University of Idaho Retirees Association
Connect with fellow U of I retirees
Founded in 1979, the University of Idaho Retirees Association (UIRA) brings together former faculty and staff to support their connection to the university. Through low or no-cost activities, UIRA fosters community and celebrates the lasting impact of our retirees. Members enjoy social gatherings, educational tours and luncheons designed to inspire, engage and keep you connected.
Explore what's coming up on our events calendar and provide your contact information to receive updates and invitations.
UIRA events calendar
UIRA organizes tours of local parks or businesses, luncheons and the new monthly “Senior Moments” social that rotate subjects and locations in the Moscow area. We also love hearing new ideas for activities that bring UIRA members together. Send your suggestions to uira@uidaho.edu.
UIRA board members and committees
UIRA’s governing board members are proud to represent you and many more people who retired after serving University of Idaho. Listed below are current board members and the committees who ensure UIRA is a thriving and valuable organization.
If you’re interested in joining the board or any of the committees, contact us at uira@uidaho.edu. You don’t need any special experience, just a willingness to help and connect with your fellow retirees.
Board members
Ken Hart — President
Chris Williams — Vice President
Pam Hilliard — Secretary
Larry Makus — Treasurer
Dan Davenport — Past President
Greg Bohach
Ed McBride
Bev Rhoades
Liz Ridgway
Bob Tripepi
Carol Grupp — Benefits committee
David Walker — Benefits committee
Benefits committee
As a liaison between UIRA and the U of I Human Resources Office, this committee helps monitor costs and benefits of the health plan offered to eligible retirees. We ensure UIRA members know about proposed changes in health plan benefits and retiree contributions, and we convey retirees’ concerns about their benefits to Human Resources. Contact uira@uidaho.edu to learn more.
Membership committee
The membership committee collaborates with the Alumni Relations team to invite retirees to join UIRA and maintain up-to-date contact information for UIRA members. Contact uira@uidaho.edu to learn more.
Events committee
This committee creates and plans engaging programs, educational activities and social events to enrich the retiree experience. Past events include tours of local parks or businesses, luncheons and the new monthly “Senior Moments” social that rotate subjects and locations in the Moscow area. We also love hearing new ideas for activities that bring UIRA members together. Send your suggestions to uira@uidaho.edu.
UIRA student scholarship
Every year, thousands of hard-working Vandal students need additional financial support to help them thrive in their studies and graduate without overwhelming student loan debt. UIRA’s scholarship endowment allows us to award scholarship support to several U of I students each year. We are proud to award scholarships based on student class standing, grade point average and demonstrated financial need. Anyone is welcome to donate to the UIRA scholarship endowment.
2025-2026 UIRA scholarship recipients
- Sawyer Carlson, Pinehurst, Idaho | Mathematics and Statisitcal Science
- Emily Rose Roah, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho | Journalism and Mass Media
- Colton Smith, Payette, Idaho | Agricultural Ed., Leadership and Communications
- Faith Tiegs, Moscow, Idaho | Psychology and Communication
Make a gift
Donate to the UIRA scholarship endowment.
UIRA Idaho Treasure Award
Established in 1995, this award recognizes the achievements, contributions and leadership of living retired University of Idaho faculty, staff and/or their family members. We welcome nominations for individuals, who, in their retirement years, have served U of I and/or UIRA with distinction.
Please nominate an outstanding retiree you know using our online form. Send questions to uira@uidaho.edu.
Ready to get involved with UIRA?
Stay connected with UIRA. Share your preferred contact information to receive updates and event invitations, or email uira@uidaho.edu and we’ll be happy to connect.