Event Summary

Meeting with Presidential Search Advisory Committee chair was candid and cordial

Event Date: October 20, 2023, at 9:00 AM

Regent Mary Davenport, chair of the U of M Presidential Search Advisory Committee, met with members of UMRA on October 20 to share information about the search process and invite input regarding the qualities that are essential to a good president.

U of M retiree health plans and Medicare advantage vs. supplement plans

UMRA’s workshop on Open Enrollment for U of M retiree health plans for 2024 will include a briefing on the choice between Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) plans, by Jeff Snegosky of BCBS of Minnesota, followed by an overview of the U of M’s retiree health insurance plans, by Katie Kolodge from the Office of Human Resources.

Growing up Revell

Event Date: October 4, 2023, at 10:00 AM

This Family Reunion Project is about sharing family stories and learning about surprising family connections. I asked everyone to write an essay, prior to coming, about growing up in the Revell family.  The compilation of essays from three generations that was distributed at the reunion has become a family keepsake.

Getting to know the U of M regents and what they do

Event Date: October 4, 2023, at 10:00 AM

U of M Regents Mary Turner and Penny Wheeler provided an engaging and personal exchange about their roles as new members of the University of Minnesota Board of Regents during UMRA’s special forum on October 4.

The impact of the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent 'blockbuster’ case decisions

The U.S. Supreme Court has issued several contentious decisions over its past two terms, and the court’s conservative majority has left an indelible mark on American jurisprudence. Professor Jill Hasday, the guest speaker for UMRA’s September luncheon forum, will discuss the meaning and impact of what’s happened. 

Long Term Care Insurance class

Event Date: September 20, 2023, at 8:00 PM

Funding Long Term Nursing care as an ongoing issue. There are a number of factors that will determine if LTC insurance is right for you – your age, health, retirement goals, income and assets.

From northern Spain to western Africa

Event Date: September 20, 2023, at 10:00 AM

Enjoy the recording of UMRA’s first Armchair Traveler program of 2023–24. Nanette Hanks shared fabulous pictures and information about the Camino de Santiago in northern Spain. Tom O'Toole told us about his return visit to Sierra Leone in West Africa.

Hearing, healthy aging, and OTC hearing aids

We are fortunate to have two U of M experts on hearing and healthy aging, including Meredith E. Adams, MD, to present our first workshop of UMRA’s new program year. You can submit a question in advance when you register for this free Zoom webinar.

Tax efficient distributions to family and charities

Event Date: September 18, 2023, at 9:30 AM

This presentation was recorded at Carlson School. Topics included IRS compliant ways to make qualified charitable distributions (QCD) from your IRA or rollover IRA; funding gifts to Minors and other gifts; plus more.

Book Notes | ‘Lessons in Chemistry’

Event Date: September 15, 2023, at 2:00 PM

The UMRA Book Club discussion of Elizabeth Zott’s novel brought to light several real-life examples of discrimination against women close to home, including their exclusion from full participation in the University of Minnesota Marching Band until 1972 and the landmark Rajender v. University of Minnesota sex discrimination lawsuit filed in 1973.

Book Notes | ‘The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane’

Event Date: August 18, 2023, at 2:00 PM

Although it represents exhaustive research and is engrossing, Lisa See’s novel about a young woman who becomes a tea entrepreneur in China and the daughter she gives up for adoption by a family in Southern California drew mixed reactions from members of UMRA’s Book Club I.

Book Notes | ‘The Heart is a Lonely Hunter’

Event Date: July 21, 2023, at 2:00 PM

Carson McCullers’ debut novel enjoyed a rapid rise to the top of the bestseller lists when first published in 1940, and ranks high on many current lists of best novels. But members of UMRA’s Book Club I found it to be dark and bleak and would not recommend the book to others.

UMRA Summer Social and Picnic

Event Date: June 28, 2023, at 11:00 AM - June 28, 2023, at 1:30 PM

On Wednesday June 28th, over eighty UMRA members and their guests gathered in the shade of the Como Park pavilion to catch up with old friends and colleagues and welcome new members.  And after lunch, THE QUIZ! Competition was fierce, and merriment abounded.

The future of intercollegiate athletics at the U of M

Intercollegiate athletics is undergoing revolutionary changes that may alter the industry’s relationship to higher education. To help us understand the impact of the changes at the U of M, our May forum will feature Director of Athletics Mark Coyle and Jeremiah Carter, senior associate athletic director for name, image, likeness (NIL) policy and risk management.

Book Notes | ‘Miss Benson’s Beetle’

Event Date: May 19, 2023, at 2:00 PM

The power of friendship, the destructive impact of war, and genuine appreciation of the natural world are the overriding themes in this quirky, historical novel about an unlikely expedition by two women in search of an elusive golden beetle.