TUARA News

TUARA Spring Luncheon and Annual Meeting
This year’s Spring Luncheon and Annual Meeting sponsored by the UA President’s Office will be held at Hotel Capstone on Monday, April 14, 2025, from 11 am to 1 pm.  The program will include remarks by Dr. Stuart R. Bell, University of Alabama president; remarks by Dr. Kevin Whitaker, TUARA president; presentation of TUARA awards; and election of new members to the TUARA Executive Board.

Candidates for TUARA Executive Board
An election for new members of the TUARA Executive Board will be held at the Annual Meeting on April 14, 2025.  Six persons will be elected.  The current Executive Board presents the following slate of candidates.  Nominations will also be accepted from the floor.

Tim Hebson holds degrees from The University of Mobile, Samford University and The University of Alabama.  He retired in May 2020 after 39 years in higher education to start his own consulting company, TSH Consulting LLC.  The last 18 years were at UA.  He was given the title “Dean of Students Emeritus” upon his retirement.

Dave Heggem has been a part of The University of Alabama for 48 years.  He arrived in 1977 as a graduate assistant serving Coach C.M. Newton for three years.  He then joined the Undergraduate Admissions Office for two years before moving to the University’s Orientation Office for seven years.  In 1989, he completed his doctorate and then joined the Culverhouse College of Business as Director of Undergraduate Programs.  Over the years, Dr. Heggem’s responsibilities grew, and he retired from the College as Associate Dean for Student Services in 2021.

Hank Lazer is Emeritus Associate Provost and Professor of English.  He continues to teach in the Blount Scholars Program and for OLLI.

Kristina Patridge retired from UA in July 2024 after working with Dining Services for 24 years.  She currently teaches group exercise at the University Recreation Center and is a project manager with Campus Dining, Inc., a higher education food service consulting firm.

David Wilson retired in January of 2024 after working at UA for over 30 years.  He served as the Director of Alumni Funds.

Liza Wilson was a member of the faculty in the College of Education for over 30 years at UA.  She held a number of administrative positions in the College of Education, including Senior Associate Dean and Interim Dean.  She retired April 1, 2024.

Connect with TUARA
Follow TUARA on Facebook at facebook.com/tuara.ua.

Volunteer Hours
Whether you volunteer weekly or just occasionally, please report your volunteer hours to TUARA. We share reported hours with AERA. AERA, in turn, uses retirees’ volunteer hours statewide to demonstrate the value that retirees bring to Alabama’s economy and quality of life. It’s easy! Just email your hours, broken down by the categories in the chart below, to tuara.ua@gmail.com. Please report any previously unreported hours from January 1, 2024 through the present.

Service hours should include activities in Alabama for which you have not received financial reimbursement. Hours should also not include 1) Sunday school and church attendance, 2) Caring for family members, and 3) Participation in AERA activities on state committees or the Board of Directors. You may include hours spent on TUARA activities, except for attending board meetings.

TUARA

• Advocates for retiree benefits on campus and in Montgomery
• Promotes retirees’ volunteer service
• Awards the Robert E. Witt First-Generation Scholarship
• Provides networking and fun with colleagues and friends
Annual membership is only $25! Visit www.tuara.ua.edu for more information.

Revised TUARA Constitution Approved
TUARA members approved the recently proposed revisions to the TUARA Constitution in a unanimous vote.  You can review the updated Constitution on the TUARA website at https://tuara.ua.edu/tuara-constitution/.  The TUARA Executive Board will now turn its attention to updating the TUARA Bylaws.

 Save the Date: TUARA Spring Luncheon and Annual Meeting, April 14
This year’s Spring Luncheon and Annual Meeting sponsored by the UA President’s Office will be held at the Hotel Capstone on Monday, April 14, 2025, from 11 am to 1 pm.  Mark your calendar now!  More information will be forthcoming closer to the event.

Nominations for TUARA Executive Board Needed
If you would like to nominate a TUARA member to serve on the Executive Board, please send us an email at tuara.ua@gmail.com. Likewise, if you are interested in serving on the Executive Board or a committee, please send us an email.

