Age-Friendly University
Today, unlike any time in history, there are more older people than children in Minnesota. This demographic reality is here for the long term and will impact the core of work in all sectors. As they move into retirement, today’s older adults and Baby Boom Generation carry with them lifetimes of experience in innovation, creativity, and leadership. At the University, we choose to purposefully engage them for the betterment of our University and communities. To coalesce our work across campus, the University of Minnesota Twin Cities is the first institution for higher learning in Minnesota to enroll in the Global Network of Age-Friendly Universities.
Age-Friendly UMN Council
On September 8, 2020 President Gabel endorsed enrollment of the University of Minnesota in the Global Network of Age Friendly Universities. The enrollment was subsequently accepted. This enrollment also established the Age-Friendly University of Minnesota Council.
Vision
The University of Minnesota is a leader in age-friendly work, older adults are fully integrated into University life, and our students are fully prepared to meet the needs of our changing communities.
Values
The Age-Friendly University of Minnesota Council believes:
- We all benefit from intergenerational approaches and exchanges
- Lifelong learners bring experience and perspective that enrich education
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central pillars to all the work we do
- Ageism is a pervasive form of bigotry that must be challenged and eliminated
Members of the Council
Members of the Council represent UMN Twin Cities programs and affiliated organizations, including:
Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing – Sue Nankivell
Center for Healthy Aging & Innovation – Rajean Moone
Department of Family Medicine and Community Health – Christina Cauble
MN Northstar GWEP – Teresa Schicker
Office for Equity and Diversity – Keisha Varma
Office of Public Engagement – Amber Cameron
One Stop Student Services – Julie Selander
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute – Kate Schaefers
U of M Alumni Association – Marissa Smith
University of Minnesota Extension – Mary Jo Katras
University of Minnesota Retirees Association – Lynn Anderson
University of Minnesota Women’s Club – Susan Hopp
University of Minnesota Foundation – Helene Benitez
Age-Friendly University Day
On June 26, 2023, we held the second annual Age-Friendly University Day at McNamara Alumni Center. This event convened over 200 retirees, older Minnesotans, and lifelong learners together. The day featured a keynote presentation by Diana Pierce, a panel hosted by NPR correspondent Chris Farrell, breakout sessions on financial fraud, mindfulness, and climate change, and the opportunity to visit with 20 exhibitor booths.
Mark your calendars, the next Age-Friendly University Day is scheduled for June 24, 2024!

