Contrary to popular belief, academic life and connection to the university does not need to end upon retirement. In fact, Case Western Reserve University emeriti faculty are living purpose-driven lives and engaging regularly with the university through a variety of events and opportunities.
Through the university’s Office of Emeriti Affairs—led by Kelly Rindfleisch Marcus—and Emeriti Academy, former faculty members are remaining heavily involved with the university through events and programs designed to bring emeriti faculty together as a community. These activities have skyrocketed during COVID-19 thanks to technological innovations such as Zoom.
“Before the pandemic and the introduction of meeting through Zoom, we only held two in-person meetings of the full membership each year,” said Rindfleisch Marcus. “Now we’re meeting two, sometimes three, times a week. Engagement has been tenfold, at least!”