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? 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? 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? Service, in addition to research and teaching, was a central focus of my career. The pinnacle of my service was being Secretary of the Faculty (1999-2005) for all three campuses. Meeting faculty and staff from all over the University, making new friends, helping people solve problems, and being involved in shared governance was a broadening and fulfilling experience. Being involved with UWRA makes it possible for me to continue my commitment to service in a new forum.

Why UWRA? When I retired in 2018, I joined the UWRA Book Club, and I was so taken with the group: they were smart, funny, thoughtful people, who were absolutely in love with books. I was struck — again — by how diverse the UW is and how much my retired colleagues from across campus wanted to be engaged in the activities and programs they cared deeply about. I joined the board to continue expanding my UW universe. I had a marvelous career at the UW (student entrepreneurship still runs in my veins), but I haven’t lost my desire to keep learning and be of service.

Why UWRA? The complex work UWRA and its committees conduct for both retirees and UW students have made me proud of being a UW retiree. I admire the UWRA vision of promoting both a healthy and active life for retirees while also enhancing a student body that reflects our multicultural population. Their work towards safeguarding state and federal changes of retiree benefits is impressive as are their scholarships and support for students.

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?  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? 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? 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? 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? What solidified my decision to join the board was its focus on social justice, equity, inclusion, and aging.

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.