Keep in touch with the University community, keep mentally and physically active, root for the home basketball teams, and have a voice in UT policy affecting retirees by joining the UT Retired Faculty-Staff Association.

Any faculty or staff member who has retired from UT and his or her spouse may become members of the Association. Membership fees are waived for first year retirees, but every one else is asked to pay $20 for a single membership, and $28 for a joint membership. A new three-year membership is now being offered for a 10% discount of $54 for a single and $76 for a joint membership. Payment may be made by credit card.

Renew by September to be included in the 2007-08 Retired Faculty-Staff Membership Directory.

Members of the RFSA are invited to attend its three major get-togethers each year and reminisce with former colleagues as well as hear first-hand from University officials about current happenings.

As befitting an organization composed of active retirees, RFSA sponsors seven special interest groups, bridge, discussion, fine arts, financial/investments, exercise, health and travel, that are free for members and meet regularly throughout the year.

The RFSA Travel Interest Group plans tours to various spots of interest. In November 2007 the group spent a week touring Nova Scotia and the Maritime Provinces and in February took a Mardi Gras trip to Lafayette, LA and Cajun Country.

Members, including first-year retirees and non-members as well, are also encouraged to contribute to the Scholarship Fund, RFSA’s main service project, which helps support needy undergraduates, many of whom are often the first in their families to attend college. Donations are always welcome, but offerings are also often given to honor an acquaintance, to celebrate a special occasion such as a birthday or wedding or as a memorial. In the latter cases an acknowledgement will be sent to the recipient, and a letter for tax purposes is always sent to the giver.

For details concerning the privileges of University of Texas at Austin retirees, please see the complete privileges list.

For information on joining the association or making a donation to the scholarship fund, please contact Carol Barrett at 471-8081 or barrett@alumni.utexas.edu.