Unlocking Opportunities: A Guide to the University of Minnesota Alumni Association's Benefits and Resources
The University of Minnesota Alumni Association (UMAA), founded in 1904, serves as a vital link connecting alumni to each other, supporting student success, and advancing the University of Minnesota. Being a member of the UMAA unlocks a wealth of benefits and resources, designed to enhance both personal and professional lives. This article explores the diverse offerings available to UMAA members, highlighting how they can leverage these advantages.
Lifelong Learning and Engagement
The UMAA provides numerous learning opportunities for its members, catering to a wide range of interests.
UMRA Forums and Living Well Workshops
The University of Minnesota Retirees Association (UMRA), closely associated with the UMAA, offers premiere learning opportunities through its monthly luncheon Forums and Living Well Workshops. The Forums feature speakers from within and outside the University, discussing current issues, history, and University research. Six of the Forums are in-person, accompanied by lunch, while two are virtual via Zoom.
The Living Well workshops feature speakers discussing issues of personal health and development, and all eight programs are virtual via Zoom. Besides regular programs, UMRA occasionally hosts special events with public figures such as the Governor of Minnesota and the University President.
Service Opportunities
Many retirees seek volunteer service opportunities, and UMRA assists them in finding fulfilling roles. The University Retirees Volunteer Center offers a variety of individual service opportunities. Members can also join the Silver Gopher Service Corps, which provides camaraderie through volunteering at admissions events and food packing activities. UMRA also has representatives or liaisons on several University committees, allowing members to advocate for retiree interests.
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Social Connections and Networking
A compelling reason to join the UMRA is to connect with old friends and make new ones.
Special Interest Groups and Social Events
The UMAA fosters social connections through various avenues. Special interest groups, such as photography, hiking, and family history, provide opportunities for members to engage in shared hobbies in smaller, intimate settings. Larger social events, including summer socials, boat rides, winter parties, and "Cabinet of Curiosity" tours of interesting places on campus, offer broader networking opportunities. Travel tours to destinations like Greece or Portugal are also available for those who enjoy exploring the world.
Tangible Benefits and Perks
UMAA membership provides tangible perks, including discounts on parking, University services, and events. For those who frequently visit campus, the parking discount alone can offset the cost of membership.
Blaze Credit Union Partnership
The partnership between Blaze Credit Union and the University of Minnesota Alumni Association is built on deep Minnesota roots and a shared dedication to improving lives. Blaze Credit Union offers financial products and services to UMAA members, reinforcing the Association's commitment to supporting its community.
Blaze Credit Union has been bettering the lives of Minnesotans since 1934, reflecting carefully on how to best support you and your dreams. Driven by Midwestern values - community, integrity, and plain old hard work.
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New members can take advantage of special offers, such as the opportunity to earn cash back rewards by meeting specific spending requirements with a Blaze Credit Union card. For example, a cash back reward is awarded when a cardholder makes $1,000 in net purchases within 90 days of account opening.
Blaze Credit Union also provides checking account incentives. For instance, new customers with no prior checking relationship in the last 12 months with Blaze Credit Union can receive \$225 for opening a Blaze Free Checking or Pathfinder Checking account with a \$100 minimum deposit, setting up an Automatic Payment or Direct Deposit, and making a total of 6 Blaze debit card transactions (excluding ATM transactions) within 60 calendar days from the date the account was opened. The account must remain open for six months.
Supporting Students and Families
The UMAA extends its support to current students and their families through specific programs and resources.
Family Membership Program
The Family Membership program provides families, including students, with all the benefits of the Alumni Association, while also supporting programming and events for family members when they visit campus.
Maroon and Gold Network
Alumni Association membership connects students with mentoring and career development resources, such as the Maroon and Gold Network. This online career advice platform, developed and funded by the Alumni Association, is offered free of charge to alumni, students, and friends.
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