TUARA Award Nominations Due
Now is the time to recognize a fellow retiree with a nomination for one of TUARA’s annual awards.

The Judy Bonner Award is presented annually to an individual who exemplifies the leadership and service characteristics set forth during Dr. Bonner’s tenure at The University of Alabama. Last year’s winner was Pamela Pruitt, whose numerous service commitments included a term as TUARA’s Vice President for Membership.

The TUARA Community Service Award recognizes outstanding service to the West Alabama community. Last year’s winner was Pamela Parker, who also has been deeply involved in many service organizations, including Reading Allies and the Boys and Girls Club, among others.

Nominations are also invited for the Partnership Award, which is presented to a person or organization that has offered notable service to TUARA.   Last year’s winner was the UA President’s Office, which is responsible for planning our annual luncheon.

More information and nomination forms are available on the TUARA website at https://tuara.ua.edu/awards/.  The nomination deadline is March 15. Awards are presented at the Annual Meeting in April.

Connect with TUARA
Follow TUARA on Facebook at facebook.com/tuara.ua.

Volunteer Hours
Whether you volunteer weekly or just occasionally, please report your volunteer hours to TUARA. We share reported hours with AERA. AERA, in turn, uses retirees’ volunteer hours statewide to demonstrate the value that retirees bring to Alabama’s economy and quality of life. It’s easy! Just email your hours, broken down by the categories in the chart below, to tuara.ua@gmail.com. Please report any previously unreported hours from January 1, 2024 through the present.

Service hours should include activities in Alabama for which you have not received financial reimbursement. Hours should also not include 1) Sunday school and church attendance, 2) Caring for family members, and 3) Participation in AERA activities on state committees or the Board of Directors. You may include hours spent on TUARA activities, except for attending board meetings.

TUARA

• Advocates for retiree benefits on campus and in Montgomery
• Promotes retirees’ volunteer service
• Awards the Robert E. Witt First-Generation Scholarship
• Provides networking and fun with colleagues and friends
Annual membership is only $25! Visit www.tuara.ua.edu for more information.

Witt Scholarships Awarded
TUARA has awarded two Robert E. Witt First Generation Scholarships for the spring 2025 semester.

The first recipient is Ruth Allen of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, a sophomore majoring in accounting. Ms. Allen hopes to follow up her BS in accounting with a Master’s in Tax Accounting, then pass the CPA exam. She is minoring in Personal Wealth Management, so she also plans to earn the Certified Financial Planner license.

The second recipient is BreLeah Smith of Decatur, Alabama, a sophomore majoring in social work. Ms. Smith plans to earn a BSW, followed by a Master of Social Work.  Her goal is to work in child welfare or counseling.

Congratulations to both of these students!

Voting on Revised TUARA Constitution Underway
Current TUARA members received an email from TUARA President Kevin Whitaker on February 3 inviting them to review and vote on proposed revisions to the TUARA Constitution.  If you are a member in good standing (dues paid for the 2024-2025 year), you are invited to vote.  Follow the instructions in the email to access the digital ballot. Voting will conclude at 11:59 p.m. on March 3, 2025. If you have questions, please send them to our email account at tuara.ua@gmail.com.

Save the Date: TUARA Spring Luncheon and Annual Meeting, April 14
This year’s Spring Luncheon and Annual Meeting sponsored by the UA President’s Office will be held at the Hotel Capstone on Monday, April 14, 2025.  Mark your calendar now!  More information will be forthcoming closer to the event.

TUARA Award Nominations Due
Now is the time to recognize a fellow retiree with a nomination for one of TUARA’s annual awards.

The Judy Bonner Award is presented annually to an individual who exemplifies the leadership and service characteristics set forth during Dr. Bonner’s tenure at The University of Alabama. Last year’s winner was Pamela Pruitt, whose numerous service commitments included a term as TUARA’s Vice President for Membership.

