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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 retirement planning programs that address more than the financial aspects of life after full-time employment. 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
Cherie Hamilton |
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Happy New Year,, AROHE Members I hope you had a wonderful holiday with family and friends. As the New Year approaches, AROHE retirement organizations (ROs) nationwide have an opportunity to reflect on and reset their priorities, whether it's offering new programs or reshaping current ones. The beginning of a new year is the perfect time for this effort. Many retirees feel that exploring new learning opportunities is their favorite perk of retirement. ROs should consider adding webinars, book discussion groups, webinars, and travel programs, local, national, and international to their current list. Building interest groups will attract new members to your RO who are looking for a community of like-minded retirees. Consider wellness and aging, which includes walking/hiking and yoga. Begin a memoir, creative writing, or a photography group. Many retirees feel a commitment to their institution through its services and might be interested in volunteering at campus events, such as sports or museum tours. AROHE works with Road Scholar and offers about 6 trips a year, both national and international, to our members. As you begin the New Year, remember that we all have different ideas as to what we want retirement to be. As you plan programs, remember the various options that might interest your members, old or new. Social engagement is one of the strongest predictors of life satisfaction in retirement, and AROHE is available to help enhance connections in life’s next chapters. Wishing you a Happy and Healthy New Year! Cherie Hamilton, President AROHE
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Connections & Conversations: Notes from Valerie
I was thrilled to connect with the Georgia State University Emeriti Center recently and meet their outstanding team. These conversations are always energizing, and I look forward to engaging with more members to answer questions or learn about their priorities and needs. In addition, I’ve been collaborating with the Education and Research Committee on our upcoming spring series, Charting Your Journey to a Fulfilling Retirement. We have an exciting lineup of speakers who will share valuable insights to help members plan for the next chapter with confidence and purpose. I have already started reading From Strength to Strength by Arthur Brooks, who is one of our esteemed speakers. We’re also preparing for the 2026 in-person conference and will be officially opening the call for proposals. Your ideas and expertise can help make this event exceptional! Finally, work on the Virtual Resource Chapter (VRC) is progressing, and we’re gearing up for a membership drive in January to coincide with the spring series.
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Answer from our last Quick Poll:
Technologies that are important to the daily activities of our members (by order of importance):
1. Webinars
2. Podcasts
3. Online Forums
4. Facebook
5. LinkedIn
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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: Featured Speakers: - Moving From Strength to Strength in Work, Life, & Happiness - Arthur C. Brooks – Harvard Kennedy School & Harvard Business School
- Building a Financial Foundation for Your Ideal Retirement - Sangeeta Moorjani – Fidelity Investments
- Retiring Well - Creating a Personal Action Plan - Teresa Amabile – Harvard Business School with Joe Casey – Executive & Retirement Coach
- Discovering Your Purpose in Retirement - Jordan Grumet – Author of The Purpose Code
- Time Well Spent - Cassie Mogilner Holmes – UCLA Anderson School of Management
- Cultivating Social Connections and Support Systems in Retirement - Marc Schulz – Harvard Study of Adult Development
Dates: February–May | Format: Virtual | Duration: 75 minutes per session Register now for all six sessions on the AROHE website!
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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 Coming Soon!
In February, we’ll announce the official Call for Proposals. We encourage ROs to submit proposals highlighting their best practices and innovative ideas.
Get Involved!
We’re looking for AROHE members to join a variety of committees, including:
- Program
- Local Organizing
- Sponsorship
- Public Relations
- Website & Registration
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
Please help us grow AROHE’s Virtual Chapter and create the most vibrant retirement community in higher education! For just $20/year, your colleagues can join, and when they list you as their referrer, you will receive exclusive rewards. From social media shout-outs and AROHE swag to free conference registration and even a lifetime membership, the more you refer, the more you gain. Rewards are limited, so start inviting today and share the future with us!
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—check 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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GratitudeAt these times, AROHE believes gratitude is an essential part of healthy next-life chapters. With this issue, AROHE is seeking reader input on how gratitude has enhanced their daily lives and, for ROs, how expressing gratitude has strengthened connections and encouraged retirees to keep moving forward. Share your examples of developing, practicing, and seeing the impact of simple acts like saying, “I appreciate you.”
Share your story of gratitude to Patrick Cullinane, editor, at pcullinane@berkeley.edu.
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Retirement Organization News |
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Pathways to Purpose: A Faculty Retirement Seminar
At Santa Clara University, the Faculty Development Program and the Ignatian Center for Jesuit Education have launched a year-long pilot seminar, “Pathways to Purpose,” focused on faculty retirement.
Two retired faculty members facilitate monthly conversations among late-career and retired faculty on the social, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of the transition to retirement. Meetings include a simple meal and structured discussions in response to readings, films, and reflective writing. Topics include the meanings of retirement; personal and professional identity in transition; vocation in and beyond academia; health and conscious aging; cultural ageism; awareness of mortality; the experience of time; community vs. isolation; and values, purpose, and mission. Each session includes a reflective or contemplative practice. By the end of the final session, participants will have drafted a mission statement and sketched out a plan for meaningful engagement beyond their academic careers.
2025-26 is the pilot year for the Pathways to Purpose seminar, and facilitators will conduct an assessment midway and at the end of the year. The university hopes to offer the seminar on a continuing basis as a way of supporting retiring faculty in planning for their next chapters, building community, and enhancing the foundations for ongoing connections of retirees to the university community.
For more information, contact Diane Jonte-Pace, Professor Emerita, Religious Studies, djontepace@scu.edu Eileen Elrod, Professor Emerita, English, eelrod@scu.edu
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Retirement Planning - University of British Columbia Emeritus College
UBC does not have a centralized, coordinated retirement-planning approach for its faculty members. Instead, key administrative and retirement-planning services are spread throughout and outside of the system. We address this challenge by providing an intensive pre-retirement seminar as well as an extensive resource list that contains live links and the contact details of the various specialists and services available to pre-retirees.
As a close knit planning and delivery team, the College and Human Resources (HR) just completed our 9th highly successful 4-hour virtual retirement-planning seminar. Thus far, over 600 faculty members and their partners have attended. Faculty members provide input into the seminar content via completion of the registration and post-seminar surveys. We focus on the concept of academic retirement, stories of life in retirement, retirement via flexible work options, health and benefits insurance, general principles of financial and estate planning, participation in the College pre- and post-retirement and retirement-planning resources. We provide a facilitated small group break-out where attendees share their thoughts about retirement.
The College Executive liaises and meets with a designated high-level member of administration whose role, in part, is to advocate with administration on behalf of pre- and post-retirees. The Emeritus College works in tandem with HR in developing and improving retirement-planning resources and information on our respective websites. We are indebted to HR (Faculty Relations) who send out College announcements about items of high interest to the1600 UBC faculty members age 55+. These items include specific AROHE webinars and College events.
Contact: linda.leonard@ubc.ca, Linda Leonard, Chair, Transition to Retirement Committee, UBC, Emeritus College, https://emerituscollege@ubc.ca
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Clemson University's Emeritus College - One Approach to Address Retirement Questions
Clemson University’s Emeritus College supports retirement planning each year by hosting a one-hour hybrid retirement panel luncheon in February. The Emeritus College partners with Clemson University’s Office of Human Resources and PEBA, the state of South Carolina’s retirement benefits agency, to assemble a panel of retirement professionals and emeritus faculty who answer questions, assuage fears, and provide support to faculty considering retirement. The panel includes both recent and older emeriti.
In January, a letter is circulated through University communication channels to inform faculty who are investigating retirement or who plan to retire before the end of August of three critical steps in the process: 1) making an appointment with a Human Resources Benefits Counselor; 2) contacting the Emeritus College; and 3) working with a financial planner. A link to the Emeritus College’s Retirement Guide is included in the letter along with an invitation to the hybrid luncheon and details of the annual Emeritus Day induction ceremony and celebration. Those participating in-person enjoy a boxed lunch.
Feedback received after the luncheon includes gratitude for having had important process questions answered and a feeling of calm about what to expect on the first day of retirement. Participants express excitement about the options to remain connected to the University community through the Emeritus College. They also appreciate the opportunity to learn more about membership in an interdisciplinary academic community pursuing a broad range of activities in retirement. Contact: Victoria Musheff vmushef@clemson.edu | www.clemson.edu/emerituscollege/
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College and University Retiree Association of Canada (CURAC) - Helping Retiree Assns. Support Retirement Planning
College and University Retiree Association of Canada (CURAC) – Helping Retiree Assns. Support Retirement Planning
Even without a large budget, the College and University Retiree Association of Canada (CURAC/ARUCC) plays a vital role in helping local retiree associations support their members in preparation for the next chapter of their lives.
CURAC/ARUCC provides practical, no cost strategies such as online “Retiree Conversations” which provide its Affinity Benefit partners with opportunities to inform members about the benefits they offer. It also offers a newsletter that informs local retiree associations of events and activities held across the country to promote connections in retirement. Its annual conference provides networking and information sessions to expand participants’ thinking about retirement. The Later Life Learning Committee of CURAC/ARUCC promotes the exchange of online educational sessions offered across the country that any local member can experience.
The development of a YouTube channel is underway with similar goals of informing and connecting members. By building strong relationships among local retiree associations and using communication platforms creatively, CURAC/ARUCC can inspire local retiree associations to do more with less.
Contact: Sandra P. Hirst BScN, PhD, Associate Professor Emerita, Faculty of Nursing, CURAC, Vice-President, shirst@ucalgary.ca.
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Bringing Experience to Shape Future Post-Secondary Education
Bringing experience to shape the future of post-secondary education - University Affairs was published in CURAC’s Academic for Life Column in University Affairs Newsletter, which is distributed to all Universities in Canada. Authored by Dr. Fred Fletcher, a Professor Emeritus-Political Science and Communication Studies and currently a member of both the York University Retirees Association and ARFL: the Association of Retired Faculty and Librarians, as well as a long-term member of CURAC’s Later Life Learning Committee,
If any readers are interested in doing an article on a topic of your choice (1200 words or less) for Academic for Life, please send it to the Editor: cllenave@ucalgary.ca, Carole-Lynne Le Navenec (RN, PhD-Clinical Sociology, U of Tor) Assoc. Professor Emerita, University of Calgary and CURAC Board member and Chairperson, Later Life Learning (LLL) Committee, College and University Retirees Association of Canada (https://curac.ca/en/committees/later-life-learning-committee).
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UCLA Retirees Association Cookbook
It all began because the Retirees Association Membership and Marketing Committee asked for ideas to increase the visibility of and interest in the UCLA Retirees Association (UCLARA).
A call for recipes to RA members resulted in 44 plus recipes. The recipes include winners of cooking competitions, recipes shared across generations and centuries, and test kitchen recipes. There are also colorful recipe photos and illustrations along with memorable anecdotes.
A few hardcover copies were given as prizes at RA Christmas parties and a few copies have been sold to recipe providers. Some people have asked when will there be another cookbook. The answer is probably not for a very long time. For more information, contact Margaret Johnson at micjohnson244@gmail.com.
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Points of LightAt Points of Light, we believe volunteering is one of the most powerful tools we have to strengthen communities. That’s why we commissioned this report — From Nice to Necessary: Unleashing the Impact of Volunteering Through Transformative Investment, informed with research conducted by The Bridgespan Group, a global nonprofit advisory firm. It sheds new light on the essential role volunteers play in the success of nonprofits and the social sector, as well as the urgent need for greater investment in volunteer engagement and infrastructure. From Nice to Necessary: Unleashing the Impact of Volunteering Through Transformative Investment |
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Aging in America: Survive or Thrive
Aging in America: Survive or Thrive" is a one hour documentary that explores the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly aging population. It uses Dr. Robert Butler's Pulitzer Prize winning book, "Why Survive: Being Old in America," as a guide to address critical topics such as ageism, healthcare, economic insecurity, and Alzheimer's disease. The documentary features renowned experts, personal stories, and narrated by Martin Sheen, celebrating the promise of increased longevity while addressing public policy challenges. Aging in America: Survive or Thrive - PBS
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Longevity Innovations in Higher Education Summit By 2034, there will be more people over the age of 60 than under 18 for the first time in history. This macro trend is occurring globally due to decreasing birth rates and increased age lifespace. It will have profound implications for the education sector. Higher education is in need of aspirational models and innovative approaches to prepare for the future of our age-diverse society. For the first time ever, this convening will bring together Age Friendly University Global Network (AFUGN) member institutions from across North America, as well as leaders of higher Ed institutions and organizations across all sectors who are developing longevity innovations in higher education. This includes university retirement communities, midlife transition programs, cogeneration programs, and other strategic initiatives. Age-Friendly University Conference — Age-Friendly University Global Network
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Publications of Note
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Ken Stern’s new book, Healthy to 100: How Strong Social Ties Lead to Long Lives, details how he spent many months traveling the world, immersing himself in various communities known for their skill at connecting socially, to let us know how we could do the same. It’s going to take work, but as you’ll see in this excerpt, it is doable, and highly recommended. I encourage everyone to read the whole book. Healthy to 100 by Ken Stern - Hachette Book Group |
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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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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 March issue of AROHE Matters will focus on recruiting, training, and appreciating the volunteers in our next life chapter endeavors.
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 January issue of AROHE Matters by February 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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