMRA’s rich array of activities. I’m betting that you’ll be glad you did. And if your membership has lapsed, please log in to the UMRA member portal at umra.wildapricot.org > My Profile and renew for 2025–26.
If you have questions about membership and renewing, drop me a note at [email protected]. I’d be happy to connect with you.
—Ron Matross. UMRA Membership and Communication Committee chair
News
The election of UMRA officers and board members for 2026-27 will be held online from Monday, May 11, through Sunday, May 17, with the results to be announced at UMRA’s 2026 Annual Meeting and Luncheon Forum on Tuesday, May 19. Nanette Hanks, nominated to become UMRA's next president-elect, tops the slate of candidates approved by the current Board of Directors during its meeting on Monday, March 23.
Proposed changes to the UMRA Bylaws will be on this year’s election ballot along with the nominees for officers and directors. The updates to the bylaws were drafted in response to changes proposed by the Nominating Committee and Membership and Communication Committee, and were approved by UMRA’s Board of Directors in November 2025.
Meet UMRA member Mike Amidon, whose career in computers and information technology spans the years when the Gopher system was developed at the U of M and then quickly eclipsed by the World Wide Web. Remember the days before the internet?
In partnership with Vice Provost for Faculty and Academic Affairs Beth Lewis, UMRA has been helping current University faculty members to decide whether and when to retire. It’s an experience only actual retirees can truly share.
If getting to know more retiree colleagues and serving the University community were among your goals in joining UMRA, sign up for one of the Silver Gopher Service Corps volunteer projects and come for the fun—and teamwork!
Northrop Organist Greg Zelek will team up with the University Singers, led by U of M professor and director of choral activities Matthew Mehaffey, for a can’t-miss concert blending choral and organ works at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 29. Northrop is offering UMRA members a 20% discount on tickets.
The SparkPath Young Authors Conference (YAC) program gives 4th- to 8th-grade students the opportunity to learn from professionals with actual writing experience. The University Retirees Volunteer Center is seeking volunteers to assist with several conferences to be held at Bethel University in St. Paul in May.
Plans are well underway for UMRA to host the 2026 Big Ten Retirees Association Conference this July on the Twin Cities campus in Minneapolis. There are a few, limited volunteer opportunities that may be of interest to you.
Do you remember when “Driven to Discover” was new? Do you know what is taking its place? For the answers to these and similar questions you may have, join UMRA’s Campus Conversation with Chris Gade, U of M vice president for marketing communications, on Tuesday, April 7.