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Luncheon/Lecture
April 29, 2026
Twenty-five members gathered for the MURA Luncheon at the beautiful Tadja Hall on the Macdonald Campus. Attendees enjoyed a delicious meal followed by an engaging and highly informative presentation by Maureen Rose, B.Sc., M.Ed., Ph.D., titled听鈥淟ess Calories but More Nutrients: The Nutrition Dilemma as We Age.鈥�听The event also provided a welcome opportunity for many Macdonald retirees to reconnect and catch up with former colleagues. (Photos)
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Virtual presentation by Sam Watts, Welcome Hall Mission CEO
January 21, 2026
MURA hosted a virtual insightful presentation by Sam Watts on the Welcome Hall Mission () that was attended by 26 people. We gained valuable insights into the vital mission of WHM and a deeper understanding of the challenges WHM organization faces in addressing homelessness in Montreal.
WHM is doing a remarkable job trying to combat homelessness, mental health issues, and hunger in our city. It鈥檚 clear why its expertise is in high demand in other communities.
Its program has set the example and standard to a more supportive and inclusive plan for mental health and homelessness issues.
WHM Also has been the rock for many people in our community with its food support and back to school programs and the wonderful Christmas event. WHM Is also closely connected to 91丝瓜视频 through the faculties of Medicine and Dentistry. It has inspired our MURA Cares project to participate as volunteers and this team is growing.
We wish Sam and WHM all the best as you continue to advocate for WHM's mission among our local and provincial leaders. Congratulations to Sam on his book, Good Work Done Better!
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MURA鈥檚 Annual Holiday Luncheon
November 26,2025
MURA's Holiday Season Luncheon was a great success, as nearly 60 members gathered at in Pointe-Claire, where we had the superbly decorated restaurant to ourselves.
Rosemary Cooke, president of MURA, and Linda Montreuil, MURA鈥檚 Vice-President Internal, greeted members on arrival and handed out tickets for the draw that would take place at the end of the luncheon. Once seated, members enjoyed amazingly courteous and efficient service from the staff. Successive plates of delicious food including taramasalata, tzatziki, calamari, breaded eggplant, and delicious mixed meat plates were served, followed by a succulent Greek dessert and coffee.
Our Master of Ceremony, Rosemary, assisted by Linda, then conducted the draw for many gifts, which included a surprise $100 certificate from Philinos. In short, it was a magnificent opportunity for MURA members to get together, enjoy a succulent meal, and exchange Happy Holiday Greetings! (Photos)
MURA Fall Walking Tour 鈥� Little Italy
October 17, 2025
Eighteen members participated in a guided tour of Montreal's Little Italy that is located around the Jean-Talon market. Justin Bur provided very detailed information about how this was the institutional and commercial centre for the city's large community of Italian origin for most of the 20th century. Although Italian Montrealers now live in many parts of the city and suburbs 鈥� rarely these days in Little Italy 鈥� the neighborhood has retained its identity thanks to shops, caf茅s and restaurants, and the striking Madonna della Difesa church. There are also reminders of other groups, in this area that was an early example of the city's mix of cultures. Lunch afterwards was at the Pizza Napoletana. (Photos)
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MURA Fall day at the Macdonald Campus Arboretum
Wednesday, October 15, 2025, 10:30 鈥� noon
On a sunny and crisp autumn morning, twenty-two MURA members enjoyed a leisurely walk through the scenic Macdonald Campus Arboretum. Joined by colleagues, family, and friends, participants took in the fresh air and vibrant fall foliage in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Following the walk, the group gathered for a delightful lunch at the , where good food and great company rounded out a perfect fall outing. (Photos)
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Winery Tour
Friday, October 3, 2025
Fifteen members enjoyed a delightful visit to Domaine du Ridge, a charming听winery nestled in the Eastern Townships in St-Armand, with a group of retirees from the Universit茅 de Montr茅al (Apr猫s L鈥橴M). On this beautiful fall day, the group participated in a wine tasting, toured the winery to learn fascinating insights about Quebec鈥檚 wine industry, shared a light lunch, and strolled the picturesque grounds while connecting with colleagues and making new acquaintances. (Photos)
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2025 New Member Reception
September 17, 2025
This year鈥檚 New Member Reception was co-hosted by MURA and MAUT-RAC in the Billiard Room of the 91丝瓜视频 Faculty Club. Attendees learned about activities and events from Rosemary Cooke (MURA President) and Frank Ferrie (MAUT-RAC President), and had a very enjoyable time catching up with colleagues and making new acquaintances as evidenced in the photos!
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MURA 10th Annual General Meeting
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
91丝瓜视频 Faculty Club
About 60 members attended the MURA Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, held in the Billiard Room of the 91丝瓜视频 Faculty Club. Attendees voted on key issues, agreed to raise the annual membership fee from $25 to $30, approved the budget for the upcoming year, welcomed the incoming Board, were introduced to the new MURA Volunteer Group, and received an update on the success of the national conference of the College and University Retiree Associations of Canada (CURAC), which MURA proudly hosted from May 21鈥�23. The title of the conference was The Well-Being of the Person, the Community, and the Planet.
