Science with Jane Phillips
While opportunities to volunteer through the University Retirees Volunteer Center (URVC) are suspended because of the coronavirus, we would like to offer a testimonial on the benefits of volunteering, to both recipients and volunteers. — Randi Lundell, volunteer officer manager, URVC
Science with Jane Phillips
When I retired in 2015, I decided to volunteer at the nearby care center where my parents spent their final days. I was so impressed with the vitality of the center and wanted to contribute to it. Shortly after starting and doing various tasks, I noticed there were many programs in art and music, but few in science.
Being the geek that I am, I asked if I could introduce some science programs to help the residents with life-long learning — and having fun with science. They said, Yes!
I knew I could count on the College of Biological Sciences Instructional Labs to help me with equipment and specimens because, as the coordinator of those labs for 25 years, I had encouraged CBS to contribute to science programs for K-12 students and teachers.
So, what do we do in these programs at the care center? Everything! The residents are amazing. We have isolated DNA from strawberries; looked at our cells; made models of the solar system; studied seashells, trees, the brain, genetics, the heart, the ear, the brain, sex determination in animals, tectonic plates, and more.
Having spent my 40-year career entertaining undergraduates with the wonders of science, I now have a second career — entertaining seniors! But no exams.
News
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.
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.
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.
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: