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Association of Retirement Organizations in Higher Education |
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Editor’s Note: This issue of next life chapter news highlights the value and contributions of volunteers and resources and opportunities for impactful service. Also, we seek reader input on gratitude in our personal lives and with retirement organizations. Remember that you can access and print any current or past newsletter on our website. |
Issue Highlights
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Retirement Organization News
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President's Message
Eric Hockert |
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This is my first President’s column, and I want to start by recognizing and honoring our recent President, Cherie Hamilton. We are saddened to share the news of her recent death. She was a wonderful person, colleague, and friend. She began her 2-year term as president in January 2025, following several years as a board member and leader of our travel institute. With her declining health, she resigned as president a few weeks ago. Even with this knowledge, news of her death came as a shock to all of us. Her family is considering a service later and will publish an obituary soon. For those of you who may not know her well, here is a link to a newsletter article from her and my home retirement organization at the University of Minnesota: https://umra.umn.edu/news/hello-my-name-cherie-hamilton.
Her life was filled with service to others and can be a model for all. For most of us, after many years of a working career, we want to find ways we can give back – meaningfully. As Aristotle once said, “What is the essence of life? To serve others and to do good.” You’ll find several wonderful examples to guide you and provide inspiration in this newsletter. Please take time to read them, consider how you might use their ideas, and how you may want to contribute your energies, your time, and yourself in service to others through AROHE. If so, feel free to contact me directly – erichockert@arohe.org
Eric Hockert
AROHE President
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Charting the Journey to a Fulfilling Retirement
AROHE and Fidelity invite you to an exclusive series designed to help members thrive in retirement by harmonizing financial security, identity, and emotional well-being. This evidence-based program features six dynamic sessions led by renowned thought leaders: Remaining Featured Speakers: Format: Virtual | Duration: 75 minutes per session
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The Joy of Connection: Wellness, Wisdom, and Wonder 2026 In-Person Conference
We’re thrilled to share that The Joy of Connection: Wellness, Wisdom, and Wonder 2026 in-person conference will take place October 6–8, 2026, in Gainesville, Florida, home of the University of Florida.
Call for Proposals is now open! We invite you to share your ideas, innovations, and experiences that inspire connection and shape the future of retirement in higher education—submit your proposal by April 24.
Conference registration is now open! Join colleagues from across higher education retirement communities for an inspiring gathering focused on connection, learning, and innovation. Early bird registration is available for AROHE members at $175 through May 1, 2026, so reserve your spot and take advantage of the discounted rate while it lasts.
Get Involved!
We’re still looking for AROHE members to join a variety of committees, including:
- Local Organizing
- Sponsorship
If you’re interested, please contact Valerie Sutton, Executive Director, with your specific area of interest at valeriesutton@arohe.org.
Let’s make this conference an inspiring and collaborative experience! |
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Virtual Retirement Organization Update
We are excited to share that six new members joined AROHE’s Virtual Retirement Chapter in February, continuing the growth of this vibrant community for higher education retirees. Thank you to everyone who has helped spread the word and invite colleagues to participate.
You can continue helping us grow this dynamic network. For just $20 per year, individuals can join the Virtual Retirement Chapter to access networking opportunities, webinars, and engaging programs. When new members list you as their referrer, you may receive special recognition and rewards, including AROHE swag, conference registration opportunities, and more.
Reminder:
If your Retirement Organization is a member organization, you have access to all VRC events through your membership. You can find details and register on our website by checking the Member Organization Directory for confirmation.
If you don’t have a retirement organization or your organization is not a member, you can join the VRC to enjoy networking opportunities, webinars, and other great events. |
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We extend our sincere thanks to Sande Johnson-Byers for stepping in as Interim Chair of the AROHE Travel Institute. Under Sande’s leadership, the committee recently developed a travel survey to better understand AROHE members’ interests and needs around travel experiences. If you are interested in travel, please take a moment to complete the survey. The team is already building exciting programming, including a session on Solo Traveling scheduled for May 13, 2026, and will begin planning travel opportunities for 2027 in the coming months. We appreciate Sande and the committee for their leadership in creating engaging ways for our community to continue learning, exploring, and connecting through travel.
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Retirement Organization News |
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How do we recognize our volunteers? -- College and University Retiree Associations of Canada
Volunteers are the infrastructure of CURAC/ARUCC (College and University Retiree Associations of Canada /Associations de retraités des universités et collèges du Canada). Everything we do, from governance to health policy advocacy to building connections between local retiree associations, depends on our volunteers. They so generously give us their time, experience, and thoughtful deliberations. In non-profit organizations such as ours, volunteers are not simply “helping out.” They are partners. They bring wisdom, professional expertise, institutional memory, and fresh thinking. Aside from limited AGM-related expenses, they are not financially compensated. So why do they do it?
Our volunteers often speak about the sense of satisfaction they feel in contributing to something larger than themselves. Specifically, to achieve our purpose to coordinate activities that promote communication among member associations, to share information about activities of member organizations, to provide mutual assistance, and to speak publicly on issues of concern to the over 24,000 individual college and university retirees across Canada.