The TUARA Community Service Award recognizes outstanding service to the West Alabama community. Last year’s winner was Pamela Parker, who also has been deeply involved in many service organizations, including Reading Allies and the Boys and Girls Club, among others.

More information and nomination forms are available on the TUARA website at https://tuara.ua.edu/awards/.  The nomination deadline is March 15. Awards are presented at the Annual Meeting in April.

Connect with TUARA
Follow TUARA on Facebook at facebook.com/tuara.ua.

Volunteer Hours
Whether you volunteer weekly or just occasionally, please report your volunteer hours to TUARA. We share reported hours with AERA. AERA, in turn, uses retirees’ volunteer hours statewide to demonstrate the value that retirees bring to Alabama’s economy and quality of life. It’s easy! Just email your hours, broken down by the categories in the chart below, to tuara.ua@gmail.com. Please report any previously unreported hours from January 1, 2024 through the present.

Service hours should include activities in Alabama for which you have not received financial reimbursement. Hours should also not include 1) Sunday school and church attendance, 2) Caring for family members, and 3) Participation in AERA activities on state committees or the Board of Directors. You may include hours spent on TUARA activities, except for attending board meetings.

TUARA

• Advocates for retiree benefits on campus and in Montgomery
• Promotes retirees’ volunteer service
• Awards the Robert E. Witt First-Generation Scholarship
• Provides networking and fun with colleagues and friends
Annual membership is only $25! Visit www.tuara.ua.edu for more information.

Holiday Reception
Join us on Wednesday, December 11, at 4 pm in the Bonner Child Development Research Center for our Holiday Reception!  Three musical theatre students from the UA Department of Theatre and Dance will serenade us with seasonal music as we enjoy yummy refreshments and lots of good fellowship with our former colleagues and friends.  While we won’t have an ugly Christmas sweater contest, folks are welcome to wear their favorite sweater anyway!

The Bonner Child Development Research Center is located at 651 Peter Bryce Blvd. between University Blvd. and Capstone Village.  There is plenty of parking in front of the building.

Presentation by Ms. Erica Thomas
On Tuesday, November 19, Ms. Erica Thomas, PEEHIP assistant director, shared information with TUARA members about our United Healthcare insurance plan, including highlights of some lesser-known benefits. If you need assistance, you can contact her office at 334-517-7000. More information is available at http://www.rsa-al.gov and at http://retiree.uhc.com/peehip.

Membership renewal season
If you haven’t done so yet, you can still renew your membership by mail or online.  Send your check for $25 payable to TUARA to TUARA, Box 861493, Tuscaloosa, AL  35486-0013. Pay by credit card using the PayPal interface (no PayPal account required) at this link: https://bit.ly/TUARArenewal.  You may also deliver your renewal check to us in person at the Holiday Reception on December 11.

Connect with TUARA
Follow TUARA on Facebook at facebook.com/tuara.ua.

Volunteer Hours
Whether you volunteer weekly or just occasionally, please report your volunteer hours to TUARA. We share reported hours with AERA. AERA, in turn, uses retirees’ volunteer hours statewide to demonstrate the value that retirees bring to Alabama’s economy and quality of life. It’s easy! Just email your hours, broken down by the categories in the chart below, to tuara.ua@gmail.com. Please report any previously unreported hours from January 1, 2024 through the present.

Service hours should include activities in Alabama for which you have not received financial reimbursement. Hours should also not include 1) Sunday school and church attendance, 2) Caring for family members, and 3) Participation in AERA activities on state committees or the Board of Directors. You may include hours spent on TUARA activities, except for attending board meetings.

TUARA

• Advocates for retiree benefits on campus and in Montgomery
• Promotes retirees’ volunteer service
• Awards the Robert E. Witt First-Generation Scholarship
• Provides networking and fun with colleagues and friends
Annual membership is only $25! Visit www.tuara.ua.edu for more information.

