The retirees who serve on the Leadership Council of the University Retirees Volunteer Center (URVC) clearly believe that volunteering contributes to individual and community health and well-being. 

“My parents demonstrated that volunteering is a way of life, from taking meals to neighbors dealing with illness or grief, to looking for ways to help those struggling in school or church,” says Sally Gregory Kohlstedt. “Life without that sense of connection and responsibility would seem to me quite empty. With it, my life is filled with friendships, evidence of stronger communities, and, indeed, more joy.”

Andy Phelan agrees: “Volunteering counters the isolated, siloed forces in today's society and fosters a sense that we are all in this together.” 

URVC acts as a referral center to match and provide volunteer opportunities within both the University and the Twin Cities at large.

For Deanne Magnuson, volunteering at the University “provides continued connection to the research, teaching, and service mission of the University, as well as connection to faculty and staff colleagues, former and current students, their families and friends.”

Scott Elton loves learning about the goals of the various research projects [at the University] that he has been a part of, and says he has found “the researchers to be greatly appreciative.” He also says, “Being part of the excitement at Admissions’ new student events is simply wonderful. I especially enjoy interacting with parents who, you can tell, are proud their kid is here.”

Jeanne Jacobson works with pre-college age students through the Reader/Writer program and History Day, and says she enjoys “staying in touch with the students while doing volunteer projects with them.” 

Immeasurable impact

Terry Smith finds joy in aligning his interests and abilities with community needs: “I participate in the River Valley Riders program in Afton. It provides a supportive community for those with special needs to connect with horses and experience life-changing benefits.” 

David Hunter regularly delivers meals and assists older adults in the Twin Cities. “It gives me great pleasure to be able to reach out to all with a welcoming greeting,” he says.

Kristy Frost-Griep, who serves as treasurer for both UMRA and URVC, feels “the value of volunteer work is significantly under-reported and undervalued.” Yet, she goes on to say, “The impact of volunteering is immeasurable. And being part of a group working together is extremely rewarding, particularly since, after retirement, work no longer provides that.” 

Don Lifto notes that there can be barriers to delivering needed help, including “rules and regulations, red tape, and overly complex application and eligibility requirements. [But] building a foundation of trust opens doors so help can be delivered to those who need it.”

Likewise, Michelle Trudeau-Spanjers says, “We can try to counteract some of the financial cutbacks that are being made by offering our time to those areas of need. I don’t think many people have yet to feel cuts to federal programs, but they will soon.” 

Council Chair Jerry Rinehart, who asked members to provide their perspectives, says, “Volunteering with URVC is an excellent way to follow your passion, pursue your interests, and advocate for the University and its mission.”

Visit urvc.umn.edu to learn more about volunteering through URVC. Many opportunities are available.

—Peggy Mann Rinehart