Morris Campus Retirees Meeting
Thu, Sep 11, 2025, 4 - 5:30pm
Come to the September 11th meeting of the Morris Campus Retirees and learn about the UMM Archives Oral History collection and a current project led by Librarian Naomi Skulan and Historian Emily Bruce and funded by the Institute of Advanced Studies (IAS). This IAS project focused on
- the History of Main Street Business in West Central Minnesota and
- the Rural Youth Culture of the 1950s and 1960s.
Presenters Stephen Gross (Archivist), Naomi Skulan (Librarian), and Mary Klauda (alumna) will also include various other facets of UMM Archives’ oral history projects, including contributions made by the Alumni in the Archives summer participants.
Following the presentation and in recognition of the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the field near Shanksville, PA on September 11, 2001, when nearly 3,000 people lost their lives, Morris campus retirees will have a chance to recall what they were doing and how they were feeling when the attacks occurred.
Agenda
September 11 Zoom Meeting of Morris Campus Retirees
Zoom meeting link: https://umn.zoom.us/j/99390990551?pwd=cnFCU3NkZEJFcVZqSTgxbk1XRlRSQT09
Greetings
Introduction of LeAnn Dean, Past Librarian, Morris Campus Retiree, who will introduce the speakers. UMM Oral History Project Presentation: Ms. Naomi Skulan, Librarian, Dr. Stephen Gross, Archivist, Ms. Mary Klauda, UMM Alumnae
Morris Campus Retirees Remember 9/11: What do you remember?
Announcements
- Thank you to the Morris Campus Retirees Advisory Board, consisting of Brenda Boever, Jenny Nellis, and LeAnn Dean.
- Jenny Nellis, Professor Emerita of Studio Art, Treasurer Report and Donation to SAGE.
- Morris Campus Retirees Meeting on November 20, 4-5:30 PM CT: Update on Native American Boarding School Research at Morris.
- UMRA provides funding up to $7,500 for UMN retirees to continue their scholarship or to pursue new projects. The application instructions and eligibility are found on the UMRA website (umra.umn.edu/grants-retirees). Applicants do NOT need to be UMRA members.
- Do you have an idea for a future meeting?
If time permits, updates on everyone’s life.
Closing: Best wishes to everyone and see you in November.
Zoom Master for the Meeting: Vicky Demos
Contact information: [email protected]; Phone 410-251-7726
Upcoming Events
"Monuments" is the theme for the September meeting of the UMRA Photo Club.
UMRA member Mike Amidon, president of the Minnesota Genealogical Society in Mendota Heights, will provide a brief overview of the society, the library, and the many volunteers who help maintain it, when UMRA’s Family History Interest Group meets on Wednesday, September 9.
Bev Moe leads a hike around Lake of the Isles in Minneapolis with a social gathering afterwards at Isles Bun & Coffee.
Gather with UMRA members in the Campus Club West Wing to share lunch and conversation. No agenda.
Older adults often have difficulty with sleep. Our goal for this informal discussion is to share with each other helpful routines and strategies. Our resource person will be sleep specialist Marcel Hungs, MD, PhD.
UMRA Book Club I will discuss The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry when it meets via Zoom at 2 p.m. on Friday, September 18. The day’s discussion leader will be Judy Helgen.
Critical issues facing detained immigrants and their families will be discussed.
UMRA’s September Living Well Workshop will feature Carol Bradford, MD, MS, FACS, interim dean of the University of Minnesota Medical School and interim executive vice president for Health Affairs. She is an internationally recognized cancer surgeon-scientist who also brings considerable leadership and administrative experience.
We'll visit with Marla Spivak, MacArthur Fellow and Emeritus Professor of Entomology and Dr. Katie Lee
A 1978 short story collection by American author John Cheever.
Professor Arun Saldanha, the featured speaker for the first luncheon forum of UMRA’s 2026–27 program year, will examine how tourism has evolved in an era shaped by pandemics, climate concerns, and changing global realities; and encourage us to think about what it means to be thoughtful, responsible, and curious travelers.
The architecture in Iceland is as spare as the culture -- honest and simple.
Michelle Trudeau-Spanjers leads the hike at William O'Brien State Park.
Topics include longevity, distributions, long term care, Social Security, and comprehensive planning.
The theme for October is "Hands."
UMRA’s second “Campus Conversation” with a University leader will offer UMRA members an exclusive opportunity to meet with John Morris, president and CEO of the University of Minnesota Foundation. The focus of the conversation will be the role of the foundation and its relationship to retirees.
UMRA’s Book Club I will discuss the historical fiction novel The Mystery of Mrs. Christie by Marie Benedict when it meets via Zoom at 2 p.m. on Friday, October 16.
Jon C leads the hike at Nerstrand Big Woods with lunch afterwards.
** PROGRAM CANCELLED ** New program topic is forthcoming
Michael Osterholm is a well-known epidemiologist, author, and public commentator with particular expertise on infectious diseases and vaccines. His conversation with us via Zoom will address current major public health outbreaks around the world, as well as the importance of preparedness for future pandemics.
Gather with UMRA members in the Campus Club West Wing to share lunch and conversation. No agenda.
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Discuss long term care options with Fred Andersen.
Chris Coleman, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity president and CEO and a two time alumnus of the University of Minnesota, will provide a deep dive for UMRA’s October 27 luncheon forum into how Habitat creates, preserves, and promotes affordable homeownership for low-income households.
Bob & Jean Hall and Andy Whitman, participants.
The theme for November is "Pathways and roadways"
UMRA’s Cabinets of Curiosity tour will offer an insider's look into the important work happening at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center. We will enjoy a walking tour through patient exam rooms, student learning areas, and clinical/surgery suites, highlighting how faculty experts and student veterinarians collaborate to deliver life-saving care.
Gift planning strategies and ideas for impactful tax-efficient gifts to accomplish your goals.
Gather with UMRA members in the Campus Club West Wing to share lunch and conversation. No agenda.
The Feather Detective: Mystery, Mayhem, and the Magnificent Life of Roxie Laybourne by Chris Sweeney.
Consult with a tax professional to come up with a financial plan well before year end.