UW-Madison Retirement Association upcoming events

Retirement Opportunities (ROC) (v) (Mon, October 26, 2026)

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Retirement Opportunities Committee (ROC) offers programs and activities to help UWRA members live a rewarding retirement, all the while making new friends and having fun!

Program categories include Health in Aging; Nature; Culture/Intellectual; Government/Political; Home Concerns; Social Justice; University Updates, and History, etc. The committee coordinates the "Activities in Retirement" column in the monthly newsletter.

Interested in more information, please contact Co-chairs Laurie Mayberry at laurie.mayberry@wisc.edu or Scott Hildebrand at scott.h.hildebrand@gmail.com.

You are invited to attend a committee meeting to check it out. Please register.

Advance registration is required in order to receive virtual call information. To register by phone or email, call or email

UW-Madison Retirement Association
21 N Park St, Room 7205
Madison WI 53715-1218
608-262-0641
retireassn@mailplus.wisc.edu

Breakfast at Elie's Cafe (Tue, October 27, 2026)

Tue, 27 Oct 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Join us for conversation and food !

Join fellow UWRA members for breakfast (or a cup of coffee or tea) at Elie's Family Restaurant (formerly known as Green Forest Restaurant). Members gather once a month for breakfast and lively conversation.

You can check out Elie's website.

National Geographic Live: Quest for the Boiling River (TC) (Wed, November 04, 2026)

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Join us and experience the National Geographic Live series ...

As part of Overture Presents, this is your opportunity to meet National Geographic explorers as they share behind-the-scenes stories and stunning visuals that ignite curiosity and spark real-world impact. Enjoy pre-show trivia, an immersive stage presentation and interactive Q&A that brings our world closer than ever. Hot springs, volcanoes and other fiery portals to the Earth’s core have stoked fear and awe since the earliest humans. When geothermal scientist and National Geographic Explorer Andrés Alfonso Ruzo heard a family story about a river that boils, he decided to investigate. We go on assignment into the Peruvian jungle to find this one-of-a-kind place, document its source and meet the people who hold it sacred.

Schedule

(Times are approximate and subject to change)

Please arrive at departure site 15 minutes prior to departure.

10:00 a.m.	Depart Verona Park and Ride
10:30 a.m.	Depart Dutch Mill Park and Ride
2:30 p.m.	Return Dutch Milll Park and Ride
3:00 p.m.	Return Verona Park and Ride

Departure Locations --

Verona Park and Ride

East side (Dutch Mill Park and Ride (East Lot)

Map below for those boarding the bus on east side Dutch Mill Park & Ride. Please park in the "east" lot as indicated by the arrow.

Cost

$50 per person and includes bus transportation, driver tip, admission fees, meal, and gratuities.

Lunch

Lunch is being finalized and will be available soon

For insurance purposes, all travelers are required to complete the Verona Member Form (no charge) and Verona Trip Waiver Form annually. Please download forms here, complete, and bring to the bus on the day of the trip.

Please note that these forms must be completed annually. If you have traveled with us and completed the forms on a previous 2026 excursion, the forms are not needed.

Registration Details and Deadline

Register online. Mailed in reservations and checks are accepted. Registrations much be received no later than Wednesday, October 14, 2026.

Refund Policy

UWRA refunds an event fee if cancelled prior to the registration deadline. Refunds after the registration deadline are only processed if a wait-listed registrant can attend. Refunds made by check.

Questions

Contact trip coordinator Sandi Haase at (sandi.haase@wisc.edu) or the UWRA office at 608-262-0641.

UW-Madison Retirement Association
21 N Park St, Room 7205
Madison WI 53715-1218
608-262-0641
retireassn@mailplus.wisc.edu

Book Talk: Wrecked: The Edmund Fitzgerald and the Sinking of American Economy (V) [ROC] (Thu, November 05, 2026)

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Join us for a discussion with Author Tom Nelson on his book, Wrecked: The Edmund Fitzgerald and the Sinking of the American Economy. Nelson, currently Outagamie County Executive and a former Wisconsin state legislator, is the author or co-author of numerous books. He and co-author Jerald Podair, a Lawrence University professor emeritus, reexamined the 1975 sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald on Lake Superior as a maritime tragedy and symptom of America’s industrial decline.

If you have preliminary questions for the speaker, please send to Program Coordinator Scott Hildebrand at scott.h.hildebrand@gmail.com by Monay November 2.

Food Pantry Contributions:

Checks payable to UW-Foundation, with "Open Seat" on the memo line may be mailed to UWRA, 21 North Park Street, Room 7205, Madison, WI 53715-1218.

Registration Deadline:

Friday, October 30, 2026

Registration:

Advance registration is required. You are encouraged to register online. To register by phone or email, call the Association office. If you or your guest registered for this seminar but cannot attend, please cancel your registration online, or email/call the UWRA office.

UW-Madison Retirement Association
21 N Park St, Room 7205
Madison WI 53715-1218
608-262-0641
retireassn@mailplus.wisc.edu

Electronic Technology Committee (ETC) (V) (Thu, November 05, 2026)

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 19:30:00 GMT

Electronic Technology Committee assists members in staying abreast of changing electronic technology, which includes devices such as computers, tablets, telephones, cameras, printers, and software applications.

Interested in possibly joining the committee? You are invited to attend a committee meeting to check it out. Contact Chair Rachel Baker at rachel.baker@wisc.edu for virtual meeting details.

