University of Guelph Retirees Association

How it began and Why it continues

The destiny of the majority of employees at the University of Guelph is to become a retiree. Given human nature, serious consideration of retirement does not occur until it is almost upon us. Just as various campus organizations speak to our interests while we are working, it was apparent that the retirees also needed a voice. The University of Guelph Retirees Association, representing both retired faculty and retired staff, was formed in 1991 and is now celebrating over a decade of existence.

Discussion regarding the founding of a Retirees Association began early in 1990 and continued for many months. The matter of pensions was the main stimulus to the formation of the association so that a means of direct input on pension policies could be made. Several meetings were held and various options considered. A questionnaire was mailed to retirees to solicit opinion on the matter.

As a result of all the deliberations, it was finally decided in January 1991 to establish the University of Guelph Retirees’ Association (UGRA) with an interim executive consisting of Elmer Menzie, President; Archie McIntyre, Vice-President; Don Jose, Secretary. Rick Richards, George Barker and Earl MacNaughton were directors. Earl was a major resource person for the newly formed association. He was familiar with details of the Pension Plan and with various aspects of the funding. He developed several analytic reports outlining the nature of the fund and costs associated with various alternative proposals for pension improvements. His work was important to decisions regarding the organization’s objectives and continued to be so for several years. Earl was UGRA’s first representative to pro-vide input to the Advisory Committee on Pensions and Benefits (ACPB) from the retirees’ perspective. ACPB represents various working groups on campus and advises the University on concerns regarding pensions and benefits. In February, 1991, George Barker resigned his post and enlisted Bob Logan as his replacement on the interim Executive.

The Retirees Association was officially established on 21 June 1991.The interim executive, plus Neil Sullivan as Treasurer, was elected as the Association officers for the coming year. There were 40 members in attendance and 114 registered as members. Since that time, the organization has taken on other activities and goals in addition to those pertaining to pensions and benefits. UGRA has grown now to more than 1400 members. Many committee and executive members have, over the years, contributed countless volunteer hours to the Association. Members make a voluntary contribution of $15 per year to cover such costs as a newsletter, mailings, meeting room rental, etc.

UGRA’s decade of progression has been both significant and challenging. The officers and directors of the executive provide a remarkable combination of knowledge, skill and tenacity. It has a dynamic and committed Board that works on your behalf and in support of all University of Guelph retirees.