Committee Activities

Communications

Develop strategy, with tactical steps, that enables UMRA to increase its value to the University of Michigan retiree community using digital means. Our focus is on raising awareness of UMRA and its activities among retirees and U-M leadership while strengthening engagement and demonstrating the association’s value. Through effective communication and outreach, we aim to foster a vibrant and connected retiree community.

Ed Adams, Chair

Jim Bell
Elaine Fellows
Jack Kalbfleisch
Katherine Kurtz
Sharon Grayden
Jim Randolph
Pat Shields
Susan Shields

Finance/Sponsorship

Perform all financial management activities of UMRA, including annual audits, and solicit community organizations to become sponsors.

Jim Bell, Chair

Jim Bell
Tom Butts
Al Hermsen
Mike Kalasinski
Jack Kalbfleisch
Jim Randolph
Rodger Wolf

Governance

Oversee and review the governance structures and policies of the Board. Ensure that the size, leadership, and composition of the board are appropriate. This committee is largely advisory, operating in close conjunction with the UMRA board.

Katherine Kurtz, Chair

Ed Adams
Jim Bell
Mike Kalasinski
Jim Randolph
Susan Shields

Health Day

Plan and produce a day long program for UMRA retirees on various health topics for the health benefit of retirees.

Patty Beebe, Chair
Pat Butler, Assistant to the Chair

Karolyn Brewer
Pat Butler
Elaine Fellows
Margaret (Margie) Hough
Mark Kempton
Madolyn Lottman
Stephanie Minerath
Sandy Regiani
Beth Vernier

Member Management

Oversee and administer the system used to manage and report on the membership (currently using a system from membee.com).

Jim Bell,Chair

Ed Adams
Rodger Wolf
Sharon Vargo (U-M HR Project Manager)

 

Member Outreach

Help members get connected, stay connected and feel connected with a focus on personal contacts and communications.

Susan Shields, Co-Chair
Elaine Fellows, Co-Chair

Wayne Adams
Patty Bebee
Maureen Burns
Al Hermsen
Sandi Regiani

Program

Plan the monthly programs by selecting topics/speakers that provide useful/practical and relevant deliverables that positively impact the lives of retirees. 

Jan Lach, Co-Chair
Patrick Shields, Co-Chair

Vi Barkauskas
Suzanne (Sue) Bade
Sue Crawford
Elaine Fellows
Rick Fitzgerald
Mary Jo Frank
Margaret Hough
Michael Kalasinski
Sandy Regiani
Rodger Wolf

Katherine Kurtz (of counsel)

Special Events / Learn & Grow

Travel

Plan and participate in all travel opportunities and encourage interest in regional events for all UMRA members.

Carol Williams, Co-chair
Pat Butler, Co-chair

Elizabeth Baron
Sue Bemis
Al Hermsen
Vivian Reeves
Sandy Regiani
Beverly Turner

Volunteering Task Force

Manage the Volunteer webpage which connects organizations who are looking for volunteers with members who are seeking volunteer opportunities in the community.

Look for singular group volunteer opportunities in the community to connect  members through our Shared Interest Groups (SIGS) and publish those opportunities in UMRA News. 

Al Hermsen, Chair

Vi Barkauskas
Pat Butler
Judy Dean

Representatives

Advisory Committee to Recreational Sports Representative

Charlie Koopman

Attend monthly meetings and report relevant information to the UMRA Board.

Committee on Economic Status of the Faculty (CESF) Representative (Faculty)

Suzanne Selig

Attend CESF meetings, stay informed on issues pertaining to retirees, represent UMRA interests to CESF, and report relevant information to the UMRA Board.

MHealthy Advisory Committee (MHAC) Representative

Jim Bell, CPA, JD and former Chief Administrative Officer at the Medical School

Attend MHAC meetings to insure the needs and contributions of retirees are included in the committee actives and report relevant information to the UMRA Board.

Senate Assembly Representative – Non Voting (Faculty)

Shake Ketefian, Professor Emerita
Suzanne Selig, Professor Emerita of Public Health and Health Sciences

Attend meeting of the Senate Assembly to represent retired faculty interests, including policies and procedures that the UMRA Board deems relevant, and report relevant information to the UMRA Board.

Diverse group of people standing around a circular image with the words 'people' and 'community' looking up at the camera