UW-Madison Retirement Association
21 N Park St, Room 7205
Madison WI 53715-1218
608-262-0641
retireassn@mailplus.wisc.edu

Financial Matters in Retirement (CFMR) (h) (Fri, November 06, 2026)

Fri, 06 Nov 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Monthly planning meeting of the Committee on Financial Matters in Retirement (CFMR).

The Committee offers monthly programs on topics dealing with financial matters in retirement. The topics include seminars on State health insurance coverages, federal and state tax changes, estate planning, management fees to invest, administer and dissolve a trust, how to protect against identity theft and other economic topics of interest to our members.

Interested in possibly joining the committee? You are invited to attend a committee meeting to check it out. Please register.

For further information, contact either Chair Jurgen Patau at jrpatau@wisc.edu or Co-Chair Kevin Niemi at kjniemi@wisc.edu.

MEETING FORMAT
This is a hybrid meeting format. Attendees will be able to attend in-person or virtually using zoom link. Please indicate how you will attend when registering.

Advance registration is required in order to receive virtual call information. To register by phone or email, call or email

UW-Madison Retirement Association
21 N Park St, Room 7205
Madison WI 53715-1218
608-262-0641
retireassn@mailplus.wisc.edu

Three Good Years ... The 2026 Tax Update for WI Retirees (CFMR) IP (Tue, November 10, 2026)

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 16:00:00 GMT

The biggest tax rewrite in a decade is now fully in effect — and a good part of it expires after 2028.

For Wisconsin retirees, 2026 is the year the new law finally shows up on the return. A new $6,000 senior deduction stacks on top of a higher standard deduction, but it phases out faster than most people expect. Charitable giving now comes with a floor for itemizers and a new deduction for everyone else. Wisconsin’s $24,000 retirement income subtraction carries a catch that almost nobody hears about: claim it, and you give up every credit on your state return.

The session will walk through what changed, what it means for your 2026 return, and how November’s elections could reshape the picture — along with the moves that make sense inside a three-year window we can actually see clearly.

James Tarp specializes in holistic financial planning for individuals, families, and business owners, giving them confidence needed to meet their financial goals. He believes good planning starts with listening — understanding where a client stands today and building a strategy prioritizing what matters most them. As an Enrolled Agent (EA), James brings a deep tax perspective to every plan, helping clients keep more of what they earn and structure their finances in a tax-efficient way.

James holds an MBA in Finance and has worked in the tax and financial industry since 2015. In 2024, he founded his own tax and financial planning practice, where he focused on everything from tax strategy to long-term investment planning with his clients. He joined forces with Dorn Wealth Management to bring that same personalized service to a broader team — one that shares his belief in comprehensive, tax-aware planning.

Megan Dorn has guided hundreds of individuals and families toward a brighter financial future. She takes a thoughtful, personalized approach to working with clients, understanding their situation, priorities, and goals before developing a strategic financial plan. Not only is Megan an accomplished financial planner — she’s also an Enrolled Agent (EA), which means she helps clients optimize their tax returns and uncover tax-efficient methods to achieve their financial goals.

Prior to founding Dorn Wealth Management, Megan spent 10+ years as a Financial Manager at another firm. As a leader at the firm, she designed strategic plans for clients, trained and mentored colleagues, and also worked closely with the Board of Directors.

Join us for the annual tax update discussion about all things of interest to seniors!

If you have preliminary questions for the speaker, please send to Program Coordinators Tom Eggert at tleggert@wisc.edu and Sandi Haase at sandi.haase@wisc.edu, by Monday, November 2.

NOTE: This in-person seminar will be recorded and posted on the UWRA website.

Parking:

Click here for a printable map of Oakwood Community Grounds for Parking and Room location.

Food Pantry Contributions:

Checks payable to UW-Foundation, with "Open Seat" on the memo line may be mailed to UWRA, 21 North Park Street, Room 7205, Madison, WI 53715-1218.

Registration Deadline:

Thursday, November 5

Registration:

UW-Madison Retirement Association
21 N Park St, Room 7205
Madison WI 53715-1218
608-262-0641
retireassn@mailplus.wisc.edu

2026-27 Board of Directors (BOD) (V) (Thu, November 19, 2026)

Thu, 19 Nov 2026 19:00:00 GMT

UWRA members are welcome to attend.

Advance registration is required.

To register by phone or email, contact:

UW-Madison Retirement Association
21 N Park St, Room 7205
Madison WI 53715-1218
608-262-0641
retireassn@mailplus.wisc.edu

Retirement Opportunities (ROC) (v) (Mon, November 23, 2026)

Mon, 23 Nov 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Retirement Opportunities Committee (ROC) offers programs and activities to help UWRA members live a rewarding retirement, all the while making new friends and having fun!

Interested in more information, please contact Co-chairs Laurie Mayberry at laurie.mayberry@wisc.edu or Scott Hildebrand at scott.h.hildebrand@gmail.com.

You are invited to attend a committee meeting to check it out. Please register.

Advance registration is required in order to receive virtual call information. To register by phone or email, call or email

UW-Madison Retirement Association
21 N Park St, Room 7205
Madison WI 53715-1218
608-262-0641
retireassn@mailplus.wisc.edu

Breakfast at Elie's Cafe (Tue, November 24, 2026)

Tue, 24 Nov 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Join us for conversation and food !

Join fellow UWRA members for breakfast (or a cup of coffee or tea) at Elie's Family Restaurant (formerly known as Green Forest Restaurant). Members gather once a month for breakfast and lively conversation.

