Ah, retirement!

    Time to kick back, play a little golf, maybe even be a bit selfish with your time. If that's your plan, go for it.

    But some York retirees have come up with another idea that promises equal rewards ­ donating their time, talents or money to the University.

    Take Ken Thompson, for example. A former executive officer for the Faculty of Pure and Applied Science, Thompson's been putting his administrative skills to work doing computerized budget analysis for Glendon College, the Faculty of Pure and Applied Science and the Schulich School of Business. He's also president of the York University Retirees' Association (YURA), one of the two associations of York Retirees.

    Retiree volunteers offer clerical and other assistance at the retirement planning centre helping others prepare for retirement. They read books to persons with visual impairment at the Office for Persons with Disabilities and, most recently, are involved with York's development and fund raising efforts.

    With a current membership of more than 250 retired faculty and staff, YURA fosters social, recreational and learning activities and represents the interests of all York retirees to the University.

A promising trend

    Involvement of retiree volunteers in University activities is new for York. The University is experiencing the first large wave of retirement by those hired 30 years ago. The retiree roll now numbers 800 and is projected to exceed 1,000 by the turn of the century.

    Giving to the National Campaign is one avenue open to retirees who want to support York. "It doesn't matter how a person chooses to contribute to the University; giving is a very personal matter," says Thompson.

    The benefits of YURA membership are many ­ borrowing privileges at the University libraries, and use of athletic facilities and computer training are a few examples. Thompson hopes retirees will take advantage of YURA membership and the Internet connection as a way of communicating with each other. Says Thompson: "I enjoyed myself at York and want to continue that involvement. I encourage others to do the same."

Supporting education

    Thompson also helped YURA establish the York University Mature Student Bursary.

    Currently, two bursaries are given each year. Bursary recipients must be mature students with demonstrated academic achievement, combined with financial need, and must be involved in the study of health services, retirement, gerontology or a related field. Many York retirees have chosen to donate to the bursary. To date, they have raised more than $13,000 toward a goal of $20,000 by the year 2,000.

    Professor Albert Tucker is a donor to the Mature Student Bursary. He has also given $101,000 to the Albert Tucker Graduate History Award. He also made a planned gift of $1 million to York in 1997. "I enjoyed my colleagues and students, so it seemed natural for me to give to the area in which I had taught. I am fortunate that my circumstances make this possible," says Tucker.

    If you are retired from York (or know someone who is), and have something interesting you'd like to tell us, please let us know.

Continue