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Association of Retirement Organizations in Higher Education |
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Editor's note: This issue of AROHE Matters highlights how retirement organizations strengthen the connection, support and engagement of retirees with campus administration. |
Issue Highlights
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Retirement Organization News
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Retirement Trends and Resources
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President's Message
College- and university-based retirement organizations (ROs) require a team effort to thrive. It is critical to have visionary RO leaders, effective officers and board members, and loyal and active retiree participants. A successful RO also needs interested, supportive, and engaged institutional administrators who recognize the benefits of having an RO as part of their institution’s organizational structure and social and intellectual community.
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Institutional Administrators and ROs
The history of ROs reveals that college/university administrators (e.g., presidents, provosts, deans) were instrumental in the initial establishment of some retirement organizations. At other colleges and universities, administrators needed to be educated and won over as they gradually learned how an RO that maintains institutional connections and service opportunities for retirees is worth the investment required to help the RO prosper. Keep in mind that winning administrator support to set up a retirement organization or nurture an RO initiative, while very beneficial, is rarely sufficient to maintain an RO over the long term. It is essential to maintain lines of communication, provide up-to-date information on RO performance, and produce regular reports on RO impact (e.g., membership numbers, attendance at events, services provided, and member contributions to the institution). Inviting administrators to meet with RO board members or address RO membership meetings is also helpful to continuing positive RO-administrator relationships.
RO Administration Engagement Examples
The September issue of AROHE Matters contains examples of how various AROHE member organizations reach out to and engage institutional administrators to support their RO, its members, and ultimately, the institution they all are dedicated to serving. I hope you will pick up an idea or two your RO can try out this year.
AROHE’s Annual Business Meeting
Finally, please mark your calendars for AROHE’s annual business meeting on Wednesday, November 6, 10 a.m. PDT, 11 a.m. MDT, 12 p.m. CDT, 1 p.m. EDT. At this meeting, we will introduce our slate of candidates for the AROHE board of directors. It is also a good opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the association’s operations and upcoming events. Please join us on November 6. Roger Baldwin
President, AROHE
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AROHE Nominations & Elections - Treasurer Needed
In July, AROHE issued a call for nominations for president-elect, treasurer, secretary, and at-large board positions. Thank you to all who have submitted a nomination. We now have nominees for all positions except for treasurer. If you would like to join our dynamic team as treasurer to oversee AROHE's financial operations, click here for more information. Nominees must complete a nomination form and submit a letter of interest and a curriculum vitae or resume by Friday, September 20, 2024. A slate of candidates will be presented at the annual business meeting and elections will be held by electronic vote shortly after the meeting. Please mail info@arohe.org if you have questions or suggestions. AROHE Nominating Committee – Bill Verdini, Hoke Hill, Tom Hart, Bonnie Stevens, Al Aubin
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AROHE Travel Institute Trip Preview WebinarBrought to you by Road Scholar
Wednesday, September 11
10-11 a.m. PDT, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. MDT, 12-1 p.m. CDT, 1-2 p.m. EDT
Learn more about the AROHE Travel Institute’s worldwide learning adventures for retired or current college/university faculty/staff and their friends and family during this trip preview webinar. We will be offering five learning adventures in 2025 in the US and abroad in Canada, Spain, and Portugal. During the webinar, we will review itineraries for these trips and provide enrollment information.
This new collaboration between AROHE and Road Scholar will connect you with former colleagues in academia and introduce you to new acquaintances as you learn and travel together on inspiring trips led by Road Scholar, the leader in educational travel for adults. There is no charge to attend and everyone is welcome to register.
Presenters: Cherie Hamilton, AROHE Travel Institute Committee Chair, and Frania Monarski, Director of Group Sales at Road Scholar
Details: https://www.roadscholar.org/arohe/exclusive-programs/
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Social Relationships: Key to a Happy & Successful Retirement
Sponsored by Road Scholar
Wednesday, September 18, 2024
10-11:30 a.m. PDT, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. MDT, 12-1:30 CTD, 1-2:30 EDT
AROHE's 2024 Virtual Summit will explore the importance of social relationships in retirement with an engaging presentation followed by a panel discussion. In May 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory titled "Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation," shedding light on "the public health crisis of loneliness, isolation, and lack of connection in our country." Even predating the COVID-19 pandemic, around half of U.S. adults reported experiencing measurable levels of loneliness. Disconnection profoundly impacts mental, physical, and societal well-being. This presentation will help retirees and the organizations that serve them to better understand and facilitate better social connections.
Keynote speaker: Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad, professor of psychology and neuroscience and director of the Social Connection & Health Lab at Brigham Young University Panelists: Dr. Kaye Jeter, Central State University; Valerie Ventre-Hutton, UC Berkeley; and Dr. Louise Nasmith, University of British Columbia
There is no charge to attend and everyone is welcome to register.