You can check out Elie's website.

US Economic Outlook (IP) CFMR (Tue, December 01, 2026)

Tue, 01 Dec 2026 16:00:00 GMT

What changes are on the horizon? Join us for the annual economic outlook seminar.

Mark your calendars now to Join us to hear from Dawit Kebede, senior economist at America's Credit Unions. Dawit is a Senior Economist at America's Credit Unions, bringing over a decade of expertise across academic, not-for-profit, and private sectors. His career reflects a commitment to research and analysis, focusing on areas including consumer finance, international trade, and policy evaluation.

Before joining America's Credit Unions, Dawit served as a primary analyst for Trustage, where he supported the Investor Guidance Center and Consumer Sales Channel. Additionally, he has background in academia, which underscores his broad expertise.

Dawit holds a PhD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, complemented by master's degrees from UW-Madison and the Norwegian University of Life Sciences.

If you have preliminary questions for the speaker, please send to Program Coordinator Ken Mount at kmount327@yahoo.com by Wednesday, November 24, 2026.

NOTE: This in-person seminar will be recorded and posted on the UWRA website.

Parking:

Click here for a printable map of Oakwood Community Grounds for Parking and Room location.

Food Pantry Contributions:

Checks payable to UW-Foundation, with "Open Seat" on the memo line may be mailed to UWRA, 21 North Park Street, Room 7205, Madison, WI 53715-1218.

Registration Deadline:

Friday, November 27, 2026

Registration:

UW-Madison Retirement Association
21 N Park St, Room 7205
Madison WI 53715-1218
608-262-0641
retireassn@mailplus.wisc.edu

Electronic Technology Committee (ETC) (V) (Thu, December 03, 2026)

Thu, 03 Dec 2026 19:30:00 GMT

Interested in possibly joining the committee? You are invited to attend a committee meeting to check it out. Contact Chair Rachel Baker at rachel.baker@wisc.edu for virtual meeting details.

UW-Madison Retirement Association
21 N Park St, Room 7205
Madison WI 53715-1218
608-262-0641
retireassn@mailplus.wisc.edu

Financial Matters in Retirement (CFMR) (h) (Fri, December 04, 2026)

Fri, 04 Dec 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Monthly planning meeting of the Committee on Financial Matters in Retirement (CFMR).

Interested in possibly joining the committee? You are invited to attend a committee meeting to check it out. Please register.

For further information, contact either Chair Jurgen Patau at jrpatau@wisc.edu or Co-Chair Kevin Niemi at kjniemi@wisc.edu.

MEETING FORMAT
This is a hybrid meeting format. Attendees will be able to attend in-person or virtually using zoom link. Please indicate how you will attend when registering.

Advance registration is required in order to receive virtual call information. To register by phone or email, call or email

UW-Madison Retirement Association
21 N Park St, Room 7205
Madison WI 53715-1218
608-262-0641
retireassn@mailplus.wisc.edu

Stuff the Stocking Holiday Tour (TC) (Fri, December 11, 2026)

Fri, 11 Dec 2026 13:30:00 GMT

It's time to celebrate the magic of the season! Leave the winter driving to the professionals and step into a cozy and stress-free holiday wonderland. Just sit back, relax and make wonderful holiday memories with old and new friends.

We are heading to southeast Wisconsin for a day of pastries, pines, poinsettias and more. Come enjoy the splendor of season with us!

Our Holiday Itinerary

Lincoln–Tallman House • Janesville

Step into the elegance of 1857 at this Italianate-style landmark, built by the prominent Tallman family. During the holiday season, more than 100 beautifully decorated trees fill the historic rooms with light, color, and creativity. Explore at your own pace and enjoy one of Janesville’s favorite holiday traditions.

Rock County Historical Society Legacies Museum • Janesville

Discover Legacies Museum 2.0: The Heartbeat of Janesville’s GM. Memorabilia from General Motors, JATCO, Fisher Body, and the UAW brings the community’s industrial story to life—from the Janesville Machine Company’s beginnings in 1919 through the plant’s closing in 2008–2009.

Milaeger’s Garden Center • Racine

Enjoy time to browse a family-owned destination that grew from a tiny backyard hobby greenhouse into a collection of more than 90 greenhouses. Take in colorful displays, seasonal décor, and inspiring collections for the home and garden.

Christmas Carnival of Lights • Caledonia

End the day surrounded by holiday sparkle at a festive drive-through light show billed as one of the Midwest’s biggest, brightest, and most dazzling seasonal displays.

Accessibility & Comfort

The Lincoln–Tallman House ground floor is accessible by lift; the basement and second floor are not fully accessible. The Carriage House, Stonehouse, Frances Willard Schoolhouse, and RCHS Visitor Center are fully accessible. Please share mobility or assistance needs when registering.

Cost

$125 per person and includes bus transportation, driver tip, admission fees, meals, taxes, and gratuities.

