UMRA dues will increase in 2024
We’ve all been feeling the effects of inflation, and UMRA is no exception. We’re paying more for everything—printing, venue fees, and a variety of other goods and services. UMRA last raised its dues in 2018. Today, just to keep up with inflation, our current $30 single rate would be $37.24, and our $40 couples rate would be $49.65.
In addition, UMRA is preparing to host the 2026 Big Ten Retirees Association Conference, an event which will cost more than $20,000. While we hope to obtain external funding to cover a portion of the expense, UMRA will still have to pay a substantial amount.
Thus, the UMRA Board has voted to set our single dues rate in 2024–25 at $40 annually and the dual (formerly couples) rate at $60. We decided that it would be preferable to set a rate that anticipates future inflation, so that we can keep our increases infrequent and our reserves strong.
At the same time, we pledge to continue to provide the engaging array of learning opportunities and social events that makes UMRA membership a great value.
—Eric Hockert, UMRA president
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.
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.
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.
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: