Why UWRA? One of the joys of retirement is finding meaningful volunteer work. UWRA provides just that—the chance to develop programming that matters to the well-being of everyone, especially seniors; to award scholarships to deserving students; and to find new connections with colleagues from across the university.

Why UWRA? I joined the board so that I can continue to pay it forward by sharing my expertise in addressing issues of importance to everyone served by UWRA. I welcome the opportunity to participate because I am aware of how much UWRA contributes to the well-being of retired colleagues and the larger UW community. I also joined because there is still so much to do to bring about positive change and make a difference.

Why UWRA? UWRA broadly serves the university and the wider community. Throughout my personal and professional lives I have networked with others, respectfully engaging with and supporting diverse audiences. I’m glad to strengthen existing ties and create new relationships through UWRA. I want to help build or maintain equitable coalitions that deliver programming with evocative and ongoing impacts. My interests are eclectic, but mostly focused around the arts, intercultural communication, and social justice.

Why UWRA? On retiring as a painter on the maintenance crew at UWMC I knew that I would need to actively find things to fill up my life. One of the first things that I came up with was UWRA’s Birding Interest Group. This was a win-win for me for it not only got me outside and moving around but brought more people into my life. I was asked to join the Program Planning Committee to help plan upcoming events. Working on the committee I realized the breadth and value of what UWRA offers for retirees. I am now on the Board of Directors and I am proud of the quality of the people that I work with.

Why UWRA? After a rewarding career at the University of Washington, I welcome the opportunity to serve on the board of the UWRA and continuing to be a part of this vibrant community. I’ve long admired the services and benefits UWRA provides and look forward to supporting existing and future initiatives.

Why UWRA? I am enjoying service on the UWRA Board as I am experiencing and learning about my own aging, while contributing to the well-being of UW retirees. Not only am I continuing to learn from the excellent programming offered by UWRA, but I have been able to link those in our broader community to the many excellent programs that have become an online library of resources for a variety of aging-related topics. Serving on the program planning committee has allowed me to contribute ideas about activities that are enjoyable, expand my awareness of resources in my community, and build new relationships with colleagues whom I did not see frequently although we were employed in the same organization for decades!

Why UWRA?  As a UW alum, employee and now retiree, the UWRA offers me the opportunity to continue participating in the vibrant UW community and engage in events and programs which serve us all, with a focus on retirees.

Why UWRA? People should plan retirement as they plan careers. But many do not. I had known about UWRA for many years and that I would take advantage of these benefits “one day.” I did not anticipate that life and the fear of COVID-19 would inform me that “one day” had arrived. It was time to retire. That’s what’s great about UWRA; it’s there when you want it — pre-retirement or post-retirement.

Why UWRA? I joined UWRA while I was still working at UW and was impressed by how broadly the organization served the University and its people. As a Seattle native who has spent time around the UW and the U District my whole life, joining the UWRA board seemed like a good way to maintain my ties with the UW when I retired.

Why UWRA? UWRA helps build and sustain community, which is invaluable. The essential community I had while working at UW has continued in my time as UWRA member, and I am excited to see it grow. UWRA’s mission aligns with my personal values, motivating me to do the best I can to support retirees, pre-retirees, and the entire UW.

Why UWRA? As a volunteer for the UWRA-McNair Scholars Mentorship pilot program, I worked with a gifted undergraduate, collaborated with stellar UW staff members, & caught up with dynamic faculty colleagues. Fun! I’m volunteering with UWRA in hopes of contributing to mentoring & social justice projects.

Why UWRA? Both before and after my retirement, I have been impressed by the scope of UWRA’s activities and the reach of this organization. UWRA not only helps UW retirees to stay connected, active, and healthy, but also provides us with tools to support a secure retirement and financial support for current UW students. I am pleased to be able to serve on the Board of Directors to help foster the mission of this great institution.

Why UWRA? Prior to retiring, I attended several UWRA retirement planning events that I found very informative. Since retiring, I have attended others on aging. I am impressed with the services UWRA provides and joined the Board to reconnect with former colleagues and to meet new ones as we serve the needs of our retired community. It is a way to give back to the people who make the University such a great place to work.

As a new board member, I look forward to working with the UWRA and the many ways that I can be involved as a new member.  Helping to advance the workings of the UWRA with new retirees and what joining the retirement association would provide for them.  I volunteered as I really enjoyed working at the U and wanted to keep that momentum going with activities through the board.

Why UWRA? During my time at the UW I had several colleagues who retired and went on afterwards to praise UWRA for its advocacy for retirees, educational programs, and recognition and social events.  When I retired I joined and have participated in several educational programs.  These programs are valuable but perhaps not realized as available for some retirees. Since the mid 1990s UW employed many immigrants into service positions at entry level pay.  Hundreds of them completed long, loyal, and hardworking careers. They are extremely proud that many of their children went on to become graduates of UW or other higher education institutions.  How can we serve these retirees? I am not sure, but maybe we can avail resources to them that they are not aware.