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

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 Musics 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 James Roberts to share your suggestion.
Upcoming Events
Thursday, May 8, 2025, from 2 3:30 PM: Nonfiction Book Group Virtual Discussion The Worlds I See: Curiosity, Exploration, and Discovery at the Dawn of AI by Dr. Fei-Fei Li, AI innovator, called "The Godmother of AI."
Dr. Li weaves together her personal narrative and the history and development of AI.
Throughout her career, Li has advocated for "human-centered AI: creating technology inspired by human intelligence and biology, using AI to enhance human capabilities rather than replace them, and always considering the potential impact on humans when developing new technology.
"One of the main themes of Lis book is how we might maximize the benefits of AI while minimizing its potential harms. Li argues that a subject that was once the insular domain of expert scientists should now concern everyone. (Financial Times)
"Dr. Li recalls her Stanford University labs race against Google to create software capable of describing images and, during her tenure as chief scientist of AI at Google Cloud while on sabbatical from Stanford, navigating the controversy that roiled the company after it accepted a Department of Defense contract for developing AIpowered facial recognition technology. Her insider perspective sheds light on how Silicon Valley is handling the ethical questions posed by AI. (Publishers Weekly)
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, jpilardi AT_TOWSON.
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
- April 23, 2025, from 3 4:30 PM: TURFA Film Club Virtual discussion of the film Rustin (USA, 2023), directed by George C. Wolfe.
- April 17, 2025, from 4 6 PM: TURFA Thirsty Thursday Happy Hour at Racer's Cafe, Harford Road and Taylor Avenue.
- April 10, 2025, from 2 3:30 PM: Nonfiction Book Group Virtual Discussion I Heard There Was A Secret Chord: Music as Medicine by Daniel Levitin. (Pub. 2024)
- March 26, 7 p.m.: An Abundance of Resources, Ours to Explore! A ZOOM Presentation for TURFA Members.
- March 14, 2025, 3 p.m.: Special TURFA Tour of the New Health Science Building.
- November 2, 2024, from 12 noon 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 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 jpilardi AT_TOWSON.
TURFA Film Group
The film group has been meeting regularly. If you are interested in joining, please contact Peter Lev at plev AT_TOWSON.
TURFA Bicycling Group
The bicycling group plans short rides depending on the weather. If you want to get involved, contact Jim Paulsen at jpaulsen AT_TOWSON.
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.