History

MURA is the organization designed to represent the beneficiaries of the University's Pension Trust Fund - pre-retirees, retired staff and faculty and their spouses. The University of Missouri did not have a retirement plan prior to 1958. At that time the administration formulated retirement options and the staff and faculty chose a non-contributory defined benefit plan. From 1958 to 1989 the only formal association between the University administration and retirees was the annual luncheon, sponsored by the Chancellor.

Dramatic changes in the University's retirement and medical benefits plans, proposed to begin on September 1, 1990, created concerns in pre-1990 retirees about whether their interests and concerns were bing effectively communicated to the administration. These concerns let to the organization of MURA. It is evident that retiree pensions are being rapidly eroded by inflation and increases in health care costs. Even though the Pension Trust Fund prospers, accrued increases are not reflected in pension adjustments, in MU's plan the Curators, not the beneficiaries, are the owners of the Pension Trust Fund. Pension increases have to be built into the budget by the administration and approved by the Board of Curators. Such budget consideration had not been a routine process.

At the present time MURA officers communicate two times a year with the University President, usually two of the Vice Presidents and the officers of each of the four-campus organizations UMC, UMKC, UMR, and UMSL.

Our MURA organization has officers, a six member Board and eight standing committees. MURA personnel prepare four newsletters per year and sponsor four general meetings: a March business meeting -; with a speaker, a May picnic, a fall informational and business meeting and a Holiday party in December. Our winter newsletter is mailed to all retirees in the five state region around Columbia, regardless of membership status. The other newsletters only go to members.

Our program Committee is responsible for organizing the general meetings and in addition organizes a series of smaller informational activities, where retirees can communicate and exchange information and concerns. These include such things as Personal Finance group meetings, Tai Chi and Travelogues. Our association also sponsors the Columbia Seniors Golf Tournament.

All beneficiaries of MU's Retirement Trust Fund are encouraged to join our organization, express their opinions and participate in the association's activities. Eligible retirees and pre-retirees 55 years and older can join by completing the Members application and mailing it with your check to the MURA Treasurer at the address listed on the form.

You and your spouse are encouraged to become lifetime members.