President's Welcome

As you begin a new phase of your life, you are invited to join the Northern Arizona University Retirees Association (NAURA).  NAURA welcomes all NAU retirees into its membership.  Many of your friends and colleagues are already members, and you are likely to make new acquaintances with NAU people you never had an opportunity to meet.

     We meet quarterly not only to share "old times" but to hear about topics of interest.  In the recent past our quarterly luncheons programs were concerned with issues of national health care in the U.S. with NAU History Professor Paul Dutton, author of DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS.  Physical therapist Carl DeRosa spoke with us about the importance of strengthening exercises for long-term good health in older people.  Dean Pickett laid out some considerations for estate planning.  Special non-luncheon programs on health insurance choices have been offered to the members of NAURA.  We try to remain alert to various concerns of retirees as well as opening unexplored vistas.

     Though our quarterly gatherings over lunch is what regularly brings us together, there is potential for on-going activities in other small groups.  One such group is an Adopt-a-Highway clean-up group which cleans up the I-17 Rocky Park Road interchange three times a year.

     Given the breadth of interests of NAURA members, there is potential for other types of activities.  For instance, there is a slight ripple of interest in reaching beyond the parochial interests of 'being retired' to provide for continuing educational opportunities to a wider community.  A ripple is not a wave, however.  What we become as an organization will be shaped by the interests and contributions you will add to our organization.  Our future depends on you.  We hope you will join that future.

      NAURA membership is open to all NAU retirees and those planning to retire in the near future, their spouses and the surviving widows and widowers of NAU retirees.  Annual dues for membership are $15.00 per family.  A one-time payment for Lifetime Membership of $150.00 per family is available through December 31, 2009.  After that date the Lifetime Membership is $225.00.  Membership also includes a free parking permit for the campus.

     I look forward to you joining our association and participating in our programs and activities.

     I am,

                              Cordially yours,

                             William Nietmann
                       2008-09 NAURA President