News

Grant application reminder

December 31 is the application deadline for next year’s Professional Development Grants for Retirees. All U of M retirees who will be fully retired by the time of their award may apply for grants.

HELLO, my name is Alan Shapiro

Meet UMRA member Alan Shapiro, a historian of the physical sciences whose first job was delivering newspapers in The Bronx.

Transition Task Force | Planning for uncertainty

UMRA’s Transition Task Force has been charged with providing recommendations to the UMRA Board about when and how to return to in-person meetings. 

If you could walk in my shoes

The Reader/Writer program is a great opportunity to help struggling inner-city students develop their communication skills and to connect with them in a meaningful way.

Science needs you, and your family

The 10,000 Families Study is recruiting participants to join a multi-generational study aimed at increasing understanding of what causes or protects again disease, and what accounts for health differences within families and across communities. 

HELLO, my name is Jan McCulloch

Years ago, Jan McCulloch chose to pursue photography as a pastime rather than motorcycle riding, but she still thinks the latter would be a wonderful way to explore the world.

Take a hike!

“Hike for health and friendship” seems like a great motto for the new UMRA Hiking Club. Welcome hikers! 

2022 Professional Development Grants for Retirees

The 2022 PDGR awards competition opens October 15, and the application deadline is December 31. The program is open to all retirees from all five campuses in the University of Minnesota System.

HELLO, my name is Julie Medbery

UMRA member Julie Medbery grew up on a farm in South Dakota, and at one time during her career at the U of M knew the names of nearly 200 (agricultural) Extension educators across the state.

New QR code for campus parking discount

When you park your vehicle on campus, use the square QR code on the back of your new 2021–22 UMRA membership card to obtain the UMRA parking discount.

Help wanted: UMRA historian

Are you curious about UMRA’s past or are you someone who simply enjoys working with others to put together innovative projects? If so, UMRA needs you.

JOIE of Writing

The Journal of Opinions, Ideas & Essays (JOIE), has seen a recent influx of new articles on a wide variety of topics.  With the addition of six articles, the number of papers downloaded for reading during the first seven months of 2021 was nearly 20% higher than during the same period one year previously.  Everyone associated with the University of Minnesota, both active and retired, qualifies as an author -- faculty, P & A employees, civil service/bargaining unit staff, and alumni.

2022 PDGR Announcement

The competition for next year’s awards opens on October 15, 2021. The deadline for applications is December 31. Approved proposals will be announced in February 2022. Grants will start on April 1 and extend to June 30, 2023.

Will Craig

Starting with a short family story from my Grandmother, I traced and documented the Civil War experiences of my great grandfather, George Swift.

Happy Summer!

The UMRA Forum will return in September. Please check back later for program dates, times, and details.

Photo of an early summer beauty in the Lyndale Park Rose Garden in Minneapolis by Frank Busta, UMRA Photo Club member.