Past "From the President" articles
From the President
2023-11: Can we do more for the University? Should we do more?
We’ve all contributed to the betterment of the University of Minnesota during our working careers. We can continue to make meaningful contributions during our retirement years.
UMRA members have made substantial financial donations to the University and have contributed thousands of hours of volunteer effort to the University’s medical studies and in many other areas. This includes our Silver Gopher Volunteer Corps helping the Office of Admissions with events for new and prospective students.
In addition, we attend sporting and cultural events, we participate on University Senate and department committees, and we continue our research. We teach courses for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, advocate at the Minnesota Legislature, write letters to newspaper editors, and participate in Age-Friendly University activities. Among newer efforts, UMRA is pursuing paths to provide input on University president and regent selections. And we contribute in many other ways to help make the University a better place for all.
What else can be added to this collection of contributions? Should we be more coordinated and active in advocating at the legislature for the University’s budget request? Should we devote more energy to supporting our communities with our time and personal expertise? Could we do more to help former colleagues decide when and how to transition from full-time work to retirement? It can be a difficult time for some people. The experiences of those of us who have successfully made that transition might be helpful to pre-retirees and to those in the early phases of retirement. How do we properly share our experiences in a way that would be useful to them?
These are some of my thoughts about how we can engage with the University more completely to the benefit of everyone. I’m certain there are many more. What are some contributions you think we should pursue to help make us an even better partner? I’d love to hear your thoughts. You can reach me at [email protected].