2022-09 From the President: We’re about opportunities

UMRA goes down to the corner bar one day to hang out with some other associations. One of them saunters up and says, “Hey UMRA! What’s your racket?” UMRA replies, “What’s my racket? Opportunities, pal, opportunities.”

And so it is. At its core, our association is all about providing opportunities to one another.

First and foremost, UMRA offers opportunities to connect. We connect with each other through our luncheon forums, special interest groups, group travel, social activities, and work teams. We offer opportunities to maintain our connections to the University through liaison activities and committee membership. And we connect with the community through our University Retirees Volunteer Center (URVC). When the pandemic constricted our in-person connections, we built up new, virtual connections. Going forward, we will offer both.

Secondly, UMRA offers opportunities to learn. Our monthly forums for 2022–23 (six in-person, two virtual) will feature knowledgeable speakers talking about new research, University issues, historical perspectives, and current events. Our monthly Living Well Workshops (eight virtual) will feature programs on all aspects of wellness—physical, mental, social, and spiritual.

Finally, UMRA offers opportunities to serve. With the return of URVC to UMRA, we can now fully embrace our service mission. The Volunteer Center will continue its mission as a clearinghouse for a wide range of volunteer opportunities at the University and in the community. Volunteers can participate individually or go in a group and share the camaraderie of serving together. And don’t forget that serving UMRA, itself, on one of our work teams can be fun and rewarding. (See the Talent Wanted notice.) 

All in all, 2022–23 is shaping up to be a great year for UMRA, with more activities and opportunities than ever! 

—Ron Matross, UMRA president, [email protected]