Dear Friends,
The “Golden Year” for the UTIA Retirees Association has arrived. It was fifty years ago that the forerunner of this organization was formed. Where were you and what were you doing in 1969? This is a question that I hope many of you will think about and then share the answer(s) during this year, as we celebrate together. The UTIA Retirees Association provides opportunities for staying involved with the Institute and continuing friendships with our colleagues after retirement.
Last year there was a bumper crop of area meetings in the spring and fall and many other smaller gatherings that took place across the state. In this newsletter you will find information about the exciting events planned for spring 2019. I encourage you to register and attend these meetings.
During this year I hope to collect information from the membership about our shared history. Be thinking about and writing down thoughts that come to mind, for these sentences:
- I’ll never forget the time . . .
- I wish I had known, when I was twenty-five years old that . . .
- The teacher/mentor/friend/coworker that I learned the most from was _______ and he/she taught me that . . .
Gold has long been associated with fifty-year anniversary celebrations and appears in many quotes, probably the most familiar one being the Golden Rule, often used as a guide to success in life. Because we are all associated with the land-grant university system, I especially like a quote from George Washington Carver that says, “Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom”.
Some call retirement the golden years and others call music from days gone by golden oldies. Anniversaries are milestones where we can reflect on what has been accomplished and remember the people who were instrumental to that success. As we celebrate, let us also remember that our commitment and involvement will pave the way for the decades that lie ahead.
In closing I will share a quote from Ginger Rogers, “Looking back at my life’s voyage, I can only say that it has been a golden trip.”
Warmest wishes and blessings on you all,