Membership

What is the OU Retirees Association and why should I join?
In 1991, the OURA was established by the OU Regents “for the benefit of the University and for the retired faculty and staff comprising its membership. Activities shall include, but not be limited to, assistance in fulfilling University goals and objectives, assistance in fund raising and student recruiting activities, providing informational and social opportunities for retirees, participating in appropriate University organizations, and such other services as may be requested by the University or the Association membership. It shall not function as a lobbying organization within or without the University for the sole benefit of its members.”

So if I become a member, what is required of me? How much does it cost?

Annual dues are $10, very affordable.
The OURA typically has four general meetings each year--on the second Thursday of March, June, September, and December--and strives to provide interesting and entertaining programs for its members at every gathering. You may attend one, all, or none of the events. This is a good way to meet new friends, reconnect with former colleagues, and have a little fun. A newsletter is published quarterly, prior to each meeting. Download a sample OURA newsletter (PDF).

To join the OURA or to renew your membership, click the following link, fill out the OURA membership/renewal form, and mail the completed form to the OURA Treasurer along with your dues payment. Download a Membership/Renewal form (PDF).

Alternatively, membership/renewal payments may be made online by credit/debit card at the following link: https://giving.oufoundation.org/OnlineGivingWeb/Giving/OnlineGiving/OURetiree

Benefits Updates:  [August 2024]

In early August, Don reported the following: "Medical costs continue to rise above budget projections, still driven mainly by large claims over $100,000, which constitute 23.1% of all claims costs. A dependent audit was recently concluded, with 93% of the current and retired employees who carry dependents on their coverage completing the audit.  Dependent coverage for those who did not complete the audit was terminated on August 1st.  This verification procedure will continue in the future as part of the annual benefits orientation.  The Request for Proposals (RFP) process is winding down, following presentations for Dental, Vision, Life, and Disability insurance. Presentations for the Navigation (employee assistance) programs will take place this August.  All RFPs will be presented to OU's Board of Regents at their next meeting.."

As further information comes available about these and other possible changes/adjustments/updates in benefits matters affecting retirees, OURA members will be notified directly via email (to members whose current e-addresses are on file with us), on page 2 of the next Banner issue, and on this Membership page of the OURA website.

[10 November 2024]

OUHR's Director of Benefits & Retirement, Lee Camargo-Quinn, provides the following update for OU retirees:

For Medicare retirees on the Humana Group Medicare Advantage PPO plan, some of you may be aware of a potential network change with Integris starting in 2025. As of today we want to share that Humana and Integris are currently in contract negotiations. This is not yet finalized, and Integrisremains in-network with Humana through 31 December 2024. You may have received a letter from Humana if you are utilizing Integris providers and facilities. Humana is required to inform you of network changes by Medicare, even if negotiations are continuing. If Humana and Integris are not able to come to terms for 2025, Humana will ask Integris if they will see Humana Group Medicare PPO members as an out-of-network provider who is accepting Medicare, and if they will bill to Humana. Remember that with the OU plan through Humana you have a customized PPO plan which gives you the same benefit levels for both in- and out-of-network care. As mentioned, there is not a final decision as yet, and Humana is keeping OU Human Resources updated about its contract negotiations. If you have questions or need assistance, contact Humana Customer Care at the phone number listed on the back of your ID card (1-866-396-8810).

For answers to questions regarding OU retirees'  health-insurance plans, for fee tables, and for the current Medicare Advantage plan's prescription-drug formulary, visit https://benefitsenrollment.ou.edu/Retirees or call OUHR at either 405-325-1826 (Norman campus) or 405-271-2180 (OKC and Tulsa campuses).

IN MEMORIAM

Edwin Earl Tucker.  9 October 2023, Palm Harbor FL, age 80.  Retired Professor of Chemistry in OU's College of Arts & Sciences.

Donald C. Graves.  19 October 2023, Oklahoma City, age 81.  Retired Professor of Microbiology at the OU Health Sciences Center.

Kelly Nix.  1 November 2023, Norman, age 62.  Retired Information Technology specialist with the OU Health Sciences Center.

David Reid Morgan.  13 November 2023, Norman, age 90.  Professor Emeritus of Political Science in OU's College of Arts & Sciences, and two-term former president of the OU Retirees Association (2006-7,  2013-14).