Upcoming presentation by Erica Thomas, PEEHIP
Mark your calendar for the upcoming presentation by Erica Thomas, PEEHIP assistant director. Ms. Thomas will share news with us about what’s happening in PEEHIP and answer your questions.  We’ll meet on Tuesday, November 19, at 10 am in the Bonner Child Development Research Center.  Refreshments will be served.  The Bonner Child Development Research Center is located at 651 Peter Bryce Blvd. between University Blvd. and Capstone Village.  There is plenty of parking in front of the building.

Thanks for meeting us at the deck!
Our annual Meet Us at the Deck! event on October 31 was a great success, with many of our TUARA friends and colleagues arriving to renew their membership and update their hangtag.  Several tables were set up to feature University services to retirees, and Transportation Services provided refreshments.

Membership renewal season
If you weren’t able to join us at the deck, you can still renew your membership by mail or online.  Send your check for $25 payable to TUARA to TUARA, Box 861493, Tuscaloosa, AL  35486-0013. Pay by credit card using the PayPal interface (no PayPal account required) at this link: https://bit.ly/TUARArenewal.

Presentation by Dr. Richard Friend
TUARA members attended a very informative presentation by Dr. Richard Friend, dean of the College of Community Health Sciences, on Wednesday, October 16. Dr. Friend reminded attendees that retirees can continue to use the Faculty-Staff Clinic operated by the University Medical Center (see https://umc.ua.edu/umc-wellness-clinic/). He spoke about various immunizations important for adults and recommended use of this tool at the CDC website: https://www2.cdc.gov/nip/adultimmsched/.

Connect with TUARA
Follow TUARA on Facebook at facebook.com/tuara.ua.

Volunteer Hours
Whether you volunteer weekly or just occasionally, please report your volunteer hours to TUARA. We share reported hours with AERA. AERA, in turn, uses retirees’ volunteer hours statewide to demonstrate the value that retirees bring to Alabama’s economy and quality of life. It’s easy! Just email your hours, broken down by the categories in the chart below, to tuara.ua@gmail.com. Please report any previously unreported hours from January 1, 2024 through the present.

Service hours should include activities in Alabama for which you have not received financial reimbursement. Hours should also not include 1) Sunday school and church attendance, 2) Caring for family members, and 3) Participation in AERA activities on state committees or the Board of Directors. You may include hours spent on TUARA activities, except for attending board meetings.

TUARA

• Advocates for retiree benefits on campus and in Montgomery
• Promotes retirees’ volunteer service
• Awards the Robert E. Witt First-Generation Scholarship
• Provides networking and fun with colleagues and friends
Annual membership is only $25! Visit www.tuara.ua.edu for more information.

TUARA Presentation by Dr. Richard Friend
Join us at 2 pm on Wednesday, October 16, at the Bonner Child Development Research Center for a presentation by Dr. Richard Friend, dean of the College of Community Health Sciences.  Dr. Friend will provide information on important vaccinations—COVID, flu, RSV, shingles, etc.—as well as informing us about the services of the University Medical Center.  Refreshments will be served.  The Bonner Child Development Research Center is located at 651 Peter Bryce Blvd. between University Blvd. and Capstone Village.  There is plenty of parking in front of the building.

Meet Us at the Deck!
Meet us at the Transportation Hub parking deck on October 31 between 9 am and 11 am to renew your membership, update your Action Card, or renew your hangtag.  This date is during the campus fall break, so you will be able to park in the Transportation Hub.  Transportation Services will provide refreshments!

The Transportation Hub, aka the Campus Drive Parking Deck, is located at 315 Hackberry Lane. To park, enter the deck at the rear of the structure.  Offices are located in the front.  See the map at https://www.ua.edu/map/.

Time to Renew Your Membership
October is the month to renew your TUARA membership. Dues are only $25 for a member or member and spouse.  Here are three easy ways to renew:

• Mail a check, payable to TUARA, to TUARA, Box 861493, Tuscaloosa, AL 35486-0013.
• Pay your dues by PayPal or credit card by clicking here. Click on “Check out as guest” to pay by credit card.
• Attend our “Meet Us at the Deck!” event (see above) and hand-deliver your check.

