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鈥檚 Events Calendar,  College of Liberal Arts Events and .

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

All TU retirees are invited to attend the TURA Fall Forum on October 30th from 2 to 4 p.m. in the South Campus Pavilion.  

The guest speaker is Alison McCartney, Dean of TU鈥檚 Honors College. The topic is 鈥淐ivic Engagement in Retirement and at Towson.鈥�

Please join us on Thursday, November 13 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. for a virtual discussion of the Introduction through Chapter 5 of the book The Golden Road: How Ancient India Transformed the World, by William Dalrymple (Pub. 2025, 432 pages)

"A dazzling account of the trade that enriched the subcontinent and allowed Romans to enjoy fabulous clothes, ivory, emeralds 鈥� and a dash of pepper." (The Guardian)

 "It is not often that a book on ancient India is aimed at a popular readership ... Dalrymple has presented a beautifully written book, replete with colorful individuals, fascinating anecdotes, little-known facts, and dramatic events."  (Times Literary Supplement)

ZOOM LINK:  

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

Please join us on Thursday, December 11 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. for a virtual discussion of Chaoters 6 through 10 of the book The Golden Road: How Ancient India Transformed the World, by William Dalrymple (Pub. 2025, 432 pages)

"A dazzling account of the trade that enriched the subcontinent and allowed Romans to enjoy fabulous clothes, ivory, emeralds 鈥� and a dash of pepper." (The Guardian)

 "It is not often that a book on ancient India is aimed at a popular readership ... Dalrymple has presented a beautifully written book, replete with colorful individuals, fascinating anecdotes, little-known facts, and dramatic events."  (Times Literary Supplement)

ZOOM LINK:  

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

Please join us on Thursday, December 11 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. for a virtual discussion of the book Class Clown: Memoirs of a Professional Wiseass, by Dave Barry.  (Pub. 2025, 256 pages)

Details to follow.

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

  • October 22 from 3 to 4:30 PM: TURA Film Club 鈥� Virtual Discussionfor discussion of the documentary Faces Places (France, 2017), co-directed by Agnes Varda and the photographer JR
  • October 16 from 4 to 6 PM: TURA Thirsty Thursday Happy Hour at Racer's Cafe, Harford Road and Taylor Avenue.
  • October 9 from 2 to 3:30 PM: Non鈥恌iction Book Group Virtual Discussion 鈥� The Woman Behind the New Deal: The Life and Legacy of Frances Perkins:  Social Security, Unemployment Insurance, and the Minimum Wage, by Kirstin Downey.
  • June 25, 2025, from 11:30 AM to 1 PM: Office of the Presidents鈥� Luncheon to Celebrate All Retired Faculty and Staff at the TU South Campus Pavilion.

TURA Flicker Event Photos

  • Check out photos from previous events on the .

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.