Through its newsletter, website, and voicemail box, HURA answers members’ questions and communicates information of general interest. It sponsors activities that are specifically designed to keep retirees connected and informed of events at the University. These included notices of cultural and educational events, changes in benefits, progress on the Allston campus project, introductions to new University senior staff, tours of new buildings, and the like.
While its major activity is sponsoring trips, outings, rambles and three all-member events each year, HURA is sometimes also called upon to represent the concerns and opinions of the retired population to the University.
For their first year in retirement membership in HURA is free to all staff and faculty. After that, a membership fee is charged to cover expenses. All retirees are encouraged to join.
History of the HURA
In the mid-1980s, a group of retirees asked Clare Corbett, who then ran the pre-retirement programs in the Office of Human Resources, about the possibility of retirees staying in touch, or having some involvement with the University after retirement. That question was addressed when Clare sent out invitations to Harvard retirees to assist with Harvard’s 350th Anniversary celebration.
The number of replies to Clare’s request was so encouraging that she asked those interested in forming a retirees group to explore the possibility of such an organization. They sent a questionnaire to all retirees to solicit their reactions to the idea of an official Harvard retirees association. Approximately 200 positive responses were received, from which ideas and suggestions were compiled into a more substantive “Survey of Retirees.”
In early 1987, staff within Harvard's Office of Human Resources chaired an initial meetings of retirees, and soon thereafter, a Steering Committee was formed, chaired by Lillian Braudis.
In 1989, Lillian wrote to University President Derek Bok, giving him information about the proposed organization asking for his endorsement. His reply supported and encouraged the formation of what we know today as HURA. An advisory committee composed almost entirely of retirees was appointed. It worked for several months formalizing the association, which began officially in 1991.