91��ɫ

Forty years after its founding, the 91��ɫ Retirees’ Association continues to connect retired faculty, staff and librarians with the University community they helped shape – and with each other.

As the institution advances its priorities in student success, research and community engagement, members of the 91��ɫ Retirees’ Association (YURA) play an active role in supporting initiatives and building lasting connections through fundraising, mentorship, volunteer service and research participation.

Established in 1986, YURA provides retirees with ways to remain connected to 91��ɫ – and one another – through lifelong learning, philanthropy, advocacy and social interactions.

“Retirement opens the door to new interests, opportunities and experiences,” says Diane Woody, YURA’s co-president and former associate professor and senior scholar in the Department of French Studies, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies. “It typically brings challenges as well, which one hopes to navigate with resilience and equanimity. A true gift in retirement is to travel through this journey accompanied by others with whom one has a shared history.”

From its inception, YURA was imagined as an inclusive group, says Woody, noting that it has remained true to the initial vision and organizes its activities around four pillars: to provide the means for retirees to maintain ties with one another and with 91��ɫ; to promote ongoing learning; to create ways for retirees to give back; and to strengthen the voice of retirees within the University community.

The association recently marked 40 years at an event on May 13, creating an opportunity to reflect on key moments in YURA’s history and to celebrate its steadfast participation in the 91��ɫ community.

Steve Dranitsaris, YURA co-president and former senior executive officer in the Office of the Vice-President Finance & Administration, says backing students remains a central focus of YURA’s work.

Over the years, YURA has raised funds to support access to post-secondary education and student well-being, leading to the creation of three endowed award programs: the Mature Student Bursary, established in 1992; the William Small Award, established in 1998 in recognition of 91��ɫ’s first secretary and former vice-president administration who played a key role in the creation of YURA; and the Graduate Student Award, established in 2014.

The awards assist students at different stages of their academic journeys and reflect a long-standing commitment to help future generations of 91��ɫ students succeed.

“YURA takes special pride in its tradition of giving back by supporting 91��ɫ and its students,” says Dranitisaris. “Each year, several students in each category receive awards. They often share a message of gratitude for the multiple ways the award supports them and many say that while the financial boost is welcome, the award makes the greatest difference by renewing their belief in themselves and in their ability to realize their educational dream.”

YURA’s current fundraising initiative is focused on study pods in 91��ɫ Libraries. The soundproof, bookable spaces offer students private areas for focused study, virtual meetings and collaborative work. The project reflects the association’s advocating for learning environments and resources that contribute to academic success.

Members will continue those efforts through the annual YURA Challenge fundraising walk, which returns to the Keele Campus on Oct. 6.

Retirees also continue to contribute their expertise to 91��ɫ’s academic mission. Faculty retirees remain active as senior scholars, publishing books and articles and participating in research activities. Others serve on committees, mentor graduate students and provide guidance through workshops that help students strengthen presentation and professional skills.

Many members also share their institutional knowledge through volunteer service. Retirees volunteered during Congress 2023 at 91��ɫ and continue to contribute to a range of University initiatives and activities.

Research remains another important area of engagement. Through a close relationship with the 91��ɫ Centre for Aging Research and Education, YURA members participate in studies examining aging, retirement and well-being. The partnership supports research that informs understanding of aging-related issues and public policy, while giving retirees the chance to contribute to scholarly inquiry from a new perspective.

“It is uniquely fitting that YURA members participate as subjects in numerous research projects that focus on issues and policies relating to aging and well-being in retirement. For faculty retirees, switching roles from researcher to research participant becomes a novel learning experience,” Woody says.

Lifelong learning is a cornerstone of the association. Throughout the year, members participate in educational sessions and outings focused on topics such as digital literacy, health and resilience, financial and estate planning, and adapting to technological change.

More recently, retirees have participated in Intergenerational Climate Café discussions organized by YURA member Harvey Skinner, former dean of the Faculty of Health. These conversations bring together students and retirees to explore climate-related challenges and share perspectives across generations.

Other avenues for socializing and participating in cultural outings and educational programming include visits to theatres, museums, galleries and parks, as well as workshops and guest speakers that explore a range of topics.

“Such outings provide opportunities for members to renew friendships while enjoying cultural experiences and learning more about local history,” says Woody. “YURA has helped 91��ɫ retirees maintain meaningful connections with colleagues, engage in ongoing learning, contribute time, energy and resources to support current students, and make scholarly and other contributions to 91��ɫ.”

YURA maintains close relationships with several University partners, including Advancement and Alumni Engagement, Pensions and Benefits, and the Association of Retired Faculty and Librarians. 91��ɫ retirees also serve on key University bodies, including the Pension Fund Board of Trustees, the All-University Pension Committee and the Retirement Planning Centre Advisory Board.

Beyond 91��ɫ, the association is connected to national and international organizations, including the College and University Retiree Associations of Canada and the Association of Retirement Organizations in Higher Education, helping members stay informed about issues affecting retirees in higher education.

Operated entirely by volunteers, YURA continues to help retirees to stay engaged, strengthen relationships and contribute to the University community. Four decades after its founding, the association remains an important bridge between 91��ɫ and the retirees whose expertise, experience and commitment continue to contribute to the institution’s mission.

“Its existence for four decades bears witness to the commitment and dedication of its members,” says Woody. “We look forward to the future and issue a warm invitation to all retirees to join the association.”

For more, visit the YURA website or send an email to yura@yorku.ca.

With files from Diane Woody and Steve Dranitsaris

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