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’s Events Calendar,  College of Liberal Arts Events and TU Today.

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

 

"In this vast and timely account of US migration policy, (Blitzer writes) in the colorful, muscular prose of a New Yorker staff writer ...

"(Immigration) is one of the pre-eminent political issues of our time, and Blitzer explores it in reportage of the expensive, often courageous, gumshoe kind. The hypocrisy he exposes is breathtaking ...  The overall picture that emerges is one of cynicism, with occasional good intentions crushed by political pressure.  The US is not alone in failing to resolve the dilemma of migration, which in our unequal world seems near intractable …   (The book) doesn’t offer easy solutions, but it is invaluable, as we try to plot a humane way through the mess, to have a clearer understanding of how we got here."  –  Charlie English, The Guardian, 5/23/2024

We hope you'll join us for a discussion of this important topic and book.

The TURFA Non-Fiction Book Group meets virtually on Zoom; the link will be sent to regular attendees the day before the meeting. We welcome new participants.

If you want to be part of the discussion and are not a member of the regular reading group, please email Jo‑Ann Pilardi () for the link.

 

 

Details to follow.

 

 

The event will feature a panel of experts that provisionally will include:

  • A member of the Maryland General Assembly
  • Members of the TURFA Prescription Benefits Task Force
  • Part D “navigators” from the State contractor
 

 

Details to follow.

 

 

Details to follow.

 

 

Details to follow.

 

 

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

  • June 26, 2024, from 3 – 4:30 PM: TURFA Film Club – Virtual discussion of the film “In the Mood for Love” (Hong Kong, 2000), directed by Wong Kar-wai.
  • June 24, 2024, 10 AM – 12 Noon: Annual Retired Faculty Brunch at the TU South Campus Pavilion.
  • June 13, 2024, from 2 – 3:30 PM: Non‐fiction Book Group Virtual Discussion – “Indigenous Continent: The Epic Contest for North America,” by Pekka Hämäläinen – Part 2.
  • May 16, 2024, from 4 – 6 PM: TURFA Thirsty Thursday Happy Hour at Mucho Gusto in the Shops at Kenilworth (where Trader Joe's is) on Kenilworth Drive, Towson, Maryland.
  • November 17, 2023, at 11 AM: TURFA Bicycle Club on the Torrey Brown Trail (aka NCR).

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.