Sandra Dianne McPherson.  11 December 2023, Norman, age 69.  Former executive secretary with OU's Severe Storms Laboratory and Radar Operations Center.

Carmen Starr Eppler.  16 December 2023, Norman, age 74.  Retired scheduling officer at OU's Sam Noble Museum of Natural History.

Eric Leonard Dlugokinski.  20 December 2023, Oklahoma City, age 80.  Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry at OU's Health Science Center.

Doris Ilene Whinery.  13 January 2024, Norman, age 92.  Retired program coordinator with OU's Oklahoma Center for Continuing Education.

Victor Jackson.  21 January 2024, Norman, age 88.  Retired Director of Leadership Training for the Oklahoma Southwest Human Relations Center at OU.

Robert W. Broyles.  1 February 2024, Norman, age 83.  Professor Emeritus of Health Administration at OU's Health Sciences Center.

Thomas Wesley Boyd.  13 February 2024, Norman, age 90.  David Ross Boyd Professor Emeritus of Philosophy and Religious Studies at OU.

Paul E. Wilson.  18 February 2024, Norman, age 77.  Retired Director of Intramural Sports at OU and adjunct instructor in the Department of Health & Exercise Science.

Kenneth Lee Hoving.  22 February 2024, Norman, age 89.  Retired OU Graduate College Dean, Vice President for Research Administration at all OU campuses, and Chair and Professor of Psychology at OU's Norman campus.

Gail R. Hall.  8 March 2024, Norman, age 76.  Retired Professor of Saxophone in OU's School of Music.

Carol Ludvigson.  18 April 2024, Norman, age 63.  Retired Deputy Athletic Director and former coach of OU Women's Golf.

Joanne Berg Hendrick.  26 April 2024, Arvada CO, age 95.  Retired Director of OU's Institute for Child Development and Associate Professor in OU's College of Education.

Beverly Ann Alspaugh Joyce.  28 April 2024, Norman, age 87.  Retired Reference Librarian with OU Libraries and former OURA President.

Roberta Lynne Pailes.  1 May 2024, Norman, age 80.  Retired Education Programs manager with OU's Museum of Natural History.

Jerlene Ann Bright.  7 May 2024, Norman, age 81.  Retired Director of OU's Petroleum Information Services.

Colleen Waggoner.  Washington OK, 29 May 2024, age 87.  Retired Administrative Secretary with the University of Oklahoma Press.

Stanley Jay Abel.  28 June 2024, Norman, age 87.  Retired longtime coach of OU's wrestling team and former All-American wrestler at OU.

Angela (Anne) C. Million.  4 July 2024, Norman, age 94.  Professor Emerita of Bibliography with OU's School of Library Studies..

Beverly Suzanne Essary.  18 July 2024, Norman, age 86.  Retired Assistant Training Manager with OU's Department of Training & Management.

Harold Conner.  26 July 2024, Oklahoma City, age 93.  Retired Director of the Construction Science Program in OU's College of Architecture.

Robert Charles Connor.  13 August 2024, Norman, age 86.  Retired OU Swimming Coach and Assistant Athletic Director.

Stanley Eliason.  22 August 2024, Norman, age 84.  Retired Professor of Mathematics and former Director of OU's Department of Mathematics.

Stewart R. Ryan.  7 September 2024, Norman, age 82.  Retired award-winning Professor of Physics at OU, a.k.a. "Dr. Indestructo" who presented more than 500 science shows throughout the state during his long career.

John Kent Graham.  14 September 2024, Moore OK, age 77.  Retired Adjunct Instructor in OU's Gaylord College of Journalism & Mass Communication.

Margaret Carol Schmidt.  24 September 2024, Norman, age 63.  Retired administrator in OU's Department of Human Relations.

John Randolph (J.R.) Morris.  29 September 2024, Norman, age 94.  Retired Senior Vice President of OU and recipient of the University's highest honor, the Distinguished Service Citation

Edmund Needham (Ed) Hilliard.  23 October 2024, Norman, age 79.  Retired Director of OU's Division of Landscape Architecture.

Robert Franklin (Rob) Petry.  27 October 2024, Norman, age 88.  Retired Professor of Physics and former Dean of OU's College of Arts & Sciences.