Lunch Choices

	Burrata Berry Salad (Mixed greens, burrata cheese, balsamic glaze, strawberries, blueberries, red onions, fresh basil, raspberry vinaigrette) (V)
	Margherita Pizza (II Famoso ground tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, garlic, fresh basil, olive oil) (V)
	Supreme Pizza (II Famoso ground tomatoes pepperoni, Italian sausage, green peppers, onions, button mushrooms, whole milk mozzarella cheese)
	Chicken Pesto Sandwich with roasted potatoes (Pretzel bun, grilled chicken breast, basil pesto sauce, mozzarella cheese, lettuce, tomatoes)
	Bourbon Burger with roasted potatoes (Brioche bun, cheddar cheese, crispy onion strings, applewood smoked bacon, bourbon BBQ sauce)
	Wisconsin Fish Fry with roasted potatoes (Beer-battered cod, coleslaw, marble rye, tartar)

Dinner Choices

	Grilled Chicken Wrap (Grilled chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, cheddar jack cheese, wrapped up with buttermilk ranch dressing)
	BLT Wrap (Applewood smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato & salad dressing on a tortilla)
	Veggie Wrap (Spinach tortilla with lettuce, tomatoes, grilled onions, green peppers & mushrooms topped with feta cheese & Italian dressing)
	Steak Wrap (Steak with green peppers, onions, & mushrooms topped with tomatoes and cheese)

Schedule

(Times are approximate and subject to change)

Please arrive at departure site 15 minutes prior to departure.

7:30 a.m.	Depart Verona Park and Ride
8:00 a.m.	Depart Dutch Mill Park and Ride
7:00 p.m.	Return Dutch Mill Park and Ride
7:30 p.m.	Return Verona Park and Ride

Departure Locations --

Verona Park and Ride

East side (Dutch Mill Park and Ride (East Lot)

Map below for those boarding the bus on east side Dutch Mill Park & Ride. Please park in the "east" lot as indicated by the arrow.

Please note that these forms must be completed annually. If you have traveled with us and completed the forms on a previous 2026 excursion, the forms are not needed.

Registration Details and Deadline

Register online. Mailed in reservations and checks are accepted. Registrations much be received no later than Monday, November 23, 2026.

Refund Policy

UWRA refunds an event fee if cancelled prior to the registration deadline. Refunds after the registration deadline are only processed if a wait-listed registrant can attend. Refunds made by check.

Questions

Contact trip coordinator Sandi Haase at (sandi.haase@wisc.edu) or the UWRA office at 608-262-0641.

UW-Madison Retirement Association
21 N Park St, Room 7205
Madison WI 53715-1218
608-262-0641
retireassn@mailplus.wisc.edu

2026-27 Board of Directors (BOD) (V) (Thu, December 17, 2026)

Thu, 17 Dec 2026 19:00:00 GMT

UWRA members are welcome to attend.

Advance registration is required.

To register by phone or email, contact:

UW-Madison Retirement Association
21 N Park St, Room 7205
Madison WI 53715-1218
608-262-0641
retireassn@mailplus.wisc.edu

Electronic Technology Committee (ETC) (V) (Thu, January 07, 2027)

Thu, 07 Jan 2027 19:30:00 GMT

Interested in possibly joining the committee? You are invited to attend a committee meeting to check it out. Contact Chair Rachel Baker at rachel.baker@wisc.edu for virtual meeting details.

UW-Madison Retirement Association
21 N Park St, Room 7205
Madison WI 53715-1218
608-262-0641
retireassn@mailplus.wisc.edu

Financial Matters in Retirement (CFMR) (h) (Fri, January 08, 2027)

Fri, 08 Jan 2027 16:00:00 GMT

Monthly planning meeting of the Committee on Financial Matters in Retirement (CFMR).

Interested in possibly joining the committee? You are invited to attend a committee meeting to check it out. Please register.

For further information, contact either Chair Jurgen Patau at jrpatau@wisc.edu or Co-Chair Kevin Niemi at kjniemi@wisc.edu.

MEETING FORMAT
This is a hybrid meeting format. Attendees will be able to attend in-person or virtually using zoom link. Please indicate how you will attend when registering.

Advance registration is required in order to receive virtual call information. To register by phone or email, call or email

UW-Madison Retirement Association
21 N Park St, Room 7205
Madison WI 53715-1218
608-262-0641
retireassn@mailplus.wisc.edu

Sick Leave Credits Running Out? Now What? (CFMR) IP (Thu, January 14, 2027)

Thu, 14 Jan 2027 16:00:00 GMT

If you are wondering what your health insurance options are since your sick leave credits are running out, this seminar is for you. The Department of Employee Trust Funds (ETF) and the Board on Aging and Long Term Care (BOALTC) will provide information about insurance choices available to you after your sick leave credits are gone. The speakers will discuss coverage available from Medicare, ETF, Medigap (Medicare Supplements) and non-ETF Medicare Advantage plans. We hope to see you there

Joining us from the Board on Aging and Long Term Care are:

Sharon Cline (she/her) serves as a Medigap Insurance Specialist and is a BCPA (Board Certified Patient Advocate). Sharon has seven years’ experience as a Medicare counselor and thorough knowledge of the ETF retiree insurance program from her previous employment at ETF.

Nick Lutes (he/him) is the Medigap Helpline Services Director for the State of Wisconsin Board on Aging and Long-Term Care. In his role, Nick oversees the Wisconsin Medigap Helpline which provides insurance counseling, information, public education, and outreach to Wisconsin Medicare and long-term care insurance consumers, professionals, and volunteer organizations who serve these populations. He serves as a subject matter expert for Medigap Helpline staff and external stakeholders. Previously Nick worked as the Medigap Helpline Services Supervisor, a Medigap Insurance Specialist, and a Legislative Assistant in the Wisconsin State Legislature. He has a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Wisconsin Madison.