Our volunteers value the relationships formed around our virtual board table or in committee meetings. They gain new friends, social engagement, and the satisfaction of seeing ideas turn into reality.
It is this spirit of mutual contribution that keeps CURAC / ARUCC vibrant. And for that, we are deeply grateful to our volunteers. Thank you to each and every one of you.
Sandra Hirst shirst@ucalgary.ca, Carole-Lynne Le Navenec cllenave@ucalgary.ca
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University of Missouri (MU) Retirees Association (MURA) -- Volunteerism Impacting the University and Community
MURA created and continues to grow the endowed MURA Kitty Dickerson Scholarship that will help support 8 MU undergraduates who are children of university staff in the next academic year. Members “work” at the Mizzou Store assisting students when the fall and spring semesters begin in exchange for the store donating $15/hour volunteered to the scholarship fund. In addition, members directly contribute donations and secure donations for local businesses that are featured in a ticketed raffle at the annual MURA holiday social.
MURA also actively participates in the university’s annual United Way campaign. MURA member Dee Montgomery contributes countless hours encouraging and leveraging retiree donations. In 2025, by December 18, retirees (including nonmembers of MURA) accounted for 53% of the funds generated in MU’s annual campaign.
MURA members are typically actively volunteering at the university in other capacities, with a wide array of organizations in the community and in their professional organizations. Their network expands our pool of speakers for the MURA monthly breakfast programs.
And MURA members contribute countless hours each year in service to MURA itself as board members, officers, committee members and representatives to the key university groups. To learn more, contact MURA President, Mary Simon Leuci, Ed.D., Academy of Community Engagement Scholarship, Vice President, leucim@missouri.edu, https://mura-missouri.libguides.com/libguides/MURA.
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University Retirees Volunteer Center (URVC) – University of Minnesota
Assisting at food shelves, welcoming prospective students to campus, participating in science and medical research projects, judging K-12 academic competitions, helping international students develop communication skills, ushering special events, assisting in habitat and pollinator restoration—you name it, the University Retirees Volunteer Center (URVC) at the University of Minnesota has probably had a related project.
URVC has served the campus and community by matching motivated retirees with projects and activities on campus and in the community since 1987. With over 160 retiree participants each year and about 7000 hours of service provided, URVC’s annual economic impact (using nationally accepted dollar values) is approximately $230,000. Not bad for an organization with a $4000 budget.
Fostering social interaction with colleagues while making a difference in the community is the idea behind a recent innovation: the “Silver Gopher Service Corps.” Each year projects that lend themselves to team efforts are identified for retirees to interact and get to know each other while doing valuable community or campus service. (Silver Gopher tee shirts are suggested, but not required!)
The University’s Marketing Communications area offers office space and support for a work-study student, allowing the all-volunteer team to pursue UMRA’s service mission to the University and community.
Jerry Rinehart, Chair, URVC Leadership Council (g-rine@umn.edu), University of Minnesota Retirees Association, Phone: 612-802-5627
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The Midlife Academy: Part of a Growing Movement
Those at midlife and beyond experience many shifts in their careers and lives. The Midlife Academy (TMLA) at the University of Minnesota is a place for those navigating transitions to find guidance, community, and direction.
Launched in Fall, 2025, TMLA offers short courses designed specifically for those at midlife and beyond. Cultivating Purpose explores values, wisdom, impact, and connection, and identifies ways that purpose can be woven into daily life. Next Chapter Reset: Creating Momentum lays the groundwork for what’s next with intention – a roadmap for action. Both courses have online or in-person options, offering flexibility in how people participate. We plan to expand the curriculum in the next year, offering more courses as well as more ways to engage.
Community and connection are foundational to TMLA. At times of uncertainty, a community of learners can offer support, perspective and accountability. All of our courses are live, with opportunities for participants to form supportive connections with others at a similar life stage.
Part of TMLA’s mission is educational: we launched a podcast that focuses on themes relevant to those at midlife and beyond: retirement, burnout, pivoting. TMLA is part of a larger movement within higher education, designing programs specifically tailored to those at midlife and beyond. TMLA is part of The Nexel Collaborative, a global alliance of colleges and universities offering innovative midlife programs.
For more information, visit midlife.umn.edu or contact Kate Schaefers, Ph.D., LP (she/hr/hers) Director, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Director, The Midlife Academy University of Minnesota College of Continuing and Professional Studies at k-scha@umn.edu.
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National Volunteer Month: Give Back and Make a Difference!
Held in April every year, National Volunteer Month is a time to celebrate and recognize the contributions of volunteers. It is an opportunity to join the impact of volunteerism and encourage more people to get involved in their communities. This is a great month to reaffirm your commitment to giving back.
Why volunteer?
- To make a tangible impact: From building trails to restoring wildlife habit to preserving historic battlefields and monuments and allowing visitors to witness firsthand the positive results of your efforts.
- To meet passionate people: Build camaraderie with fellow volunteers and staff who share your passions.
- To boost your well-being: Volunteering has been shown to reduce stress, increase happiness, and improve mental and physical health.
