The University of Minnesota Retirees Association (UMRA) is dedicated to connecting U of M retirees in lifelong, mutual support of the University and each other. Membership is open to all faculty, civil service, P&A, and bargaining unit retirees from all U of M campuses and their spouses or partners.

Incorporated in 1978, UMRA has served, supported, and advocated for the interests of the University for more than 40 years.

By the numbers

• Nearly 600. The number of UMRA members as of March 2019. 
o 235 faculty
o 213 staff
o 147 spouses and partners 

• 8. The number of monthly programs UMRA hosts annually. Programs typically begin with a luncheon or reception and include a featured speaker plus a workshop on the theme of living well in later life. Excellent programming has been a hallmark of UMRA since its inception. 

• 100–150 members and guests. The typical monthly program attendance. 

• $23.2 million. The total amount contributed (FY12–FY18) by current UMRA members to 
the U’s ongoing “Driven” campaign. 

• $5,000. Grants of up to $5,000 each are available to U of M retirees through the 
competitive Professional Development Grants for Retirees program, administered by 
UMRA and the Office of the Vice President for Research. 

• 8. The number of newsletters UMRA publishes annually (September–May) and 
distributes by mail and online at umra.umn.edu/newsletters. 
Programs 
In addition to its eight monthly programs, UMRA offers a variety of group activities, including: 


Programs 


In addition to its eight monthly programs, UMRA offers a variety of group activities, including:

• Armchair Traveler
• Book Club
• UMRA Cares
• Financial and Legal Issues Group
• Journal for Opinions, Ideas, and Essays
• Photo Club
• Social Activities
• Volunteer Opportunities

Designated UMRA board liaisons attend and report on the activities of the Board of Regents, the Alumni Association, the Senate Committee on Faculty Affairs, the Benefits Advisory Committee, the University Retiree Volunteer Center, and the Campus Club.