Stories by This Author

After retirement, many people ask themselves: okay so...what’s next? Retirement provides a sense of freedom and opportunity, but also a sense of anxiety and unease. Switching from a full time career to a retirement life is a tremendous adjustment, as Roger Sheldon (2019-20 UMAC fellow) found when he left a rewarding career as a neonatal physician moving from Oklahoma to Minnesota. Roger was excited about his new life in Minnesota, but also he recognized that he needed to proactively recreate his daily life, to find the fulfillment that he got from his career.

Living with an uncertain future is daunting. In the midst of a global pandemic, each of us is forced to adapt and learn new skills to maintain a sense of connection and stability within our communities. For most of us, this transition requires adaptations to new technologies, such as Zoom, a video conferencing platform.

In her new career, Diane Hageman (UMAC ‘19) is having the time of her life. As the Director of Fund Development at the YMCA of St. Cloud, Diane supports scholarships and programs through fundraising and events. After 35 years in communications and marketing, Diane was ready for a change. She was looking for a new career that builds on her background while engaging in her community. The YMCA role is a perfect fit for her. As Diane describes it, “I have told many of the donors I am meeting that no one should have this much fun at a new job!”