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Cyber Fraud and Personal Security Insights
Presented by Fidelity Investments
Thursday, October 24, 2024
10-11 a.m. PDT, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. MDT, 12-1 CTD, 1-2 EDT
Cyber threats are everywhere, which is why it’s important to understand what it takes to keep yourself cybersafe. We are proud to team up with Fidelity Investments to offer this exclusive virtual workshop to share important information about common financial scams and ways you can monitor, protect, and safeguard your data.
Presenter: Gary Rossi, director of Fidelity Investments Personal Security Insights Program and former special agent for the FBI, specializing in white-collar crime investigations.
There is no charge to attend and everyone is welcome to register.
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Retirement Organization News |
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Georgetown University Retiree & Administrator Partnerships
The Georgetown University Association of Retired Faculty and Staff (GU Retirees) offers a range of partnerships and activities to connect retirees and to engage university administration. The provost’s office is the campus hub for our organization, hosting our website, supporting our communications, and providing grant funding for retirees to continue their research endeavors.
The provost takes a personal interest in our group, attending in-person events, and this year he provided an update on the university’s future expansion plans at our annual luncheon. Several of our monthly special events, entitled “GU Academic Leaders or Senior Administrators Interviews,” have provided a venue for administrators to update retirees about current challenges and future directions of the university, including the dean of admissions, dean of student finances, and director of intercollegiate athletics.
We collaborate with the chief benefits officer and his team to host an annual holiday party. In addition, staff from that office regularly contribute information on health and well-being to our bi-monthly newsletter and present updates about retiree benefits at our annual meeting. The university president and his team host our annual welcome luncheon for newly retired faculty and staff. Similarly, we work with the vice president for mission and ministry and with the Jesuit community to create an annual service of remembrance for deceased retirees.
Through these relationships and activities, as well as our short course offerings, our retirees can maintain their connections to the university. In addition, members of the university administration support and remain engaged with the retiree community.
To learn more, contact Suzanne M. Bronheim, PhD, chair of the Communications Committee, GU Retirees, and adjunct associate professor of pediatrics, Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development, bronheis@georgetown.edu.
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University of Memphis Association of Retirees & Campus Administrators
Strong relationships between retirees and campus administrators are essential to the well-being of a retirement organization. The University of Memphis Association of Retirees (UMAR) builds the connection between these two entities in different ways.
In 2023, we asked the president, provost, and athletic director to attend our annual Welcome Back! reception, a yearly event bringing retirees to campus and enabling them to mix and mingle with administrators. Last year the event highlighted the university’s sports programs, while this year, the focus will be the academic program, featuring a professor emeritus' perceptions on the growth of AI in our lives. At such events, we also announce our scholarship and award recipients to the audience. The graduate school dean, who provides dedicated staff support to UMAR’s scholarship and award selection processes, will be present, as well as the head of the foundation, who has provided staff assistance in account management and support/leadership in crowdfunding to help us endow our graduate scholarships. We will also introduce the newly appointed senior vice president of advancement.
Other ways to engage campus administrators and retirees include inviting the provost to be our featured speaker at our December Holiday Social. We also work with HR to participate in its annual Benefits Fair and pre-retirement seminars, and currently, we are exploring how to strengthen our affiliation with the faculty and staff senates. We believe that such efforts keep UMAR vital as a recipient of administrative support and as an organization that “gives back” to the University.
For more information, contact Carol Crown Ranta, UMAR President 2024-2026, first Tennessee professor of art history, professor emeritus, ccrown@memphis.edu.
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UCLA Retirees Association Donations Make a Difference
Every year, The UCLA Retirees Association (UCLARA) does inspiring work to create a sense of community at UCLA by supporting various administrative campus-wide initiatives. In 2024, the board funded eight different campus initiatives.
During the year, speakers are invited to Board meetings to suggest campus units that are serving our diverse students. The members then vote on which departments to support. Each initiative offers a variety of services in which diverse students feel welcome and a part of the community, ensuring their success on campus. For example,
- The Bruin Resource Center (BRC) is a campus hub for current and former foster students; students who are parents, caregivers, or guardians; and formerly incarcerated students. The center helps students obtain internships and career development.
- Community Program Office (CPO) serves as an anonymous source of healthy nutrition and essential needs. The Food Closet at UCLA was the first food pantry to open In the UC system and the state of California. Food-insecure students drop by whenever they need to. UCLARA donated an additional $1,000 each to the Food Closet and the Essential Needs Office. This office offers financial assistance, support for accessing housing, mental health services, and a commuter van service which provides safe rides home for commuter students within a 30-mile radius of the campus.
