Forum

The alarming movement in the U.S. to ban books

To help us understand the growing movement in the U.S. to ban books, especially children’s literature, and the critical role of libraries to protect intellectual freedom, UMRA will welcome U of M Librarian Lisa Von Drasek (pictured) and Rochester Public Librarian Kimberly Edson as the guest speakers for our October luncheon forum at Midland Hills. 

The impact of the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent 'blockbuster’ case decisions

The U.S. Supreme Court has issued several contentious decisions over its past two terms, and the court’s conservative majority has left an indelible mark on American jurisprudence. Professor Jill Hasday, the guest speaker for UMRA’s September luncheon forum, will discuss the meaning and impact of what’s happened. 

Mississippi River Cruise Aboard the Minneapolis Queen

Enjoy the golden close of summer on an evening cruise on the Mississippi River in Minneapolis with UMRA friends and colleagues.  The cruise fee includes a taco bar, and there will be a full service cash bar available on the boat.

The future of intercollegiate athletics at the U of M

Intercollegiate athletics is undergoing revolutionary changes that may alter the industry’s relationship to higher education. To help us understand the impact of the changes at the U of M, our May forum will feature Director of Athletics Mark Coyle and Jeremiah Carter, senior associate athletic director for name, image, likeness (NIL) policy and risk management.

UMRA welcomes Star Tribune Editorial Page Editor Scott Gillespie to April luncheon forum

UMRA members will have a rare opportunity to hear from and ask questions of one of the major thought leaders in Minnesota when Star Tribune Editorial Page Editor Scott Gillespie joins us for our April 25 luncheon forum at Midland Hills Country Club in Roseville.

UMRA welcomes U of M Budget Director Julie Tonneson to March luncheon forum

UMRA is pleased to welcome U of M Budget Director Julie Tonneson as the guest speaker for our first in-person forum of the new year, which will be held in a new venue for UMRA: Midland Hills Country Club in Roseville. She will speak about the U's funding request for the next two years and goals for obtaining funds from the state surpluses.

The history and future of elections and democracy in Minnesota

If you are interested in the history and future of elections and democracy in Minnesota, then UMRA’s February 2023 Forum is a “don’t miss” event. Our featured guest will be Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon.

Special Forum: A merger, a medical school, and health care in Minnesota

Medical School Dean Jakub Tolar will be the guest speaker for a special UMRA forum on February 14 via Zoom. He will address the proposed merger between Fairview Health Services (current owner of the University’s hospitals and clinics) and South Dakota-based Sanford Health, as well as the U’s recently announced MPact Health Care Innovation project.

What happened November 8? Understanding the 2022 midterm elections

With U.S. Senate and House races across the country, as well as heated governor and state executive races, there will be a lot to unpack following the midterm elections. Guest speaker Kathryn Pearson, Ph.D., a rock star among UMRA presenters for her illuminating election analyses, will help us make sense of it all. Please note the early date; luncheon reservations and prepayment are due November 5.

New Americans in Minnesota

Jane Graupman, executive director of the International Institute of Minnesota, is a tireless advocate for new Americans in our community. As the featured speaker for our September Forum, she will provide a primer on their contributions and the challenges they face.

Tackling climate change and building a sustainable energy future

Guest speaker Jessica Hellmann, Ph.D., is executive director and Ecolab Chair in Environmental Leadership at the U of M Institute on the Environment and a professor in the College of Biological Sciences Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior. She will share with us the critical role that universities have to play in addressing the climate crisis.

UMRA Autumn Riverboat Cruise

There is no better way to celebrate the beginning of a new UMRA program year than by taking a glorious sightseeing cruise on the Mississippi River. Meet new members, reconnect with old friends, and enjoy a taco bar with two-for-one margaritas.

Harriet Island Regional Park, St. Paul
RSVP by August 26
Reservations are now closed -- the cruise is full

$35 per person
(includes taco bar)

MAP 

DIRECTIONS

UMRA Summer Social

You are invited to an in-person, outdoor summer social and lunch for UMRA members and guests at the Como Lakeside Pavilion in St. Paul, catered by the Dock & Paddle restaurant.

CLA Dean John Coleman to keynote 2022 Annual Meeting

May 24 will mark UMRA’s return to in-person luncheon forums at the Campus Club for the first time in more than two years. Provost Rachel Croson will be our special guest and John Coleman, dean of the College of Liberal Arts, will be our keynote speaker. Reservations open April 28 and are due by May 16. 

Advancing the public good through housing

UMRA’s April 2022 Forum will feature Tim Marx, ’83 JD, long-time president and CEO of Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis and a leading authority on the homeless crisis in the Twin Cities. Marx will comment on the causes of homelessness, its extent, its context in relationship to other major poverty-related challenges, and solutions.