Lean into the fulfillment that comes with volunteerism. Remember, every contribution matters, your enthusiasm is contagious, and don’t forget to embrace the opportunity to learn. Your passion to help others, for the outdoors, history, and public lands is invaluable and your efforts will make a difference for this and future generations.
National Volunteer Month is a wonderful reminder that even small acts of kindness can have a profound impact. So why wait? Take the first step today and discover the power of volunteering! National Volunteer Month: Give Back and Make a Difference!
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Recorded Webinar: The Importance of Self-Care and the Role of Volunteering in Health and Well-Being
Arianna Huffington, Thrive Global Founder and CEO, joined Jennifer Sirangelo, President & CEO of Points of Light to discuss how prioritizing self-care is not just beneficial, but integral to sustaining their ability to serve effectively and make a sustainable impact. Their conversation included:
- The health benefits of self-care
- Practical strategies for daily self-care
- Volunteering as self-care
- Strengthening social connections through volunteering
The Importance of Self-Care and the Role of Volunteering in Health and Well-Being
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Apply Now: CoGen Voices Fellowships (deadline March 12)
We're looking for civic leaders of all ages who are passionate about intergenerational collaboration and want to strengthen their public voice.
The CoGen Voices Fellowships is a six-session workshop for younger and older civic leaders to hone their skills in writing, speaking and pitching. Application are open now. By the end of the fellowship, participants will have produced polished content, from op-eds and social posts to sound bites and speeches. They'll also be primed to collaborate with older and younger allies to amplify their voice and strengthen their civic impact.
Fellows will receive a $500 stipend.
Learn more at https://cogenerate.org/voice
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AI and Aging: On Ethics, Health, and Innovation Artificial Intelligence: An Overview
This article traces the evolution and history of Artificial Intelligence from its theoretical beginnings to modern breakthroughs like deep learning, and more familiar versions such as large language models, manifested through technologies such as ChatGPT. By examining key developments, from the perception and backpropagation to transformers, this article highlights how machines have transitioned from rule-based logic to learning from data. It also underscores AI’s growing role in reshaping how problems are solved and how humans interact with technology.
The core idea behind this issue of Generations Journal is that Artificial Intelligence (AI) represents a shift in how we approach problem-solving. In the past, programmers had to understand a problem and manually design a solution. Now, with AI, one can feed a preliminary solution or sample data into an AI model, which then learns the underlying problem and eventually discovers and refines its methods to solve it. This has given rise to a new paradigm in which solutions emerge not from handcrafted rules but from learning patterns in data, and allows machines to tackle problems people may not fully understand. Artificial Intelligence: An Overview - ASA Generations
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Discover AWE Daily with Oprah and Dacher Keltner - The Oprah Podcast | Podcast on Spotify
Did you know that experiencing awe can improve your health and your overall well-being? Oprah talks with University of California, Berkeley psychology professor Dacher Keltner to delve into his latest book "Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life." During this inspirational conversation Dacher explains how each of us has the potential to experience awe every single day and shares how encountering awe can lead us to greater fulfillment and happiness. Based on his extensive research Dacher outlines and describes what he calls the “Eight Wonders of Life” or the eight experiences that most commonly trigger awe. Throughout the discussion Oprah and Dacher each share their own deeply personal encounters with awe. Check out the podcast. Click to return to Issue Highlights
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Publications of Note
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Super Agers is a detailed guide to a revolution transforming human longevity. The person making that claim is a respected medical researcher, Eric Topol. Dr. Topol's unprecedented, evidenced-based guide is about how you and your family and friends can benefit from new treatments coming available at a faster rate than ever.
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At the height of his career at the age of 50, Arthur Brooks embarked on a seven-year journey to discover how to transform his future from one of disappointment over waning abilities into an opportunity for progress. From Strength to Strength is the result, a practical roadmap for the rest of your life.
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From a foremost expert on the science of emotions, a groundbreaking and essential exploration into the history, science, and greater understanding of awe
In Awe, Dacher Keltner presents a sweeping investigation and deeply personal inquiry into this elusive feeling. Keltner shows us how cultivating awe in our ev¬eryday lives leads us to appreciate what is most humane in our human nature.
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Aging and Diversity intersect in important ways, as individuals from different backgrounds experience aging through distinct lenses shaped by traditions, values, and beliefs. As the older population in the United States is becoming more diverse, it is important to understand the characteristics, the potential, and the needs of this population. |
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AROHE members are encouraged to submit stories that reflect activities, news and events from your retirement organization and campus that highlight the value retirees bring to their colleges and universities.
The May issue of AROHE Matters will focus on one of the themes for the in-person conference -- The Joy of Connection: Wellness, Wisdom, Wonder -- October 6–8, 2026, in Gainesville, Florida, home of the University of Florida: Wellness. Share with our readers what your organization does or what you do in collaboration with others to help retired staff and faculty understand best health, wellness practices and how best to enable those practices in their lives.
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 May issue of AROHE Matters by April 20, 2026, to Patrick Cullinane, editor, at pcullinane@berkeley.edu
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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. |
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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
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