If you have preliminary questions for the speakers, please send to Program Coordinator Arlene Larson at lilnfuzz@att.net by Thursday, January 7, 2027.

NOTE: This in-person seminar will be recorded and posted on the UWRA website.

Food Pantry Contributions:

Checks payable to UW-Foundation, with "Open Seat" on the memo line may be mailed to UWRA, 21 North Park Street, Room 7205, Madison, WI 53715-1218.

Registration Deadline: Monday, Monday, January 11, 2027

Registration: Advance registration is required. You are encouraged to register online. To register by phone or email, call the Association office. If you or your guest registered for this seminar but cannot attend, please cancel your registration online, or email/call the UWRA office.

Parking:

Click here for a printable map of Oakwood Community Grounds for Parking and Room location.

UW-Madison Retirement Association
21 N Park St, Room 7205
Madison WI 53715-1218
608-262-0641

retireassn@mailplus.wisc.edu

2026-27 Board of Directors (BOD) (z) (Thu, January 21, 2027)

Thu, 21 Jan 2027 19:00:00 GMT

UWRA members are welcome to attend.

Advance registration is required.

To register by phone or email, contact:

UW-Madison Retirement Association
21 N Park St, Room 7205
Madison WI 53715-1218
608-262-0641
retireassn@mailplus.wisc.edu

Breakfast at Elie's Cafe (Tue, January 26, 2027)

Tue, 26 Jan 2027 15:00:00 GMT

Join us for conversation and food !

Join fellow UWRA members for breakfast (or a cup of coffee or tea) at Elie's Family Restaurant (formerly known as Green Forest Restaurant). Members gather once a month for breakfast and lively conversation.

You can check out Elie's website.

Electronic Technology Committee (ETC) (V) (Thu, February 04, 2027)

Thu, 04 Feb 2027 19:30:00 GMT

Interested in possibly joining the committee? You are invited to attend a committee meeting to check it out. Contact Chair Rachel Baker at rachel.baker@wisc.edu for virtual meeting details.

UW-Madison Retirement Association
21 N Park St, Room 7205
Madison WI 53715-1218
608-262-0641
retireassn@mailplus.wisc.edu

Financial Matters in Retirement (CFMR) (h) (Fri, February 05, 2027)

Fri, 05 Feb 2027 16:00:00 GMT

Monthly planning meeting of the Committee on Financial Matters in Retirement (CFMR).

Interested in possibly joining the committee? You are invited to attend a committee meeting to check it out. Please register.

For further information, contact either Chair Jurgen Patau at jrpatau@wisc.edu or Co-Chair Kevin Niemi at kjniemi@wisc.edu.

MEETING FORMAT
This is a hybrid meeting format. Attendees will be able to attend in-person or virtually using zoom link. Please indicate how you will attend when registering.

Advance registration is required in order to receive virtual call information. To register by phone or email, call or email

UW-Madison Retirement Association
21 N Park St, Room 7205
Madison WI 53715-1218
608-262-0641
retireassn@mailplus.wisc.edu

Costa Rica: World of Nature (TC) (Tue, February 09, 2027)

Tue, 09 Feb 2027 15:00:00 GMT

Join members of the Verona Senior Center on a multi-day tour. Our travel partner, the Verona Senior Center, has teamed with Collette Travel to offer a multi-day trip to Costa Rica.

From thrilling water journeys to ethereal jungle expeditions, discover what pura vida means to you when you explore the essence of Costa Rica.

You'll learn about Costa Rica's ecosystem and local culture; visit the world's first sea turtle research station; and stay in Tortuguero National Park and find yourself surrounded by wildlife.

This is an expedition style trip and limited to 24 travelers. Booking #

To learn more, a recording highlighting Collette Travel and the Fall 2026 trip to Charleston and Savanah and the Costa Rica trips is posted on the UWRA website at: UWRA/Resources/Presentations/2025-2026 (Jan-Jun).

Registration is made directly through Collette at:

Costa Rica: A World of Nature with Verona Senior Center

An informational meeting about this tour

is scheduled for 2-3pm on Thursday, May 28, 2026

at the Verona Senior Center, 108 Paoli Street, Verona Visit: https://uwramadison.org/event-6598629

Questions

Contact the UWRA office at 608-262-0641 or trip coordinator Sandi Haase at (sandi.haase@wisc.edu).

UW-Madison Retirement Association
21 N Park St, Room 7205
Madison WI 53715-1218
608-262-0641
retireassn@mailplus.wisc.edu

Future Issues in Senior Living (CFMR) IP (Thu, February 11, 2027)

Thu, 11 Feb 2027 19:00:00 GMT

Join us for a discussion on the future direction of senior living facilities, the challenges ahead, and how demographics will impact senior living facilities.

More details to follow.

If you have preliminary questions for the speakers, please send to Program Coordinator Rick Daluge at rhdaluge@wisc.edu by Thursday, February 4, 2027.

NOTE: This in-person seminar will be recorded and posted on the UWRA website.

Food Pantry Contributions:

Checks payable to UW-Foundation, with "Open Seat" on the memo line may be mailed to UWRA, 21 North Park Street, Room 7205, Madison, WI 53715-1218.

Registration Deadline: Monday, Monday, February 8, 2027

Parking:

Click here for a printable map of Oakwood Community Grounds for Parking and Room location.

