OSURA Turns 25
Carlene Hamilton
OSURA Communications
The Ohio State University Retirees Association (OSURA) celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. The group’s first meeting was held on April 13, 1983, with 350 members. Currently, about 3,000 members live in the U.S.
Plans to organize university retirees were discussed back in 1981, when the Ohio State Chapter of the American Association of University Professors formed an Emeriti Committee. Its first project was to develop a faculty and staff retirement handbook with the Office of Personnel Services, but its overall goal was to establish a retirees association at Ohio State.
OSURA’s purpose is to enhance the well being of its members through educational and cultural programs and/or experiences. This includes health, economic, and financial condition; maintaining a relationship with the university; information/assistance for surviving family members; and other pertinent educational, social, and recreational activities.
From the beginning, all university retirees who participated in the State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio (STRS) or Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS)—including staff, faculty, administrative and professional personnel, as well as spouses and surviving spouses of these individuals—were eligible for membership. An early document states, “This is a broad front of former employees because of their common retirement needs and concerns. It includes spouses and surviving spouses … because they, too, are vitally concerned with retirement matters.
Right away, the OSURA Board established a Resource Committee on Benefits as well as an Information Committee on Other Retiree Groups. Today, the OSURA Benefits Committee monitors university retiree benefits.
Social Activities Started
A meeting on July 19, 1983, gauged the interest of members in social activities. For a quarter century, activities have included a geology walk; bridge group meetings at Friendship Village in Dublin; airport facility visits; and regular book club and photo society meetings. Luncheons were held regularly during the early years, then only in the summer months, but have returned to monthly get-togethers. The travel program has also expanded to include sights within Ohio, other states, and even other countries.
The first year, a group was formed for members “who would like to share the problems of making adjustments” in personal relationships. As interests changed, groups disbanded or others formed (i.e., money matters and play reading). In recent years, OSURA has sponsored annual coping with change conferences, income tax seminars, and a “Someone to Watch Over Me” session on end-of-life issues. Calling themselves the “litter pickers,” a stalwart group even cares for the environment on a section of U.S. Route 33.
OSURA contact is not limited to those who attend meetings. It helps keep members informed about issues through the monthly newsletter and special reports issued occasionally. The web site (hr.osu.edu/osura) lists links to other resources about retirement life, pensions and benefits, and the university. The Friendship Committee’s motto is, “No retiree shall be forgotten.” It reaches out to assist individual members with whatever needs they have.
University Community Involvement
OSURA members are also involved in the university community. A large number of retirees serve the OSU Medical Center in a variety of capacities. Retirees assist with freshman orientation programs, work in the university archives and libraries, and help in classrooms and research programs. Since its inception, retirees have contributed over $40 million to the University’s Campus Campaign, which is 29 percent of the total. They have generously given over $700,000 to the Bucks for Charity Drive.
Currently, the faculty and staff retirement handbook, OSURA’s first project, is being updated. OSURA’s recent work with the Office of Human Resources (OHR) helped double the death benefit for retired faculty and staff, effective January 2008. Retirees also lend their experience and “sense of history” to the Faculty and Staff Compensation and Benefits Committees.
Over the years, Ohio State has supported the retirees association. In fact, the August 29, 1984 issue of the newsletter acknowledges this: “The University has contributed much help in facilities, time, and expenses toward our starting operation.” Through OHR, Ohio State provides office space, the services of an office manager, and financial resources (i.e., publication of the monthly newsletter).
Each retiree (faculty and staff) is offered membership in OSURA without dues during his/her first year of retirement. After that, annual dues are $12 and life membership may be purchased for $135.
Celebration of OSURA’s silver anniversary will be held on Sunday, April 13, at the Blackwell Inn with a reception, dinner, and program beginning at 4 p.m.
Renew friendships and share memories of the university and the association.