Service and Outreach
All Service and Outreach articles are collected here.
2023-2024 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. The awardees and grant abstracts are listed on the 2023 PDGR Abstracts page. Published:More... |
Silver Gophers volunteer to help children experiencing food insecurityNearly 20 members of UMRA’s Silver Gopher Service Corps met as a team in mid-April to pack food for school children facing food insecurity at home in Minnesota. The food-packing event, held at the Every Meal Volunteer Center in Roseville, was superbly organized. It felt “good to be involved in a worthy cause,” said Clif Ware, one of the volunteers. Published:More... |
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Still driven to discover?Applications for UMRA’s Professional Development Grants for Retirees will be posted on the UMRA website this summer. It is an annual competition open to all U of M retirees, with applications accepted from October 1 to December 31. Published:More... |
You’re invited to share your stories of retirementThe open-access Journal of Opinions, Ideas & Essays, sponsored by UMRA, invites you to share some of your retirement experiences for an anthology to be published later this year. Published:More... |
Join the Silver Gopher Service CorpsService to the University and community is a key element in UMRA’s mission, and our members have frequently asked about opportunities to team up with colleagues on activities. In response to these queries, UMRA’s new “Silver Gopher Service Corps” is making its debut in April. Published:More... |
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Finding purpose through volunteeringOf all her volunteer experiences, Jeanne Jacobson says she especially finds satisfaction in seeing students learn and come to belong to their communities. Published:More... |
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2022–23 PDGR awards: From investigating insects to interpreting ShakespeareUMRA’s Professional Development Grants for Retirees program is pleased to announce nine awards totaling more than $41,000 in financial support for projects that reflect the University’s broad reach and presence, statewide and internationally. Published:More... |
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For Terry Smith, volunteering is both selfish and selflessAfter 40 years at 3M, Terry Smith retired and put his science and language talents to work as a tutor. His volunteering also reflects his other passions: cooking, food availability, and food waste. Published:More... |
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It’s not too late to applyUMRA’s Professional Development Grants for Retirees program is an annual competition with applications accepted October 1 to December 31. Funding of up to $5,000 per grant is available. Retirees from all five campuses within the U of M System are eligible. Published:More... |
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A 'powerfully gentle' leaderUMRA Past President Jerry Rinehart retired from the University as vice provost and dean of students. He is admired for being a “powerfully gentle” leader, and he continues to be an exemplar of service to others. Published:More... |
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International Institute welcomes retiree volunteersLeaders of the University Retirees Volunteer Center have identified an important volunteer opportunity at the International Institute of Minnesota: helping refugees and asylum seekers complete the complicated paperwork required for visa applications and becoming U.S. citizens. Published:More... |
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An exceptional postlude to a long careerDavid Hunter, M.D., retired U of M Medical School professor and interventional radiologist, typically volunteers more than 200 hours annually by participating in University Retirees Volunteer Center opportunities, including Help at Your Door and Academic Integrity Matters. Published:More... |
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‘A cornucopia of riches’ brought to life with UMRA grant supportJoanne Eicher’s new book, Global Trade and Cultural Authentication, published with support from UMRA’s grant program, is the capstone of a stellar career launched by serendipity. Published:More... |
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Thanks for supporting UMRA’s grant programIf you have made a financial contribution to UMRA’s Professional Development Grants for Retirees program, thank you for your support. If you have not made a gift or would like to give again, it’s easy to make a gift online at any time. Applications for 2023 grants are due December 31. Published:More... |
Meet PDGR grant recipient Wayne PotratzSupport from UMRA’s grant program has helped artist Wayne Potratz to maintain his studio and provide opportunities for undergraduate interns. Published:More... |