June 5, 2008

University Residences honored by retirees association

University Residences received a trophy to be displayed in the department and will be listed on a plaque in the corridor of Purdue Memorial Union. The award also includes $2,500, funded by TIAA-CREF, that can be used to help strengthen the department's ties to its retirees.

The award is named for former Purdue President Arthur Hanson, Purdue's eighth president, who established the retirees' association in 1976. The award is given annually to a Purdue school, department, office or division that cultivates and maintains meaningful relationships with its retirees.

Some activities that foster the continuing involvement of retirees include inviting them to help with student organizations, encouraging them to assist with alumni contacts, including them in e-mail distributions with general departmental information, and inviting them to attend social events.

"Long after active employment with Purdue ends, the retirees continue to contribute in very meaningful ways to the University," says Scott Rumble, PURA president. "We encourage departments to value the many contributions retirees make and salute the departments that provide opportunities for interaction and demonstrate appreciation for retirees' involvement."

University Residences was nominated by retired staff members Lanny Wilson and Marilyn Yoder.

They wrote: "After retiring from Purdue University, one of the things we missed was the long-time friendships that had been established over the years with colleagues, including those who had retired."

Although University Residences always included retirees in newsletter mailings to keep them updated on campus happenings, there was still a void, the nominators said.

A meeting in the fall of 2006 helped change that. A committee was formed to include four current University Residences staff members and three retirees. That committee was charged with putting together a plan on how to reconnect with retirees.

The first official event was a luncheon in June 2007 in Hillenbrand Hall to which all UR retirees were invited.

More than 40 retirees, plus their guests, attended the event. Another luncheon was held in October 2007 at Ford Dining Court and more than 30 attended, along with their guests.

At both events, retirees were able to connect with old friends and colleagues as well as learn about the current events in University Residences.

UR also invites retirees to holiday parties, retirement receptions, open houses, and tours of new and renovated facilities.

"It is always fun to get to see former co-workers and retirees to re-establish those fond bonds that once existed," Wilson and Yoder wrote. "All in attendance have a wonderful time."