Invite retired friends and colleagues to join as well!

You’re Invited to Participate
We are looking for TUARA members to fill these spots on the Executive Board: Vice President for Programs/Arrangements, Vice President for Membership, and Recording Secretary.  We also invite TUARA members to participate in TUARA committees: Constitution and Bylaws, Legislative, Membership, Programs and Arrangements, Publicity, and Volunteer Activities.  If you are interested in any of these opportunities, please send an email to tuara.ua@gmail.com.

Upcoming Election for AERA positions
October is the month to volunteer to run for a position on the Board of Directors of the Alabama Education Retirees Association.  Positions available include district representative, AEA-Retired delegate and NEA-Retired delegate.  Forms for volunteering will be posted soon on the AERA website at www.aerainc.org under the Documents tab.  The election will be held in January 2025.

Connect with TUARA
Follow TUARA on Facebook at facebook.com/tuara.ua.

Volunteer Hours
Whether you volunteer weekly or just occasionally, please report your volunteer hours to TUARA. We share reported hours with AERA. AERA, in turn, uses retirees’ volunteer hours statewide to demonstrate the value that retirees bring to Alabama’s economy and quality of life. It’s easy! Just email your hours, broken down by the categories in the chart below, to tuara.ua@gmail.com. Please report any previously unreported hours from January 1, 2024 through the present.

Service hours should include activities in Alabama for which you have not received financial reimbursement. Hours should also not include 1) Sunday school and church attendance, 2) Caring for family members, and 3) Participation in AERA activities on state committees or the Board of Directors. You may include hours spent on TUARA activities, except for attending board meetings.

TUARA

• Advocates for retiree benefits on campus and in Montgomery
• Promotes retirees’ volunteer service
• Awards the Robert E. Witt First-Generation Scholarship
• Provides networking and fun with colleagues and friends
Annual membership is only $25! Visit www.tuara.ua.edu for more information.

Welcome to New TUARA Executive Board Member
Robert “Roots” Woodruff has been appointed by the TUARA Executive Board to fill our open member-at-large position (a 2025-2028 term).  Roots retired in December 2022 after 30+ years with UA Athletics Communications.  At retirement, his title was Associate Director Athletics Communications. Roots will begin serving on the TUARA Executive Board immediately.  Welcome, Roots!

You’re Invited to Participate
We are looking for TUARA members to fill these spots on the Executive Board: Vice President for Programs/Arrangements, Vice President for Membership, and Recording Secretary.  We also invite TUARA members to participate in TUARA committees: Constitution and Bylaws, Legislative, Membership, Programs and Arrangements, Publicity, and Volunteer Activities.  If you are interested in any of these opportunities, please send an email to tuara.ua@gmail.com.

Upcoming TUARA Events: Save These Dates!

Monday, September 23, 2 pm, Bonner Development Center
Presentation by Erica Shumate, Executive Director, Benefits and Wellness, University of Alabama

Wednesday, October 16, 2 pm, Bonner Development Center
Presentation TBA

October 31/November 1, exact date and time TBA, Campus Drive Parking Deck
Meet Us at the Deck! to renew your membership, update your parking tag, etc.

Tuesday, November 19, 10 am, Bonner Development Center
Presentation by Erica Thomas, PEEHIP

Wednesday, December 11, 4 pm, location TBA
Holiday reception

Service Opportunity: Reading Allies
Reading Allies is looking for about 200 additional volunteers to work with school children for two 30-minute sessions per week. For more details, see this story in Tuscaloosa Patch. You can volunteer at the Reading Allies website at https://readingallies.org/volunteer.

Connect with TUARA
Follow TUARA on Facebook at facebook.com/tuara.ua.

