Forum

Understanding the 2020 elections

In her third presidential election debrief for UMRA, Kathryn Pearson, PhD, an associate professor of political science well known for her incisive analysis of elections at both the federal and state level, will help us to understand the outcome and implications of the 2020 elections.

UMRA A.M. | Mapping prejudice

How can you see prejudice on a map of a city? Join public historian Kirsten Delegard, PhD, to find out how geographers, historians, and thousands of citizen volunteers are making it possible. 

Author, activist, Regent Emerita Josie Johnson to join us "in conversation"

UMRA looks forward to welcoming author, activist, and Regent Emerita Josie Johnson for our September forum and to learning more about her life, her legacy, and her hopes for the future of the civil rights struggle. 

UMRA A.M. | Dealing with history and heritage

Will vergangenheitsbewältigung become the next German loanword in American English? It means “working through the past” and it will be the topic for discussion when we welcome guest speaker Henning Schroeder, PhD, director of international programs in the College of Pharmacy for UMRA’s first morning forum on Tuesday, September 8.

UMRA welcomes EVP and Provost Rachel Croson

We are pleased to welcome Executive Vice President and Provost Rachel Croson as our guest speaker for an UMRA forum by way of Zoom. Dr. Croson began her appointment just as the coronavirus outbreak was gaining recognition as a global pandemic. She has already distinguished herself by helping to shape the University’s response to the COVID-19 crisis and by working on the U’s reopening plans for September. 

Medicare for all? For some? For none?

Medicare reform is on the agenda of most candidates running for office this fall. In UMRA’s June 16 webinar via Zoom, Jon Christianson, PhD, will discuss characteristics of the existing program, point out differences in proposals on the table, and assess their implications.

Meet Medaria Arradondo, chief, MPD

Chief of Police Medaria “Rondo” Arradondo is widely believed to be the right person at the right time to lead the Minneapolis Police Department. Since the arrest, restraint, and death of George Floyd, the chief has responded with calm, visible leadership and continued to model the principles he espouses. His mission and objectives could not be more prescient.

Commissioner Myron Frans to keynote UMRA’s May meeting via Zoom

Our keynote speaker scheduled for May 19, Minnesota Commissioner of Management and Budget Myron Frans, has generously agreed to speak to us through the magic of Zoom. He will speak about the state’s response to the coronavirus pandemic and its fiscal impact, and offer his perspective on the University as part of the long-term success plan for the state.

Redirecting our resources to tackle COVID-19

By Jakub Tolar, MD, PhD 
The onset of the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic in Minnesota engaged the University’s public service responsibility in a very direct way. A research university is designed to do this, and we have redirected our resources to tackle COVID-19. 

RiverFirst: Unlocking the potential of the Minneapolis riverfront

The Mississippi River is one of the Twin Cities’ greatest assets. Our guest speaker for February, Tom Evers, executive director of the Minneapolis Parks Foundation, will tell us about the RiverFirst Initiative, a bold vision to bring significant new historic, cultural, and recreational amenities to one of the most iconic locales in the state.

Internment of Japanese Americans during WWII - a personal story

Nearly 120,000 people of Japanese ancestry were incarcerated in concentration camps in the western interior of the United States during World War II. Sixty-two percent of the internees were U.S. citizens, including the parents of John H. Suzukida, our guest speaker for UMRA’s January Forum. 

December Holiday Party

Join the fun as UMRA hosts its very first Holiday Party on Tuesday, December 17, in the Campus Club West Wing Dining Room. The festivities will begin with an appetizer buffet and cash bar and will feature a performance by members of 7Days A Cappella (pictured above), a U of M student choir.

Tickets for the event are $25 per person.

UMRA welcomes President Joan Gabel to our November forum

We are honored to welcome President Joan Gabel to speak at our November forum. It will be a unique opportunity to learn about her vision and goals for the University. and some ways in which we can support her.

Author Jack Zipes will introduce us to "the forgotten folklorist"

Luncheon menu
Pan-seared chicken breast with Cornercopia cherry tomatoes and basil over brown rice, with seasonal vegetables. GF, DF.

Award-winning author and PDGR grant tecipient Jack Zipes will introduce us to Charles Godfrey Leland, "the forgotten folklorist" of the 19th century.

Current cancer research at the U and 'personalized medicine'

Douglas Yee, MD, director of the U of M Masonic Cancer Center, will discuss current cancer research at the U and issues regarding "personalized" medicine, including the potential costs, when he addresses UMRA's October luncheon meeting.