News
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PDGR: Make a gift today and double the value of your supportUMRA’s Professional Development Grants for Retirees program is an annual competition for awards that support projects related to retirees’ research, instructional history, new scholarship, or creative interests. If you would like to make a financial contribution to the program, do it by December 31 and your tax-deductible gift will be doubled thanks to a $20,000 challenge grant from a generous anonymous donor. Published:More... |
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FY23 Financial Report shows UMRA's overall financial status is goodIn my first year as treasurer for UMRA, I learned a lot. It was a year of change as we grappled with issues of venue for the luncheon forums, and trying to determine the best possible ways to reach our members and offer the most value. Published:More... |
Hello, my name is Ann NordbyUMRA member Ann Nordby’s first job, at age 15, was in the Sears catalog department, fulfilling orders arriving via the vacuum tubes lining the walls. Today, among many interests, she coaches high school students on how to write effective college application essays. Published:More... |
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Variety and flexibility suit himUMRA member Scott Elton started volunteering with Habitat for Humanity eight years before he retired from the University in 2016. Photo by Dennis Chick. Published:More... |
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Homes: Leaving the old, starting anewLeaving one’s longtime home is both emotionally draining and exciting. But the catharsis of right-sizing your belongings, and saving and relocating just the right things, brings a new kind of freedom that makes the transition exciting. Published:More... |
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New Membership and Communication CommitteeUMRA has formed a new Membership and Communication Committee, replacing the Membership Committee and the Communication and Outreach Committee. Published:More... |
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Cyber tips & tricks--Protecting your cyber identityCybersecurity is a pervasive concern. And the recent “data incident” where a hacker obtained the personal information of past UMN employees and students raises the specter again for UMRA members. What can we do to protect against potential identity theft resulting from the stolen data? Published:More... |
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2023 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. Published:More... |
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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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