Volunteer Hours
Whether you volunteer weekly or just occasionally, please report your volunteer hours to TUARA. We share reported hours with AERA. AERA, in turn, uses retirees’ volunteer hours statewide to demonstrate the value that retirees bring to Alabama’s economy and quality of life. It’s easy! Just email your hours, broken down by the categories in the chart below, to tuara.ua@gmail.com. Please report any previously unreported hours from January 1, 2024 through the present.

Service hours should include activities in Alabama for which you have not received financial reimbursement. Hours should also not include 1) Sunday school and church attendance, 2) Caring for family members, and 3) Participation in AERA activities on state committees or the Board of Directors. You may include hours spent on TUARA activities, except for attending board meetings.

TUARA

• Advocates for retiree benefits on campus and in Montgomery
• Promotes retirees’ volunteer service
• Awards the Robert E. Witt First-Generation Scholarship
• Provides networking and fun with colleagues and friends
Annual membership is only $25! Visit www.tuara.ua.edu for more information.

Special Presentation on Legal Matters Affecting Older Adults
Taylor Goodall, staff attorney with the Tuscaloosa office of Legal Services Alabama, will join us on Wednesday, May 22, at 10 am at the Bonner Child Development Center to speak on legal issues particularly pertinent to older adults, e.g., wills, health directives, etc.  If you would like to submit questions or areas of interest for our speaker to address, please send those to tuara.ua@gmail.com.

At the May 22 meeting, we will also hear from special guest Grace Horne of Bon Appetit.  Ms. Horne will present information about Bon Appetit’s meal pick-up program. Monthly menus include a meal each week for 4 (or 2) people including a main entree, 2 sides, and a dessert. Pick-up is Monday from 5pm-7pm.

Report on TUARA Spring Luncheon and Business Meeting
Over 100 TUARA members attended our spring luncheon and business meeting on April 24.  Members heard reports from Kevin Whitaker, TUARA president, and Dr. Stuart Bell, president of The University of Alabama.  Annual TUARA awards were presented, and new executive board members elected (see below).  As always, members enjoyed catching up with old and new friends and hearing the latest news about the University.

TUARA Awards Presented

Judy Bonner Award
This award is presented annually to a TUARA member who exemplifies the leadership and service characteristics set forth during Dr. Judy Bonner’s tenure at The University of Alabama. This year’s award was presented to Pamela Pruitt. Pam has served on the TUARA executive board for six years, first as community service chair, then as Vice President for Membership. She is also involved with numerous community service organizations.  Pam’s commitment to education and community development is inspiring.

TUARA Community Service Award
This award recognizes outstanding service to the West Alabama community. This year’s award was presented to Pamela Parker. Pam is deeply involved in several community organizations such as the Reading Allies program, the Boys and Girls Club, the United way VAT team, and many others.  Pam uses her time, knowledge, and attention to make Tuscaloosa a better place for all our citizens.

TUARA Partnership Award
This award recognizes an individual (or two) who is not a TUARA member but who has provided exceptional service to TUARA and its operation. This year’s award is presented to members of The University of Alabama’s President’s office: Jackson Boyd, Casey Youngbluth, Allison Payne, Elizabeth Hartley, and in loving memory of Beverly Baker. This talented and dedicated group is responsible for planning our annual luncheon, and they do a superb job.  They make UA retirees feel welcome and valued and at home.

Board Members Elected
The following TUARA members were elected to serve three-year terms as Members-at-Large on the TUARA Executive Board:

Bill McDonald
Cynthia Sunal
Dennis Sunal

We continue to have vacancies on the TUARA Executive Board.  If you are interested in serving or would like to nominate someone, please contact us at tuara.ua@gmail.com.  Available positions are:

Board Member-at-Large
Vice President for Programming
Vice President for Membership
Recording Secretary

Books for the Black Belt
Many thanks to the Theta Chi fraternity for assisting us with our fundraiser for Books for the Black Belt by collecting books at their chapter house.  Thanks also to Pi Kappa Alpha for staffing the Books for the Black Belt table at our recent luncheon and business meeting. So far we have collected almost 150 books and more than $400.

