Programs & Events

UMRA hosts two organization-wide events each month during the academic year, some in person and some online. Interest groups, committees, and other groups also hold many events each month.

Forum & Living Well Workshop   

 

Upcoming Events   

Bee Lab, UMN
Event Date: September 24, 2026, at 1:30pm

We'll visit with Marla Spivak, MacArthur Fellow and Emeritus Professor of Entomology and Dr. Katie Lee

The Stories of John Cheever
Event Date: September 25, 2026, at 2pm

A 1978 short story collection by American author John Cheever. 

Hallgrimskirkja, Reykjavik, Iceland
Event Date: September 30, 2026, at 10am

 The architecture in Iceland is as spare as the culture -- honest and simple.

William O'Brian State Park
Event Date: October 5, 2026, at 9:30am

Michelle Trudeau-Spanjers leads the hike at William O'Brien State Park.

Event Date: October 5, 2026, at 10am

Topics include longevity, distributions, long term care, Social Security, and comprehensive planning.

Hennepin County Library, St. Anthony
Event Date: October 13, 2026, at 12:30pm

The theme for October is "Monuments."

Substance abuse image
Event Date: October 15, 2026, at 8:30am

Join us for the UMRA Breakfast on Thursday, October 15, for a frank discussion about addiction and how it can affect families and friends of the addicted person. 

John Morris, president and CEO, UMF
Event Date: October 15, 2026, at 3pm

UMRA’s second “Campus Conversation” with a University leader will offer UMRA members an exclusive opportunity to meet with John Morris, president and CEO of the University of Minnesota Foundation. The focus of the conversation will be the role of the foundation and its relationship to retirees.

The Mystery of Mrs. Christie
Event Date: October 16, 2026, at 2pm

UMRA’s Book Club I will discuss the historical fiction novel The Mystery of Mrs. Christie by Marie Benedict when it meets via Zoom at 2 p.m. on Friday, October 16. 

Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
Event Date: October 19, 2026, at 9:30am

Jon C leads the hike at Nerstrand Big Woods with lunch afterwards.

Kevin Griffis
Event Date: October 20, 2026, at 11am

The Vaccine Integrity Project at the UMN Centers for Infectious Disease Research and Prevention is working to ensure that vaccine use in the U.S. remains grounded in the best available evidence, and focused on protecting public health. Kevin Griffis, director of CIDRAP Media Relations and Public Affairs, will tell us about this work as the featured speaker for UMRA’s Living Well Workshop on Tuesday, October 20. 

Two tables at a third Wednesday lunch.
Event Date: October 21, 2026, at 11:30am

Gather with UMRA members in the Campus Club West Wing to share lunch and conversation. No agenda. 

'Interpreter of Maladies,' book cover
Event Date: October 23, 2026, at 2pm

UMRA’s Fourth Friday Book Club (aka UMRA Book Club II) will discuss the Pulitzer Prize-winning debut novel by Jhumpa Lahiri when it meets at 2 p.m. on Friday, October 23, via Zoom. The nine short stories in the collection speak to anyone who has ever felt like an outsider.

Event Date: October 26, 2026, at 10am

Discuss long term care options with Fred Andersen.

Chris Coleman
Event Date: October 27, 2026, at 11am

Chris Coleman, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity president and CEO and a two time alumnus of the University of Minnesota, will provide a deep dive for UMRA’s October 27 luncheon forum into how Habitat creates, preserves, and promotes affordable homeownership for low-income households.

Event Date: November 2, 2026, at 10am

Bob & Jean Hall and Andy Whitman, participants. 

UMRA Workshop
Event Date: November 10, 2026, at 11am

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Hennepin County Library, St. Anthony
Event Date: November 10, 2026, at 12:30pm

The theme for November is "Hands"

Veterinary Medical Center
Event Date: November 12, 2026, at 10am

UMRA’s Cabinets of Curiosity tour will offer an insider's look into the important work happening at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center. We will enjoy a walking tour through patient exam rooms, student learning areas, and clinical/surgery suites, highlighting how faculty experts and student veterinarians collaborate to deliver life-saving care.

Event Date: November 16, 2026, at 10am

Gift planning strategies and ideas for impactful tax-efficient gifts to accomplish your goals.

UMRA Forum
Event Date: November 17, 2026, at 11am

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Two tables at a third Wednesday lunch.
Event Date: November 18, 2026, at 11:30am

Gather with UMRA members in the Campus Club West Wing to share lunch and conversation. No agenda. 

The Feather Detective
Event Date: November 20, 2026, at 2pm

The Feather Detective: Mystery, Mayhem, and the Magnificent Life of Roxie Laybourne by Chris Sweeney.

Event Date: November 30, 2026, at 10am

Consult with a tax professional to come up with a financial plan well before year end.

Red River Valley
Event Date: December 8, 2026, at 12:30pm

The theme for December is "Pathways and roadways."

Annual Calendar

See all UMRA events. Preview future program topics; scan the diverse topics and speakers for the entire year. 

Annual Calendar
 

Event Summaries

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