The University Retirees Volunteer Center (URVC) Leadership Council has elected two new members and re-elected four for second, three-year terms. 

New member Don Lifto earned his PhD at the U of M in educational administration and policy. He joins the council after a 33-year career as a public school teacher, principal, and superintendent in Minnesota. He is the author of three books on referendum planning and school tax elections, has published more than 20 articles on planning and survey research, and continues to consult with school districts and cities. His volunteer work has included serving on three 501(c)(3) foundation boards, and he is currently a volunteer ambassador for the Roseville-based Every Meal program, one of the community volunteer opportunities supported by URVC.   

Scott Elton, also a new member of the council, retired in 2016 from the U of M’s College of Liberal Arts, where he served as a key executive in the dean’s office involved in college operations, finance, space, and facility planning. Elton is a founding member and active participant in UMRA’s Silver Gopher Service Corps. His community activities include serving with Habitat for Humanity, the Kenny Neighborhood Association, Bethlehem Lutheran Church Twin Cities, Minneapolis Community Emergency Services, and as a Minneapolis election judge. Previously, Elton worked at the U of M in both the School of Journalism & Mass Communication and University Relations. He began his career as a radio news reporter and producer.

Re-elected for second three-year terms are Deanne Magnusson, Andrew Phelan, Terry Smith, and Michelle Trudeau-Spanjers. They join continuing members David Hunter, Jeanne Jacobson, Leslie Koidahl, Lynn Slifer, and ex-officio Treasurer Kristy Frost-Griep to complete the URVC Leadership Council roster for FY26.

Please visit urvc.umn.edu to learn about volunteering through URVC. Many opportunities are available.

—Jerry Rinehart, URVC Leadership Council chair