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I have mentioned previously in this column that TCURA’s Executive Council was considering an idea that Julie and I brought back from the AROHE conference. Actually, it was not a completely new idea for us but is now going to come to fruition thanks to Larry Adams and Stan Hagadone taking the lead to plan it.

On Thursday, April 10, TCURA will sponsor an afternoon panel and group discussion currently titled “The Hopes and Concerns of Retirement.” It will be open to any and all currentfaculty and staff who are consideringretirement and focus on the social and psychological aspects of retirement.

Each individual has a differentstory about his or her retirement journey. That journey starts pre-retirement, primarily with financial planning and continues through the transition to retirement and beyond.For some, retirement offers more time with family (read grandchildren) or travel adventures or pursuing “bucket list” activities, be they exotic or simply learning a new hobby. Some people want more time to focus on their health and well-being. Others enjoy more time for volunteerism and service to others.

But there are also legitimate concerns for folks consideringretirement whether they are financialor relational or a potential loss of the identity one associates with his or her work. Let’s face it, it’s scary to consider the unknowns after a life defined and supported by your work. While some people love the opportunity to sleep late and do what they want to do when they want todo it, others find the lack of structure disconcerting. And not everyone’s spouse is anxious to have them around all day, every day!

TCURA can help prospective retirees consider these and many more issues related to retirement by sharing our experiences. I’m excited about this program that should provide a real service to the TCU community and be something we can continue and develop further in the future. Stay tuned for more information in the next couple of months and start promoting it to your campus colleagues who are still “in the trenches.”

I look forward to seeing you at our February luncheon.

Janet George Herald