Welcome to the RFPA
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
As the leaves scatter, much is happening in our efforts to expand and enhance RFPA. Some updates. We have been…
· Planning a winter webinar helping us all understand the latest on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the role UNC is playing in this rapidly expanding technology. Watch for details…
· working to expand membership so RFPA can be even more robust in serving retirees and the community and recruiting Associate members (retirees from other institutions living in the area). Soon we will be putting short stories about RFPA in newsletters at CCRCs and other selected communities to help spread the word. Write us if you have ideas of individuals or communities that we should contact…
· finalizing construction of our enhanced website. Once launched, please visit the website at https://uncrfpa.web.unc.edu/ for updates and information…
· completing the revised Retirement Guide with updated information about retiree benefits and perks as well as changes to rules about retirees engaging in research…
· developing initial plans for a speakers bureau so RFPA members can share their expertise with N.C. schools and community groups. Watch for a short survey to members to gauge interest in participation (please respond when it arrives)…
· soliciting nominations for the Howes award (see article below)…
· considering topical discussion groups (let us know what you think)…
· facilitating development of new courses through Shared Learning of Chapel Hill…
· completing a history of RFPA and an accompanying member directory…
· And finally, we are planning for our 40th Anniversary bash — a reception at the Friday Center, February 25, 5-7 p.m. Mark your calendar now. While sharing drinks, hors d’oeuvres and conversation, we will enjoy a performance by Bland Simpson and remarks by the Chancellor. At the event we plan to highlight the many ways in which retirees continue to contribute to the institution and community (e.g., volunteer and scholarly work). Please send examples and related photos to rfpa@unc.edu.
We always welcome input on how RFPA can better serve and engage you. Send your ideas, suggestions, and feedback to rfpa@unc.edu with subject line: INPUT.
Carol Runyan
RFPA President 2025-26
Nominate a candidate for
the 2026 Jonathan B. Howes Lifetime Award
Nominees are now being sought for the Jonathan B. Howes Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes a retired faculty member of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill whose professional contributions throughout her or his career emulate the life and work of Jonathan Howes. Click here to access the nomination form.
The award is open to any faculty member retired from UNC-Chapel Hill whose service and achievements, both within the University and beyond in the wider community, have consistently exceeded the professional expectations for faculty, and who has been recognized by faculty and administrative colleagues for his or her judgment, ethical values and courage in the pursuit of worthy goals.
Send your letter of nomination offering your reasons for doing so to Tim Taft, ttaft@med.unc.edu, Chair of the RFPA Awards Committee. The deadline for submitting nominations is 5 p.m. on Friday, December 19, 2025.
The Jonathan B. Howes Lifetime Achievement Award was established in 2015 and is given in alternate years. Previous awardees include Jane Brown, Ray Dooley, Joe Grisham, John Sanders and Bill Leuchtenburg.