UW-Madison Retirement Association
21 N Park St, Room 7205
Madison WI 53715-1218
608-262-0641

retireassn@mailplus.wisc.edu

2026-27 Board of Directors (BOD) (z) (Thu, February 18, 2027)

Thu, 18 Feb 2027 19:00:00 GMT

UWRA members are welcome to attend.

Advance registration is required.

To register by phone or email, contact:

UW-Madison Retirement Association
21 N Park St, Room 7205
Madison WI 53715-1218
608-262-0641
retireassn@mailplus.wisc.edu

Breakfast at Elie's Cafe (Tue, February 23, 2027)

Tue, 23 Feb 2027 15:00:00 GMT

Join us for conversation and food !

Join fellow UWRA members for breakfast (or a cup of coffee or tea) at Elie's Family Restaurant (formerly known as Green Forest Restaurant). Members gather once a month for breakfast and lively conversation.

You can check out Elie's website.

Electronic Technology Committee (ETC) (V) (Thu, March 04, 2027)

Thu, 04 Mar 2027 19:30:00 GMT

Interested in possibly joining the committee? You are invited to attend a committee meeting to check it out. Contact Chair Rachel Baker at rachel.baker@wisc.edu for virtual meeting details.

UW-Madison Retirement Association
21 N Park St, Room 7205
Madison WI 53715-1218
608-262-0641
retireassn@mailplus.wisc.edu

Financial Matters in Retirement (CFMR) (h) (Fri, March 05, 2027)

Fri, 05 Mar 2027 16:00:00 GMT

Monthly planning meeting of the Committee on Financial Matters in Retirement (CFMR).

Interested in possibly joining the committee? You are invited to attend a committee meeting to check it out. Please register.

For further information, contact either Chair Jurgen Patau at jrpatau@wisc.edu or Co-Chair Kevin Niemi at kjniemi@wisc.edu.

MEETING FORMAT
This is a hybrid meeting format. Attendees will be able to attend in-person or virtually using zoom link. Please indicate how you will attend when registering.

Advance registration is required in order to receive virtual call information. To register by phone or email, call or email

UW-Madison Retirement Association
21 N Park St, Room 7205
Madison WI 53715-1218
608-262-0641
retireassn@mailplus.wisc.edu

Reflections on the 2026 Election (IP) [ROC] (Tue, March 09, 2027)

Tue, 09 Mar 2027 16:00:00 GMT

David T. Canon is a professor in the political science department at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. He served as chair of the department from 2014-2017 and in Fall, 2020. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota and previously taught at Duke University. He also served as the Distinguished Fulbright Chair in Tübingen, Germany in 2011-2012 and Debrecen, Hungary in 2003-2004. His teaching and research interests are in American political institutions, especially Congress. His more specific research interests include election administration, racial representation, redistricting, political careers, and the historical study of Congress. He is author of Race, Redistricting, and Representation (University of Chicago Press, 1999, winner of the Richard F. Fenno award for the best book on legislative politics), The Dysfunctional Congress? The Individual Roots of an Institutional Dilemma (with Ken Mayer; Westview Press, 1999), Actors, Athletes, and Astronauts: Political Amateurs in the U.S. Congress (University of Chicago Press, 1990), American Politics Today (with William Bianco, WW Norton, 2021), several edited books, and various articles and book chapters. He co-edits a book series on legislative politics with the University of Michigan Press and also served as the Congress editor of Legislative Studies Quarterly and is currently the editor of the Election Law Journal.

If you have preliminary questions for the speaker, please send to Program Coordinator Tom Eggert at tleggert@wisc.edu.

Food Pantry Contributions:

Checks payable to UW-Foundation, with "Open Seat" on the memo line may be mailed to UWRA, 21 North Park Street, Room 7205, Madison, WI 53715-1218.

Registration Deadline:

Friday, March 5, 2027

Registration:

Parking:

UW-Madison Retirement Association
21 N Park St, Room 7205
Madison WI 53715-1218
608-262-0641
retireassn@mailplus.wisc.edu

2026-27 Board of Directors (BOD) (ip) (Thu, March 18, 2027)

Thu, 18 Mar 2027 18:00:00 GMT

UWRA members are welcome to attend.

Advance registration is required.

To register by phone or email, contact:

UW-Madison Retirement Association
21 N Park St, Room 7205
Madison WI 53715-1218
608-262-0641
retireassn@mailplus.wisc.edu

Breakfast at Elie's Cafe (Tue, March 23, 2027)

Tue, 23 Mar 2027 14:00:00 GMT

Join us for conversation and food !

Join fellow UWRA members for breakfast (or a cup of coffee or tea) at Elie's Family Restaurant (formerly known as Green Forest Restaurant). Members gather once a month for breakfast and lively conversation.

You can check out Elie's website.

Electronic Technology Committee (ETC) (V) (Thu, April 01, 2027)

Thu, 01 Apr 2027 18:30:00 GMT

Interested in possibly joining the committee? You are invited to attend a committee meeting to check it out. Contact Chair Rachel Baker at rachel.baker@wisc.edu for virtual meeting details.

UW-Madison Retirement Association
21 N Park St, Room 7205
Madison WI 53715-1218
608-262-0641
retireassn@mailplus.wisc.edu

Financial Matters in Retirement (CFMR) (h) (Fri, April 02, 2027)

Fri, 02 Apr 2027 15:00:00 GMT

Monthly planning meeting of the Committee on Financial Matters in Retirement (CFMR).

Interested in possibly joining the committee? You are invited to attend a committee meeting to check it out. Please register.

