Service and Outreach
All Service and Outreach articles are collected here.
Campus Conversation with UMF President and CEO John Morris
Event Date:UMRA’s second “Campus Conversation” with a University leader will offer UMRA members an exclusive opportunity to meet with John Morris, president and CEO of the University of Minnesota Foundation. The focus of the conversation will be the role of the foundation and its relationship to retirees.
More...
December 31 is the deadline for 2027 retiree grants
UMRA’s Professional Development Grants for Retirees are intended to support projects related to University of Minnesota retirees' research, instructional or work history, or new scholarly interests that contribute to the academic reputation of the University.
Published:More...
A tribute to Alan Kagan
Professor Emeritus Alan Kagan has played many roles in his nearly 30 years of service with the University Retirees Volunteer Center. From assisting with phone calls to becoming office manager and eventually serving on and chairing the Volunteer Center’s board, Kagan helped build the organization into the robust operation it is today.
Published:More...
Helping teenagers and adults to develop language proficiency
Developing communication skills is the focus of two programs needing volunteers this fall: the “Reader/Writer Program,” assisting students in Minneapolis Public Schools grades 7-12 to develop literacy skills; and “Partners in English,” engaging in conversation with adults for whom English is not their first language.
Published:More...
UMRA grants program announces six awards for 2026
UMRA’s 2026 grants for retirees will help to support scholarly and creative projects focused on art, architecture, creativity in children, public humanities, understanding human aggression, and volunteerism.
Published:More...
A time and place to serve
The University Retirees Volunteer Center offers a variety of opportunities to be of help. “We all want to help stressed communities during this difficult time in Minnesota,” says Michelle Trudeau-Spanjers, URVC’s liaison to Neighborhood House, which is providing emergency groceries and other necessities to St. Paul families worried about their safety.
Published:More...
Retiree focus group at the Campus Club
Event Date: -The Campus Club in Minneapolis is inviting UMRA members to participate in focus group discussions this fall, to provide insight on the U of M retiree experience and generate ideas about how the Campus Club can serve our retiree community.
More...
Retiree focus group at the Campus Club
Event Date: -The Campus Club in Minneapolis is inviting UMRA members to participate in focus group discussions this fall, to provide insight on the U of M retiree experience and generate ideas about how the Campus Club can serve our retiree community.
More...
Retiree focus group at the Campus Club
Event Date: -The Campus Club in Minneapolis is inviting UMRA members to participate in focus group discussions this fall, to provide insight on the U of M retiree experience and generate ideas about how the Campus Club can serve our retiree community.
More...
Volunteering can be transformative!
The retirees who serve on the Leadership Council of the University Retirees Volunteer Center clearly believe that volunteering contributes to both individual and community health and well-being. In the words of one long-time volunteer, it “counters the isolated, siloed forces in today's society and fosters a sense that we are all in this together.”
Published:More...
Focus group sessions at the Campus Club
Event Date: -The Campus Club in Minneapolis is inviting UMRA members to participate in focus group discussions this fall, to provide insight on the U of M retiree experience and generate ideas about how the Campus Club can serve our retiree community.
More...
Current service opportunities
The University Retirees Volunteer Center provides numerous opportunities for service in the Twin Cities. Currently, there are several projects that have strong and immediate needs for volunteers.
Published:More...
How to fix broken toast
The online Journal of Opinions, Ideas & Essays is an excellent venue for showcasing works on topics both inside and outside academia.
Published:More...
Volunteer spotlight | Keeping it real
During the more than 40 years she worked in the Controller’s Office, Leslie Koidahl learned to recognize hundreds of names: names of professors, department heads, directors, vice presidents, even the names of presidents.
Published:More...
JOIE is seeking new editor-in-chief
The UMRA-sponsored Journal of Opinions, Ideas & Essays is seeking a new editor-in-chief who can promote the e-publication, solicit authors, and ensure JOIE’s continued success.
Published:More...
