UMRA hosted delegates from 14 of the 18 schools in the Big Ten for the 2026 Big Ten Retirees Association conference in July. Representing the University of Michigan were Al Hermsen, and Susan and Patrick Shields. It was something of a homecoming for Susan and Patrick, who both worked in development at the University of Minnesota before moving to Ann Arbor for positions at the University of Michigan. We invited them to share a few of the key takeaways from this year's conference. 

It was the perfect collaboration. Fantastic UMRA hosts, engaging speakers and fellow participants, a beautiful campus, and lovely Minnesota weather made for a memorable and productive Big Ten Retirees Association meeting at the University of Minnesota. Thanks to the UMRA planning committee, board members and volunteers, the three-day conference was terrific from start to finish. 

Research and insights shared by UMN faculty and other presenters were insightful and relevant to retirees organizations. As attendees, we also appreciated the ample opportunities to chat with fellow retirees association leaders about commonalities and challenges, and to explore different approaches to serving our constituencies. 

The social highlight was the river cruise aboard the Minneapolis Queen, with the striking campus and Minneapolis skylines providing wonderful views. 

It was great to introduce our Michigan colleague, Al Hermsen, to the university where we had worked for well over a decade. The cherry on the top for the two of us, as former UMN employees, was learning that we qualify for membership in Minnesota’s UMRA, as well as Michigan’s!

—Susan and Patrick Shields, University of Michigan Retirees Association (the other UMRA)

Note: Eligibility for membership in the University of Minnesota Retirees Association includes individuals who were previously employed by the University for at least three years.