For further information, contact either Chair Jurgen Patau at jrpatau@wisc.edu or Co-Chair Kevin Niemi at kjniemi@wisc.edu.

MEETING FORMAT
This is a hybrid meeting format. Attendees will be able to attend in-person or virtually using zoom link. Please indicate how you will attend when registering.

Advance registration is required in order to receive virtual call information. To register by phone or email, call or email

UW-Madison Retirement Association
21 N Park St, Room 7205
Madison WI 53715-1218
608-262-0641
retireassn@mailplus.wisc.edu

2027 ETF & SWIB Update (IP) [CFMR] (Thu, April 15, 2027)

Thu, 15 Apr 2027 15:00:00 GMT

The State of Wisconsin Investment Board (SWIB), created in 1951, is responsible for managing the assets of the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS), the State Investment Fund (SIF), and other state trust funds. As of December 31, 2024, SWIB managed more than $162 billion in assets.

In April, the thoughts of UWRA members turn to pensions because that is when we hear an annual report on last year’s performance and the future prospects of the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS).

Our speakers are the leaders of the State of Wisconsin Investment Board (SWIB), which manages the investment portfolio of the WRS, and the Department of Employee Trust Funds (ETF), which administers retirement, insurance, and other benefit programs for around 704,000 active and retired state employees. This detailed annual report gives us insight into the policies and practices that govern the management of WRS and, importantly, income projections that are helpful in planning our personal finances.

Edwin Denson joined SWIB in 2018 as managing director, asset and risk allocation. He was appointed executive director/chief investment officer in April 2021. Before joining SWIB, Edwin was managing director, strategic tilting, at Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB). Prior to joining CPPIB in 2013, Edwin spent 13 years in asset allocation, currency, and risk management as a portfolio manager at William Blair & Co., managing member at Singer Partners LLC, and managing director and head of asset allocation at UBS Global Asset Management. Earlier in his career, he was an economist at Lehman Brothers, Primark Decision Economics, and Putnam Investments, and he also briefly managed a commodity trading adviser and a quantitative equity strategy. Edwin holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Cornell University and a PhD in economics from Northwestern University.

Rochelle Klaskin, Deputy Executive Director and Chief Administrative Officer, joined SWIB in 2015 as its chief legal counsel before becoming deputy executive director/chief administrative officer. Throughout her more than 20-year career, she has led and advised organizations on board governance and legal matters, daily operations, and strategic transitions and planning. Prior to joining SWIB, she was a shareholder in the corporate practice group at the law firm Godfrey & Kahn, S.C., and she served as the managing partner of the firm’s Madison office. She earned her law degree from Chicago-Kent College of Law and a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.

Todd Mattina, Head Economist, Asset & Risk Allocation CIO, joined SWIB in early 2023 and is responsible for taking a broad view of economic conditions in developing, recommending and implementing SWIB’s asset allocation and other policies for allocating the investments of the fully funded Wisconsin Retirement System. Monitoring capital market conditions and maintaining valuation models, he will support the agency’s investment divisions and determine how best to leverage economic policy to address opportunities, risks and challenges.

The Wisconsin Department of Employee Trust Funds (ETF) is the state agency administering retirement, insurance, and other benefit programs for active state and local employees and for retirees participating in the WRS.

Diana Felsmann, ETF Secretary, will provide projections for future Core and Variable fund annuity adjustments, and highlights of the design elements that keep the WRS strong and fully funded. Secretary Felsmann assumed her role on July 26, 2026. She has been with ETF for almost 15 years, most recently serving as Deputy Secretary since 2025. Prior to that, Felsmann served as Chief Legal Counsel and in leadership roles that provided legal counsel for benefits and tax law compliance, and litigation. Felsmann has more than 25 years of experience as an attorney in the public and private sectors, primarily specializing in employee benefits and appellate law. Raised in Waukesha, WI, Felsmann received a law degree from UW-Madison and an undergraduate degree from Marquette University. In addition, Felsmann is trained in project management and business and policy analysis.

If you have preliminary questions for the speakers, please send to Program Coordinators Tom Eggert at tleggert@wisc.edu and Sandi Haase at sandi.haase@wisc.edu by Thursday, April 8.

NOTE: This in-person seminar will be recorded and posted on the website.

Food Pantry Contributions:

Checks payable to UW-Foundation, with "Open Seat" on the memo line may be mailed to UWRA at the address below.

Registration Deadline:

Monday, April 12

Registration:

Parking:

Click here for a printable map of Oakwood Community Grounds for Parking and Room location.

UW-Madison Retirement Association
21 N Park St, Room 7205
Madison WI 53715-1218
608-262-0641
retireassn@mailplus.wisc.edu

2026-27 Board of Directors (BOD)(v) (Thu, April 15, 2027)

Thu, 15 Apr 2027 18:00:00 GMT

UWRA members are welcome to attend.

Advance registration is required.

To register by phone or email, contact:

UW-Madison Retirement Association
21 N Park St, Room 7205
Madison WI 53715-1218
608-262-0641
retireassn@mailplus.wisc.edu

Breakfast at Elie's Cafe (Tue, April 27, 2027)

Tue, 27 Apr 2027 14:00:00 GMT

Join us for conversation and food !

Join fellow UWRA members for breakfast (or a cup of coffee or tea) at Elie's Family Restaurant (formerly known as Green Forest Restaurant). Members gather once a month for breakfast and lively conversation.

You can check out Elie's website.

