UWRA Mission Statement

The University of Washington Retirement Association (UWRA) advances the interests of retired faculty and staff, offers prospective and current members retirement planning and transitions programs and promotes new and continuing connections among its members through communication and a variety of educational and social opportunities. The UWRA encourages continued contributions to the University community.

Adopted by the UWRA Board of Directors
December 14, 2006

A Brief History of the UWRA

The University of Washington Retirement Association (UWRA) was formally organized in February 6, 1975, although its work had begun long before. As documented in Neal O. Hines' book, The Retirement Association at the University of Washington: A History, a community of faculty, staff and spouses came together to advocate for adequate retiree pensions for state higher education employees. Having attained that goal, the group decided that the relationships built with colleagues, and the work they had begun, were worth continuing.

The UWRA has continued to advocate for adequate retiree pensions and other retiree benefits. It also has worked to secure UW recognition and privileges that encourage the presence and involvement of retirees in the University community. It has fostered the richness of post-employment life by ensuring continuing social, educational and cultural ties among retirees and with the world of academia. It has developed retirement community housing, focused on a university connection. Recently it has begun to focus attention on educating the community about retirement transitions, including the experience of retiring itself.

The University of Washington has long supported the UWRA through support of office infrastructure.

The UWRA is incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. It is governed by a board of directors, is a registered charitable organization and is supported by annual membership dues.