At the conference, Henry Leighton and Debbie Mercier were honoured with CURAC Tribute Awards, which recognize the exceptional contributions of retirees to their associations. They were nominated by the MURA Awards Committee (Ginette Lamontagne, Chair, Mercedes Delacroix, Roy Lyster, and Christine Mutter). Roy Lyster read the citation he wrote for Henry, while Mercedes Delacroix presented the one she prepared for Debbie.
Ginette Lamontagne also introduced the 2025鈥�2026 Board of Directors. She announced that, due to illness, our President, Ante L. Padjen, has chosen to step down. Ginette praised his leadership and accomplishments since taking office in 2021 and expressed sincere thanks for his service. Rosemary Cooke has agreed to assume the role of President and was acclaimed at the meeting. Subsequently, Linda Montreuil accepted the nomination to replace Rosemary, and with no other candidates presented, she too was acclaimed. Our Treasurer, Bob Stanley was acclaimed for a fourth 3-year term.
Mercedes Delacroix shared updates on MURA Cares, our new volunteer initiative. She highlighted how this program offers a meaningful way to give back to the community. Members have already enjoyed volunteering at the Welcome Hall Mission, helping with food preparation and distribution, and socializing afterwards at a nearby caf茅. Some members have donated their time to Entraide B茅n茅vole Montr茅al (EBM), a dedicated non-profit organization that serves seniors aged 60 and over in downtown Montr茅al and parts of Westmount, offering essential support for individuals facing temporary or permanent loss of autonomy. As the initiative grows, additional local agencies will be added to the list of volunteer opportunities. If you're interested in joining MURA Cares, please send an email to muravolunteer [at] gmail.com.
Following the meeting, members had the chance to reconnect with colleagues and forge new friendships in a warm and engaging atmosphere.
The highlight of the evening was the celebration of MURA鈥檚 10th anniversary! A group photo of past and present Board members was taken, and incoming Vice-President, Internal, Linda Montreuil, offered a toast to the association鈥檚 growth and achievements. A beautiful anniversary cake, featuring the Martlet logo and created by Rosemary Cooke, was then served to mark the special occasion. (Photos)
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MURA Spring 2025 Walks
June 3 and 6, 2025
鈥嬧�婱embers visited the Quartier Latin at the eastern edge of downtown next to the Village. They learned it was built as an upscale francophone residential district along Saint-Denis Street and its name is a reference to the Quartier Latin in Paris due to the presence of the city鈥檚 French-language university (named Universit茅 de Montr茅al in 1919) from 1895 until the 1940s. Today the Quartier Latin forms the eastern end of the Quartier des Spectacles and is known for its bars, restaurants and caf茅s, as well as for arts and culture: notably the Grande Biblioth猫que, the ,the Th茅芒tre Saint-Denis and UQAM.
June 17 and 20, 2025
Members enjoyed a stroll around Saint-Louis Square. This legendary green space near Sherbrooke metro station began inauspiciously, as the reservoir for an early (and faulty) waterworks system. After the Great Fire of 1852, a completely new water distribution system was implemented, and the old reservoir was later transformed into a public square. Elegant row houses lined its sides during the 1880s, many of them built by brothers Emmanuel and Jean-Baptiste Saint-Louis (no relation to the name of the square). As the francophone bourgeoisie migrated here from Viger Square and the Quartier Latin, one of Viger Square鈥檚 grand cast-iron fountains became the centrepiece of Saint-Louis Square in 1931. The square also hosts monuments to the poets Octave Cr茅mazie (1906) and 脡mile Nelligan (2005).
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College and University Retiree Associations of Canada National Conference
May 21-23, 2025
As part of its 10th Anniversary celebrations, MURA was proud to host the first hybrid national conference of the College and University Retiree Associations of Canada (), from May 21 to 23, 2025.
The event welcomed over 100 in-person attendees and 20 virtual participants, with simultaneous translation provided for presentations. Attendees enjoyed reconnecting with colleagues, forging new connections, exchanging insights about their associations, and engaging in thoughtful presentations and discussions led by local academics.
The conference, centered around the theme听The Well-Being of the Person, the Community, and the Planet, inspired meaningful dialogue and reflections.
Use this link for complete conference information and photos.
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Tours of the Schulich Library of Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, and Engineering (in person and virtual)
April 9 and 10, 2025 - in person | April 11, 2025, virtual
Attendees explored and learned about this 130-year-old building, that has recently undergone a complete restoration that thoughtfully integrates historic charm with the latest technology, making it a true gem on our campus. Liaison Librarian, April Colosimo, introduced them to her home library, with restored facilities and stimulating study spaces, they discovered why the Schulich Library is a central hub for scientific learning and research in the University!
MURA Snowday
Tuesday, February 11, 2025, 10:30 a.m.Morgan Arboretum
On a perfect winter's day, with fresh snow, -5C temperature and intermittent clouds, thirteen members enjoyed a 3rd annual Snowday at the Morgan Arboretum. Four people snowshoed and the rest walked. Many enjoyed a delicious three-course lunch at Tadja Hall that had a beautiful view of the river from the dining room. Photos
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