- The UCLA Student Transfer Center is a central hub that provides resources for transfers to ease the transition to UCLA. UCLARA donated $1,000 to the center. Students drop in to take advantage of counseling including psychological, career, and academic, and are provided volunteer opportunities to make connections with fellow students.
- The First-to-Go Center provides a comfortable and colorful space for transfer students to connect and become part of the UCLA family. An amazing 43% of transfer students are first-generation college students.
Judith Tuch, President, UCLA Retirees Association, tuchjudith@gmail.com.
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Later Life Learning - College and Unversity Retiree Associations of Canada
Each fall, the Later Life Learning Committee of College and University Retiree Associations of Canada / Associations de Retraités des Universités et Colléges du Canada (CURAC/ARUCC) shares details of educational opportunities being offered by colleagues across Canada. The effort focuses on four areas:
- Exchanging information regarding upcoming educational sessions (primarily online) that are available from member organizations and approved national and international associations that involve retired staff from colleges and universities;
- Offering information about free access to online communications options, as well as providing referrals to groups that provide free online training sessions to keep our digital skills up to date;
- Disseminating information regarding publications and related scholarly work by members of CURAC/ARUCC member associations;
- Developing innovative strategies for later life learning, including the promotion of intergenerational learning.
The Committee is comprised of a representative from each of the 40+ retiree associations across Canada. The fall meeting in mid-October ensures that local retiree associations are aware of educational activities being offered by colleagues across Canada. The meeting is conducted via a round table Zoom conversation. The members then communicate these activities to their local association members. In addition, we schedule an informational presentation with a guest speaker to ensure that they are aware of their benefits and can share the information with their local groups. For more information, contact Carole Lynne LeNavenec, cllenave@ucalgary.ca, or Sandi Hirst, shirst@ucalgary.ca, and/or visit https://curac.ca/en/home.Click to return to the Issue Highlights.
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Retirement Trends and Resources
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Ageism Awareness Day
Ageism refers to stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel), and discrimination (how we act) toward others or ourselves based on age. It negatively impacts our health and well-being, our financial security, and the economy. It exists in many forms, influencing everything from personal interactions to public policy, and impacts us at every age.
The good news is that we can do something about it, and we begin by spreading the word on Ageism Awareness Day, Oct. 9, 2024. Ageism Awareness Day | American Society on Aging (asaging.org).
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National Aging Symposium
We’re less than one month away from the 2024 National Healthy Aging Symposium hosted by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promosion (ODPHP) and Trust for America’s Health. During this free, half-day event on September 26, attendees will hear from policymakers, researchers, and professionals from across sectors about successful innovations that improve older adult health and well-being in communities around the country. The full agenda is now available. Webinars & Events | health.gov
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Tips for Caregivers
Many older adults are caregivers for their grandchildren or young relatives. These families are often called grandfamilies with grandparents and grandchildren, or kinship families. The situation may include legal custody or guardianship, or the arrangement can be informal. It may be temporary or it may last a long time. As a caregiver, it’s important for you to care for yourself, see a health care professional regularly, get enough rest, and connect with friends and family. Find more information about grandfamilies and kinship families.
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Come Join Us in Transforming Retirement |
Since 2002 AROHE has supported both institutions and individuals by transforming the experience of retirement – the preparation, the transition, and post-retirement programming – into a smooth and productive life-course change.
To renew, join or learn more, visit arohe.org or contact AROHE by emailing info@arohe.org or calling (530) 219-1049. |
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AROHE members are encouraged to submit stories that reflect activities, news and events from your retirement organization and campus that support retirees and highlight the value retirees bring to their colleges and universities.
The November issue of AROHE Matters will focus on how retirement organizations support their retirees with aging in place issues and housing alternatives to enable retirees to have the most comfortable, connected and affordable later life chapters.
Articles are limited to 250 words. A relevant picture (jpeg or png) and web links are valued additions to any article.
Share your story for the November issue of AROHE Matters by October 18, 2024, to Patrick Cullinane, editor, at pcullinane@berkeley.edu. |
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AROHE's mantra is "Transforming Retirement."
At AROHE, we know that higher education retirees are assets of society who reinvent, NOT retire from, life; positively impact their communities; and contribute to the greater good.
AROHE champions transformative practices to support all stages of faculty and staff retirement, their mutually beneficial engagement, and continuing contributions to their academic institutions. By sharing research, innovative ideas, and successful practices, AROHE emphasizes the development and enhancement of campus-based retiree organizations and programs which support this continuing engagement in higher education.
Privacy policy: AROHE will never sell or give your personal information to sponsors or partners without your expressed permission. This permission is typically done as a part of an event registration where members and registrants "opt in" to receive email notices from a partner or sponsor. In this case a member or registrant's email address is provided to the sponsor or partner.
Copyright © 2020 AROHE. All rights reserved.
Contact email: info@arohe.org
Contact phone: 530-219-1049
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