Events

The Towson University Retiree Association (TURA) offers many events throughout the year for the enjoyment, engagement and continued edification of members. 

dan rodricks speaking
Dan Rodricks speaking at a TURA Fall Forum event.

Event Information 

TURA events are wide ranging and include such things as: timely talks on current affairs, social get-togethers, informative talks by invited speakers and by members on their areas of expertise, virtual and live tours of both on-campus and off-campus facilities, conversations with university administrators and project directors, film discussions, non-fiction book group discussions, bicycle rides and many other types of events.

Events are open to all members and typically are held all year long. Upcoming events are posted below. Event announcements and details are also sent to members via email. Frequently, members are invited to bring guests.

Both TURA members and non-members interested in attending additional events on campus are encouraged to explore Calendars & Events,  Department of Music’s Events Calendar,  College of Liberal Arts Events and TU Today.

TURA has a special relationship with the Osher Institute for Lifelong Learning at Towson. Osher offers discounted membership and tuition fees for TURA members giving discounted access to classes, lectures, trips and special events.

Members are encouraged to make suggestions for events or to create interest groups. Have an idea for an event?  Email the TURA President to share your suggestion.

Upcoming Events

The Bird Way: A New Look at How Birds Talk, Work, Play, Parent, and Think by Jennifer Ackerman.  (Pub. 2020, 368 pages)

“From tales of dazzling plumage to anecdotes about almost unfathomable mimicry, Jennifer Ackerman’s The Bird Way is a walk through the mysteries, wonders, and peculiarities of the avian world ... The author's excitement and love for it are evident in her writing. Her superb storytelling paints a rich picture that engages the reader’s imagination, making sometimes-hard-to-grasp research accessible.” — Science Magazine

Additional Events Being Planned

  • Thirsty Thursdays
  • Discussion on topics of interest to members
  • Bicycle rides
  • Film group discussions
  • Non-fiction book group discussions

Recent Past Events

  • June 25, 2025, from 11:30 AM – 1 PM: Office of the Presidents’ Luncheon to Celebrate All Retired Faculty and Staff at the TU South Campus Pavilion.
  • June 12, 2025, from 2 – 3:30 PM: Non‐fiction Book Group Virtual Discussion – “Super-Infinite:  The Transformations of John Donne” by Katherine Rundell.  (Rundell is the author of award-winning children’s books, a Renaissance scholar, and a fellow of All Souls College, Oxford.)
  • May 30, 2025, from 3 – 4:30 PM: TURA Film Club – Virtual discussion of the film “Walkabout” (Australia, 1971), directed by Nicholas Roeg.
  • May 29, 2025, from 4 – 6 PM: TURA Thirsty Thursday Happy Hour at Racer's Cafe, Harford Road and Taylor Avenue.
  • October 10, 2024, from 2 – 4 PM: TURA Fall Forum: Making the Transition to Medicare Part D Prescription Plans for Maryland State Retirees, at the Towson University South Pavilion.

TURA Flicker Event Photos

Groups

As the listing below shows, there are several active special interest groups.

TURA Non-Fiction Reading Group

This group meets regularly each month. If you are interested in participating please contact the group facilitator, Jo-Ann Pilardi at .

TURA Film Group

The film group has been meeting regularly. If you are interested in joining, please contact Peter Lev at .

TURA Bicycling Group

The bicycling group plans short rides depending on the weather. If you want to get involved, contact Jim Paulsen at .

There are plenty of opportunities to take the lead and initiate a new group. Local theater, hikes, crafts, genealogy, etc., await a member with an interest to take the lead. TURA will support your efforts and get the word out to members.