MURA Newsletter – April 2026
President’s Message
DEAR MURA MEMBERS,
As we prepared for the spring social, I was again mindful and grateful for all the time, skills and funds that MURA members contribute to their families and friends, the University, the community and beyond. As Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” A heartfelt thank you to each of you as MU retirees collectively are changing our world through our many acts of kindness, generosity, and advocacy. We fittingly recognized Chris Bouchard and Jeanette Brown as the 2026 MU Chancellor’s Faculty and Staff Retirees of the Year at the spring social. You represent all MURA members and the many other active retirees.
The MURA Board just approved the updated Policies and Procedures manual, thanks to the work of Ken Dean, Jo Turner, Mary Licklider, and Ruth Tofle in concert with the Board. Having such a detailed and current set of guidelines makes serving MURA easier for us all.
What a delight that the MURA Kitty Dickerson scholarship fund is awarding eight scholarships for the next academic year to children of UM System/MU staff. This is possible due to your generosity this past year to grow the fund and President/Chancellor Choi’s support. Be sure to read more about these fine scholars.
We had an informative and productive annual meeting. As a result, annual dues are now officially $20, and our Constitution reflects the ability to offer one-year complimentary memberships. Congratulations to those we elected for leadership next year: Janie Harmon, president; Sherri Helm, president-elect; Brian Sanders, treasurer; Cathy Scroggs and Anita Cowan, staff Board members; and Charlie Nilon, faculty Board member.
We are recruiting members to assist with programs and serve on committees. If you are a new member, I urge you to find one way you can participate in MURA next year. We especially need additional members for the following:
- The Finance Committee needs additional members and meets only a few times a year.
- The Awards Committee needs several members to help promote nominations.
- Webmaster Judy Maseles needs a few members for the short term to help determine what the new website will contain while remaining easy to use.
- The Program Committee needs a couple more people to assist with Zoom at breakfasts and the annual meeting.
- The Program Committee needs more people to help with planning programs, events, and registrations.
- The Scholarship Committee
- organizes and recruits members to volunteer at the Mizzou Store at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters (the Store donates $15/hour for our work),
- secures donations for the holiday social raffle to benefit the scholarship fund), and
- maintains an active relationship with the MU Student Financial Aid Office and scholarship recipients.
- The Membership Committee is open to those who want to help recruit members, etc.
- If your background suits, the Audit Committee is a time-limited way to serve.
- If you’d like to be a part of the action or want to learn more, contact Janie Harmon (harmonj@missouri.edu).
Have a wonderful spring! I look forward to seeing you at one or more of our exciting breakfast programs in May and June.
Best wishes,
Mary Simon Leuci leucim@missouri.edu