Car Wash for Retirees
Thanks again to Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity for offering a free car wash for University of Alabama retirees!  More than 30 cars were washed at the event.

Other May Events
May 7:  Alabama Education Retirees Association Annual Meeting/Luncheon will be held on Tuesday, May 7 at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center, Montgomery.  Registration begins at 8 a.m., with the General Assembly convening at 9:30 a.m., followed by the luncheon at noon.

May 14:  OLLI’s Summer Open House will be held on Tuesday, May 14, from 1-3 p.m. in the Rast Room at the Bryant Conference Center. Learn more about course offerings and events sponsored by the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.

Connect with TUARA
Follow TUARA on Facebook at facebook.com/tuara.ua.

Volunteer Hours
Whether you volunteer weekly or just occasionally, please report your volunteer hours to TUARA. We share reported hours with AERA. AERA, in turn, uses retirees’ volunteer hours statewide to demonstrate the value that retirees bring to Alabama’s economy and quality of life. It’s easy! Just email your hours, broken down by the categories in the chart below, to tuara.ua@gmail.com. Please report any previously unreported hours from January 1, 2024 through the present.

Service hours should include activities in Alabama for which you have not received financial reimbursement. Hours should also not include 1) Sunday school and church attendance, 2) Caring for family members, and 3) Participation in AERA activities on state committees or the Board of Directors. You may include hours spent on TUARA activities, except for attending board meetings.

TUARA

• Advocates for retiree benefits on campus and in Montgomery
• Promotes retirees’ volunteer service
• Awards the Robert E. Witt First-Generation Scholarship
• Provides networking and fun with colleagues and friends
Annual membership is only $25! Visit www.tuara.ua.edu for more information.

Save the Date: Spring Luncheon and Business Meeting
TUARA’s annual spring luncheon and business meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 24, at 11 am at Hotel Capstone.  A printed invitation should appear in members’ mailboxes soon.  Please RSVP to specialevents@ua.edu or 205-348-9237.  Donations to Books for the Black Belt (new or gently used K-12 books or cash) will be collected at the luncheon.

Free Car Wash!
A free car wash for all UA retirees will be held at the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity house, 202 University Blvd., on April 19, from 1 pm to 4 pm.  There is no charge for the car wash, but donations to Books for the Black Belt (books or cash) will be collected at the event.

Special Presentation on Legal Matters Affecting Older Adults
Taylor Goodall, staff attorney with the Tuscaloosa office of Legal Services Alabama, will join us on Wednesday, May 22, at 10 am at the Bonner Child Development Center to speak on legal issues particularly pertinent to older adults, e.g., wills, health directives, etc.

Report on March 27 Presentation by Dr. Nicole Ruggiano
Dr. Nicole Ruggiano, Professor and Associate Dean for Research in The University of Alabama’s School of Social Work, delivered her presentation on “Talking Tech: Supports and Resources for People with Dementia and their Care Partners” for TUARA members on March 27.  For more information on Dr. Ruggiano’s work, see her Caregiver Connect website at https://caregiverconnect.ua.edu and watch the YouTube video of her TEDx talk entitled “Getting Old Should Not Mean Losing Control,” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hu2EdU86SMM.  In addition, slides from Dr. Ruggiano’s TUARA presentation are attached. [View at https://bit.ly/RuggianoPresentation.]

Connect with TUARA
Follow TUARA on Facebook at facebook.com/tuara.ua.

Volunteer Hours
Whether you volunteer weekly or just occasionally, please report your volunteer hours to TUARA. We share reported hours with AERA. AERA, in turn, uses retirees’ volunteer hours statewide to demonstrate the value that retirees bring to Alabama’s economy and quality of life. It’s easy! Just email your hours, broken down by the categories in the chart below, to tuara.ua@gmail.com. Please report any previously unreported hours from January 1, 2024 through the present.

Service hours should include activities in Alabama for which you have not received financial reimbursement. Hours should also not include 1) Sunday school and church attendance, 2) Caring for family members, and 3) Participation in AERA activities on state committees or the Board of Directors. You may include hours spent on TUARA activities, except for attending board meetings.

