Events

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

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

Event Information 

TURFA 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 TURFA members and non-members interested in attending additional events on campus are encouraged to explore Calendars & Events,  Department of Music鈥檚 Events Calendar,  College of Liberal Arts Events and .

TURFA has a special relationship with the Osher Institute for Lifelong Learning at Towson. Osher offers discounted membership and tuition fees for TURFA 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 TURFA President to share your suggestion.

Upcoming Events

Invitations will be sent by the Human Resources Department around the first week of May to the towson.edu email addresses of retired faculty and staff.  Because of limited space, responses from the retired faculty and staff to attend the luncheon will be honored on a first-come basis.

Please check your towson.edu email routinely during the next few weeks to be on the lookout for the invitation. If your Towson email address is not active, consider reactivating it. The Office of Technical Support (OTS) at 410 704-5151 can assist you.

Directions:  Use the south entrance closest to Stevenson Lane. Drive up the hill until you see Auburn House on your right. If you are unfamiliar with the area, consult the campus map at this link:
/maps/?id=PA

鈥淔rom tales of dazzling plumage to anecdotes about almost unfathomable mimicry, Jennifer Ackerman鈥檚 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鈥檚 imagination, making sometimes-hard-to-grasp research accessible.鈥� 鈥� Science Magazine

Join us for a discussion via zoom of AI as seen through this important memoir.  

ZOOM LINK:  

If you have any questions or problems, contact book group coordinator Jo-Ann Pilardi, .

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 12, 2025, from 2 鈥� 3:30 PM: Non鈥恌iction Book Group Virtual Discussion 鈥� 鈥淪uper-Infinite:  The Transformations of John Donne鈥� by Katherine Rundell.  (Rundell is the author of award-winning children鈥檚 books, a Renaissance scholar, and a fellow of All Souls College, Oxford.)
  • May 30, 2025, from 3 鈥� 4:30 PM: TURFA Film Club 鈥� Virtual discussion of the film 鈥淲alkabout鈥� (Australia, 1971), directed by Nicholas Roeg.
  • May 29, 2025, from 4 鈥� 6 PM: TURFA Thirsty Thursday Happy Hour at Racer's Cafe, Harford Road and Taylor Avenue.
  • March 26, 7 p.m.: An Abundance of Resources, Ours to Explore!  A ZOOM Presentation for TURFA Members.
  • November 2, 2024, from 12 noon 鈥� 4 PM: Computer Workshop for Medicare Part D Prescription Plans at the Liberal Arts Building in Room 2329 on the Towson University Campus.
  • October 10, 2024, from 2 鈥� 4 PM: TURFA Fall Forum: Making the Transition to Medicare Part D Prescription Plans for Maryland State Retirees, at the Towson University South Pavilion.

Groups

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

TURFA 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 .

TURFA Film Group

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

TURFA 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. TURFA will support your efforts and get the word out to members.

 

to request a copy of the links mentioned in the presentation.

Watch the Presentation