News

Craig Swan

Then there are the unexpected things that happen…

… like a box of family history from a cousin that was completely unexpected.  Perhaps it is like an unexpected DNA match.

Membership matters

Belonging to a group, a pack, a tribe, or a community helps us to live longer and be happier.  Virtually every study that examines factors contributing to longevity identifies social connections as a key factor. Social connections enhance happiness, too, according to “Everything is Better Together,” a large-scale study published recently.

Medicare changes for University retirees

The University of Minnesota Medicare insurance program will end December 31. To facilitate this change, the University has arranged for Via Benefits to assist with insurance selection and enrollment. Working with Via is free and optional; retirees can also go to an insurance broker or contact insurance companies directly.

A thank-you note for UMRA’s grants program

December 31 is the application deadline for UMRA’s 2026 Professional Development Grants for Retirees competition. Retirees from all five campuses within the U of M System are eligible to apply. Previous grant recipient Mark Bohnhorst, JD, is “deeply grateful” for the support provided by the program for his ongoing research about the Electoral College. 

Four interim members join the Board of Regents

The University Board of Regents launched its fall meetings with the addition of four new interim regents appointed in August by Governor Tim Walz. The new members fill positions vacated by regents whose six-year terms expired earlier this year.

HELLO, my name is Dave Dorman

Meet UMRA member and quizmaster Dave Dorman. He has years of professional experience as a group facilitator, hosting conversations conducted in a civil atmosphere—something we need more of today!

Volunteering can be transformative!

The retirees who serve on the Leadership Council of the University Retirees Volunteer Center clearly believe that volunteering contributes to both individual and community health and well-being. In the words of one long-time volunteer, it “counters the isolated, siloed forces in today's society and fosters a sense that we are all in this together.” 

Take advantage of member discounts

There are many benefits to membership in UMRA, including discounted ticket prices for University Opera Theatre performances at the Ted Mann Concert Hall in Minneapolis. 

HELLO, my name is Vicky Demos

Meet Vasilikie “Vicky” Demos, University of Minnesota Morris professor emerita of sociology. She devoted her 30-plus-year career to exploring issues of gender, race, and class inequality in American society, and continues to be actively engaged as a public sociologist.

Current service opportunities

The University Retirees Volunteer Center provides numerous opportunities for service in the Twin Cities. Currently, there are several projects that have strong and immediate needs for volunteers. 

Lapsed membership?

If you didn’t renew your UMRA membership by September 15, you should have received an email telling you that your membership is lapsed. Don’t worry. You can restore your membership by simply paying your 2025–26 dues.

Competition for 2026 grants opens October 1

UMRA’s Professional Development Grants for Retirees (PDGR) program is an annual competition with applications accepted from October 1 to December 31. It provides financial support for University retirees to continue scholarship or pursue new projects. Funding of up to $7,500 per grant is available.

How to fix broken toast

The online Journal of Opinions, Ideas & Essays is an excellent venue for showcasing works on topics both inside and outside academia. 

Member login and event registration

Thank you to our members who have logged in to the new UMRA Member Portal to renew their membership and register for events.

If you haven’t yet logged in, renewed your membership, or updated your profile, we have more information for you here!

Big Ten 2025 Conference

Diane Young, president, and Sally Kohlstedt, president-elect, represented UMRA at the 2025 Big Ten Retirees Association Conference held in August at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.