2025-11 From the President: Opportunities abound throughout the UMRA community

Opportunities to participate in meaningful ways, or to engage in a lead role, or to just have fun abound throughout the UMRA community. 

For example, at the October 9 breakfast discussion about relationships with adult children, sharing our experiences, concerns, and questions was done with a sense of trust, purpose, and community. At the recent Cabinets of Curiosity event, the vibe during the tour of the University Grove homes was enthusiastic and appreciative. Conversations at the lunch following the tour were energetic and thoughtful, with members lingering to enjoy each other’s company. One member on a recent UMRA hike shared that he really likes what UMRA is doing. And to that point, he is recruiting fellow retirees to join UMRA. 

When UMRA members tell me they’re recruiting retiree colleagues to join UMRA because they like what UMRA makes possible, I’m motivated to do more. Hearing someone say, “This is my first UMRA event …” encourages me, too. The list of examples could go on. Kudos to all the planning teams who facilitate these opportunities, and to all the other teams who make so much more possible!

Getting together is inspiring

All of this to say that when UMRA members share the joy of getting together in community,  the feeling is inspiring. Watching all the evolving activity facilitated by talented and dedicated UMRA volunteers makes me feel so very grateful and so very humble to be a part of it all. 

The UMRA website, newsletter, and eNews highlight all the upcoming possibilities for both larger group and smaller group opportunities. Be sure to take a look and find something that’s a good fit for you.

—Diane Young, UMRA president 2025–26