News

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Responding to possible U of M data breach

In 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. 

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Security alert umn graphic

HELLO, my name is Paul Ranelli

Meet 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! 

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Paul Ranelli, UMRA summer 2023 Mississippi River cruise

First person: Metrodome memories

With 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. 

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Wheaties 1987 Twins World Series box

Silver Gopher Service Corps by the numbers

UMRA 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. 

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Silver Gophers, 4 at Sneak Preview 2023-07-13. Photo Deanne Magnusson

Craig Swan

How 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.

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HELLO, my name is Joni Mitchell

Meet UMRA member Joni Mitchell, no relation to the “other” Joni Mitchell but there is an interesting connection.

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Joni Mitchell with grandchildren, August 2023.

2024 grants for retirees

Applications 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. 

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Driven to Discover, autumn scene on Northrop Mall

Campus Sneak Preview Days

Sneak 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?

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Silver Gopher Service Corps volunteers enjoyed welcoming prospective freshmen and their families participating in the 2023 Summer Sneak Preview Days on the U of M Twin Cities campus.

Membership renewal reminder

One 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.

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Big Ten conference was collegial, productive

Eric 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.

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Ron Matross, left, and Eric Hockert, at the 2023 Big Ten Retirees Association conference, hosted by the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

UMRA Board chooses Midland Hills for luncheon forums

The 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. 

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Invitation to write about resilience

As 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.

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Cyber tips & tricks—UMRA governance documents and using search

History 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!

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Tips and Tricks

Book Notes | ‘Flight Behavior’ by Barbara Kingsolver

Set 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.

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Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver, book cover

UMRA Annual Meeting marks changing of the guard for 2023–24

The results of UMRA’s online election of officers and new board members for 2023–24 were at the top of the agenda for UMRA’s 2023 Annual Meeting at the Campus Club in Minneapolis.

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President Ron Matross was honored with a word cloud tribute at UMRA's 2023 Annual Meeting.