News
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2023-2024 PDGR AbstractsFor 2023 grant year, the UMRA PDGR Committee reviewed 10 applications for Professional Development Grants for Retirees. The applications covered a diverse set of topics and goals. The PDGR Committee recommended that nine be funded in April 2023. The recipients represented the Morris and Twin Cities Campus. The awardees and grant abstracts are listed on the 2023 PDGR Abstracts page. Published:More... |
Responding to possible U of M data breachIn mid-July, a hacker on the “dark web” claimed they had gained access to University records with more than seven million Social Security numbers. Here’s what you can do if you are concerned about the security of your records and online identity. Published:More... |
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HELLO, my name is Paul RanelliMeet UMRA member Paul Ranelli, a man of many talents. His LinkedIn profile identifies him as professor emeritus, Santa Claus, photographer, voice talent, and public address announcer. Funny AND educated! Published:More... |
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First person: Metrodome memoriesWith this year’s World Series coming up soon, UMRA member Ron Matross is savoring memories of sharing America’s pastime with his son at the old Metrodome in downtown Minneapolis in the 1980s. Those were glory days for the Minnesota Twins. Published:More... |
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Silver Gopher Service Corps by the numbersUMRA members have logged nearly 200 hours of volunteer service to the University and broader community through the Silver Gopher Service Corps since its launch six months ago. Published:More... |
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Craig SwanHow I learned, this summer, that my great aunt, one of my paternal grandfather’s sister, was included in a fresco at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. As far as I know she is the only relative of mine who is part of a fresco anywhere in the world. Published:More... |
HELLO, my name is Joni MitchellMeet UMRA member Joni Mitchell, no relation to the “other” Joni Mitchell but there is an interesting connection. Published:More... |
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2024 grants for retireesApplications for UMRA’s 2024 Professional Development Grants for Retirees competition will be accepted beginning October 1. Funding of up to $5,000 per grant is available. Published:More... |
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Campus Sneak Preview DaysSneak Preview Days have been happening at the University for many years. This year, adding 18 UMRA Silver Gopher Service Corps volunteers put a new twist on the welcome. Who better to provide a friendly greeting and lend a helping hand than those of us who have spent our careers at the University? Published:More... |
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Membership renewal reminderOne of the great benefits that come with UMRA membership is the discounted rate for parking in University parking facilities. Forgotten whether you’ve already renewed your UMRA membership for 2023–24? It’s easy to check online. Published:More... |
Big Ten conference was collegial, productiveEric Hockert and Ron Matross represented UMRA at the 2023 Big Ten Retirees Association Conference held at UW–Madison in late July. They enjoyed sharing ideas and practices with the other conference attendees, and came away with several ideas worth pursuing. Published:More... |
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UMRA Board chooses Midland Hills for luncheon forumsThe UMRA Board has selected Midland Hills Country Club in Roseville as the location for five of our in-person luncheon forums in the coming year, in part because of the high marks those who attended last year’s forums gave the location for its food, service, and easy and free parking. Published:More... |
Invitation to write about resilienceAs retirees, we are all learning to adapt to a world that seems to change on a daily basis. So, the editorial committee of the Journal of Opinions, Ideas & Essays (JOIE) is inviting UMRA members to share their thoughts on resilience via a short essay. Published:More... |
Cyber tips & tricks—UMRA governance documents and using searchHistory and best practices for UMRA officers and committees are preserved by the UMRA Organizational Continuity Committee. Most of these tips and tools are stored in the Governance Documents page under Resources. The Search function can help you find information there, and throughout the UMRA site! Published:More... |
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Book Notes | ‘Flight Behavior’ by Barbara KingsolverSet in a poverty-stricken Appalachian town in rural Tennessee, Barbara Kingsolver’s novel delves into the climate change culture wars and the pressures of striving to be an individual while living in a close-knit community. Published:More... |
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