Discover the Pacific Northwest and California (TC) (Wed, April 28, 2027)

Wed, 28 Apr 2027 14:00:00 GMT

Join members of the Verona Senior Center on a multi-day tour. Our travel partner, the Verona Senior Center, has teamed with Collette Travel to offer a multi-day trip to the Pacific Northwest and California.

From the wilds of Mount St. Helens to the shadow of giants in the Redwoods, fall under the spell of the Pacific Northwest, and California. Explore the natural beauty from Seattle to San Francisco. You will visit the lively Pike Place Market, Seattle's famous fish and vegetable market' venture to Mount St. Helens Visitor Center to learn about its volcanic activity, and visit the Columbia River Forge, and Multnomah Falls, and a San Francisco Bay Cruise.

Registration is made directly through Collette at:

Discover the Pacific Northwest & California with Verona Senior Center

Booking #1413701

An informational meeting about this tour

is scheduled for 2-3pm on Thursday, May 28, 2026

at the Verona Senior Center, 108 Paoli Street, Verona Visit: https://uwramadison.org/event-6598629

Questions

Contact the UWRA office at 608-262-0641 or trip coordinator Sandi Haase at (sandi.haase@wisc.edu).

UW-Madison Retirement Association
21 N Park St, Room 7205
Madison WI 53715-1218
608-262-0641
retireassn@mailplus.wisc.edu

Electronic Technology Committee (ETC) (V) (Thu, May 06, 2027)

Thu, 06 May 2027 18:30:00 GMT

Interested in possibly joining the committee? You are invited to attend a committee meeting to check it out. Contact Chair Rachel Baker at rachel.baker@wisc.edu for virtual meeting details.

UW-Madison Retirement Association
21 N Park St, Room 7205
Madison WI 53715-1218
608-262-0641
retireassn@mailplus.wisc.edu

Financial Matters in Retirement (CFMR) (h) (Fri, May 07, 2027)

Fri, 07 May 2027 15:00:00 GMT

Monthly planning meeting of the Committee on Financial Matters in Retirement (CFMR).

Interested in possibly joining the committee? You are invited to attend a committee meeting to check it out. Please register.

For further information, contact either Chair Jurgen Patau at jrpatau@wisc.edu or Co-Chair Kevin Niemi at kjniemi@wisc.edu.

MEETING FORMAT
This is a hybrid meeting format. Attendees will be able to attend in-person or virtually using zoom link. Please indicate how you will attend when registering.

Advance registration is required in order to receive virtual call information. To register by phone or email, call or email

UW-Madison Retirement Association
21 N Park St, Room 7205
Madison WI 53715-1218
608-262-0641
retireassn@mailplus.wisc.edu

Breakfast at Elie's Cafe (Tue, May 25, 2027)

Tue, 25 May 2027 14:00:00 GMT

Join us for conversation and food !

Join fellow UWRA members for breakfast (or a cup of coffee or tea) at Elie's Family Restaurant (formerly known as Green Forest Restaurant). Members gather once a month for breakfast and lively conversation.

You can check out Elie's website.

Financial Matters in Retirement (CFMR) (h) (Fri, June 04, 2027)

Fri, 04 Jun 2027 15:00:00 GMT

Monthly planning meeting of the Committee on Financial Matters in Retirement (CFMR).

Interested in possibly joining the committee? You are invited to attend a committee meeting to check it out. Please register.

For further information, contact either Chair Jurgen Patau at jrpatau@wisc.edu or Co-Chair Kevin Niemi at kjniemi@wisc.edu.

MEETING FORMAT
This is a hybrid meeting format. Attendees will be able to attend in-person or virtually using zoom link. Please indicate how you will attend when registering.

Advance registration is required in order to receive virtual call information. To register by phone or email, call or email

UW-Madison Retirement Association
21 N Park St, Room 7205
Madison WI 53715-1218
608-262-0641
retireassn@mailplus.wisc.edu

Breakfast at Elie's Cafe (Tue, June 22, 2027)

Tue, 22 Jun 2027 14:00:00 GMT

Join us for conversation and food !

Join fellow UWRA members for breakfast (or a cup of coffee or tea) at Elie's Family Restaurant (formerly known as Green Forest Restaurant). Members gather once a month for breakfast and lively conversation.

You can check out Elie's website.

Switzerland, Austria, and Bavaria (TC) (Wed, September 01, 2027)

Wed, 01 Sep 2027 14:00:00 GMT

Journey through spectacular mountain scenery and picturesque cities as you experience three Alpine Countries. Get a taste of Switzerland whenyou meet a local alphorn maker and yodelers. Explore Lucerne, the "Swiss Paradise on the Lake." Visit Mozart's birthplace and the Marabell Gardens featured in The Sound of Music, during your time in Salzburg. The hills are alive on this enchanting journey across Switzerland, Austria, and Bavaria.

NOTE: Trip dates subject to change.

Registration is made directly through Collette at:

Link will be available soon.

An informational meeting about this tour

is scheduled for 2-3pm on Thursday, May 28, 2026

at the Verona Senior Center, 108 Paoli Street, Verona Visit: https://uwramadison.org/event-6598629

Questions

Contact the UWRA office at 608-262-0641 or trip coordinator Sandi Haase at (sandi.haase@wisc.edu).

UW-Madison Retirement Association
21 N Park St, Room 7205
Madison WI 53715-1218
608-262-0641
retireassn@mailplus.wisc.edu