Free RAQ Membership Coming Soon!!
The Retirees’ Association of Queen’s (RAQ) is thrilled to announce that free membership will be available to all retired faculty and staff of Queen’s, beginning May 1, 2020. With the University’s strong support, we will be rolling out the details of this program early in the spring of 2020.
Currently about 400 retired Queen’s faculty and staff stay connected to Queen’s through their membership in RAQ. With RAQ’s new free membership program (called “universal membership”), we anticipate that we will broaden our reach to many many more retirees in the Kingston area and beyond. If you are retired from Queen’s or planning to retire this year, you will be eligible to be enrolled as a member of RAQ with no annual membership fee.
The benefits of being part of RAQ are substantial. RAQ has been re-energized in the past couple of years and is now strongly focused on bringing value and fun to members and connecting them more closely with each other and the life of the University!
We offer an ever-growing array of programs, learning opportunities and deals and discounts, many exclusive to our members. RAQ Travel, a new travel opportunity for members, was launched in October with our first odyssey to Greece and its islands planned for next spring. We also have a great lineup in place this year for the Lunchtime Guest Speakers Series and Monday Morning Forums. Additionally, RAQ members receive complimentary new Queen’s retiree cards giving them access to discounts on VIA Rail and other hospitality services in the Kingston area.
Universal membership in RAQ is a simple and effective way of ensuring that all retirees continue their connection to Queen’s long after they have stepped down as active employees. It ensures as well that Queen’s retirees can take advantage of programs, services and events designed exclusively for them, and stay current with issues and activities on campus. Just two weeks ago for example, RAQ was privileged to host new Principal, Patrick Deane, who had an open dialogue with us about his vision and aspirations for the future of Queen’s.
If you have not been a member of RAQ before, we encourage you to take advantage of our early bird special. Sign up now for free so that you can take advantage of all the programs and opportunities that RAQ has to offer! Either link to “Join Now” on our website or speak to the RAQ Administrator, Cheryl Descent, by telephone at (613) 533-6986 or by email at RAQ@queensu.ca
Please also feel free to email me directly at dlounsbury9@gmail.com if you have questions or comments about RAQ’s universal membership program.
Donna Lounsbury
RAQ Membership Chair