TUARA

• Advocates for retiree benefits on campus and in Montgomery
• Promotes retirees’ volunteer service
• Awards the Robert E. Witt First-Generation Scholarship
• Provides networking and fun with colleagues and friends
Annual membership is only $25! Visit www.tuara.ua.edu for more information.

Special TUARA Event

TUARA will host a presentation by Dr. Nicole Ruggiano, Professor and Associate Dean for Research in the School of Social Work at The University of Alabama, on March 27 at 10 am in the Judy Bonner Child Development Center, Rooms B and C.  Dr. Ruggiano will discuss ways that technology can be used to support caregivers of people with dementia.  Refreshments will be served.  Be sure to display your hangtag when you park.

Dr. Nicole Ruggiano is Professor and Associate Dean of Research within the School of Social Work at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. She is also an affiliated scientist for the University of Alabama at Birmingham Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. Her research focuses on developing and testing technologies that support people living with dementia and their families. Her work has been funded by several public and private sources, including the National Institute on Aging and the National Science Foundation. Dr. Ruggiano is committed to utilizing her research findings for advocacy, public health education, and informing policy. She previously was selected as an American Political Science Association Health and Aging Policy Fellow. She has also been appointed to the Alabama Governor’s Lifespan Respite Coalition. Dr. Ruggiano is the lead researcher for the Alabama Caregiver Connect initiative, which connects those impacted by dementia with information about dementia, caregiving, and available resources.

Save the Date: Spring Luncheon and Business Meeting

TUARA’s annual spring luncheon and business meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 24.  Watch for further details closer to that date.

Changes to TIAA Retirement Plans

Changes to the 403(b) and 457(b) voluntary retirement plans from TIAA have been announced by The University of Alabama System.  For details, please see https://hr.ua.edu/enhancements-to-voluntary-retirement-plans.  Persons who are affected will receive information packets in the mail in early March.  You are invited to attend a TIAA Town Hall for more information or to ask questions on March 21 (10 am, 11:30 am, or 3 pm) or March 25 (9 am or 10:30 am) in the Gorgas Library Camellia Room.

URCA Conference: Service Opportunity for UA Retirees

UA retirees are invited to serve as evaluators for the 2024 Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Conference (URCA) on Tuesday, March 26. Over 400 students will be displaying their work at the Bryant Conference Center.  To volunteer, use the form at https://universityofalabama.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3CzCIOV9h2m2MAe. You are also invited to view the presentations without serving as an evaluator.  See the attached document for more details.

Nominations for TUARA Officer Positions

Nominations for the TUARA officer positions of Vice President for Membership and Recording Secretary are still open.  Each position serves a two-year term on the TUARA Executive Board.  Please submit your nominations to tuara.ua@gmail.com.  If you are interested in serving, please feel free to nominate yourself.

Connect with TUARA

Follow TUARA on Facebook at facebook.com/tuara.ua.

Volunteer Hours

Whether you volunteer weekly or just occasionally, please report your volunteer hours to TUARA. We share reported hours with AERA. AERA, in turn, uses retirees’ volunteer hours statewide to demonstrate the value that retirees bring to Alabama’s economy and quality of life. It’s easy! Just email your hours, broken down by the categories in the chart below, to tuara.ua@gmail.com. Please report any previously unreported hours from January 1, 2024 through the present.

Service hours should include activities in Alabama for which you have not received financial reimbursement. Hours should also not include 1) Sunday school and church attendance, 2) Caring for family members, and 3) Participation in AERA activities on state committees or the Board of Directors. You may include hours spent on TUARA activities, except for attending board meetings.

TUARA

• Advocates for retiree benefits on campus and in Montgomery
• Promotes retirees’ volunteer service
• Awards the Robert E. Witt First-Generation Scholarship
• Provides networking and fun with colleagues and friends
Annual membership is only $25! Visit www.tuara.ua.edu for more information.