News

Keep politics, division out of choice of U president

On November 15, the StarTribune published a commentary penned by Frank Cerra and Bill Donohue on behalf of UMRA. Underscoring the importance of securing the right leadership for the University, the essay aligns with UMRA’s focus on advocating in support of the University and its constituents. —Jerry Rinehart, president

Be a Reading Tutor

Volunteer to assist with providing intensive academic support in a caring environment that builds self-esteem and confidence for at-risk youth.

One-on-One Tutoring Program

Assist 7th and 8th grade students on developing solid study skills in core subjects including English, Science, Math, and Social Studies.

Assist Adult English Language Learners

The International Institute of Minnesota is looking for empathetic, patient, motivated people to assist in piloting a new Volunteer Navigator program. These Navigators will be part-guidance counselor, part-coach, part-cheerleader, and part-mentor for students. If you are eager to use your communication skills and your creative problem-solving to help our adult English language learners reach their career, educational and personal goals, this opportunity could be for you.

Reader Writer Volunteer Opportunity

Make a difference with one hour a week …from your own home!

Reader/Writer is a high impact, low effort literacy initiative that pairs public school adolescents with writing-proficient adult volunteers. Each volunteer serves as a real life audience and writing coach for one or two metro area public middle or high school students in a writing exchange conducted through the mail. This process builds writing fluency and resilience for teens.

Big Plans for 2019

The Social Activities Committee has put together a draft of possible events for early 2019.

Firsthand—experiences with aging

Shingles, as you may know, is a malady of aging, rarely fatal but very painful for weeks on end. Also, it can reoccur. 

Real fishing

Sam Bonhus, grandson of photographer Sheri Goldsmith May, proudly displays his group's catch for the day.

Two new volunteer opportunities

The University Retirees Volunteer Center (URVC) is fielding volunteers to participate in a spatial localization study and to staff the 2018–19 Lego Robotics Tournament.

A good time to join the Campus Club

The Campus Club fall membership drive is underway and if you join now you’ll receive a 60 percent discount on first-year dues.

2019 PDGR grants—time to apply!

Professional Development Grants for Retirees are available for all faculty, professional and administrative, and civil service retirees from all campuses of the University who will be fully retired by July 1, 2019. The deadline for submitting applications is December 14.

1666 Coffman condominiums for sale

1666 Coffman is a 55-plus community for people currently or formerly employed at the University who are actively working or actively retired. Three units are currently for sale.

HELLO, my name is Will Craig

Meet Will Craig, an UMRA member with deep roots in Minneapolis who still enjoys spending time on campus doing research and interacting with younger colleagues.

November in the West Wing

UMRA’s November 27 meeting will be the first of three “pilot program” luncheons for 2018–19, in the spacious West Wing dining room.  All members of the Campus Club will be invited. Our guest speaker, Kathryn Pearson, associate professor of political science and frequent commentator in the media, will be offering her analysis of the midterm elections. Be sure to save the date!

URVC leadership transition

After 20 years of dedicated and extensive involvement as University Retirees Volunteer Center (URVC) office manager and project director, Alan Kagan has stepped down from his leadership role to complete writing the book he has been working on for several years.