Four Years On: The Russia-Ukraine War

Special Event

Four Years On: The Russia-Ukraine War

Friday, February 13, 2026
Friday, February 13, 2026

As we approach four years since the start of Russia’s war on Ukraine, join us for a timely and illuminating conversation that examines both the human and economic stakes of the conflict. This talk will explore the resilience of Ukraine’s economy amid the immense costs of war, consider plans for postwar recovery, and probe the strategic thinking behind Vladimir Putin’s decision to invade — including how his mind-set has evolved over the course of the conflict. 

About the Speakers

George Breslauer is a Berkeley Professor Emeritus of Political Science, and the author or editor of fourteen books on Soviet, Russian and Communist politics and foreign relations.

Yuriy Gorodnichenko, a native of Ukraine, is the Quantedge Presidential professor in Berkeley's Department of Economics. He received his B.A. and MA at EERC/Kyiv-Mohyla Academy (Kyiv, Ukraine) and his Ph.D. at the University of Michigan. He is the leader of CEPR's Ukraine Initiative.

Details

  • Open to all:
    • $0 for OLLI members and faculty
    • $10 for public
  • The event will be livestreamed and recorded
  • The Zoom link will be included in the registration confirmation email, and in a reminder email the morning of the event
  • The video will be shared with registrants as soon as it's captioned — typically within a week.

Not an OLLI @Berkeley member? Now is the time to join. Members receive exclusive access to 100+ courses per year, speaker events, town halls, field trips, socials and more. Fee assistance is available.

[OLLI members and faculty, be sure to log into your OLLI account before registering]

Four Years On: The Russia-Ukraine War

[Field Trip] Behind-the-Scenes Tour: Cal Memorial Stadium

Special Event

[Field Trip] Behind-the-Scenes Tour: Cal Memorial Stadium

Friday, February 27, 2026
Friday, February 27, 2026

Step inside a century of Cal history with a guided tour of California Memorial Stadium. Opened just in time for the legendary 1923 Big Game, the stadium roared to life before 73,000 fans as Cal shut out Stanford, 9–0. Built as a living memorial, it honors students, alumni, and Californians who lost their lives in World War I. From storied rivalries to solemn remembrance, discover the powerful history, architecture and moments that make this stadium more than a field of play. Join us for a free behind-the-scenes tour and experience the place and history for yourself. 

🏟️ Details

  • Tour takes place Friday, Feb. 27, at 12 PM and will last about one hour
  • Please arrive by 11:45 AM
  • The stadium is located at 2227 Piedmont Ave (cross street Bancroft; next to the International House)
  • Meeting Place: In front of the "Sturdy the Bear" Statue 🐻
  • Parking: Paid parking is available at the Stadium Parking Garage, immediately adjacent to the stadium on Piedmont Ave.
  • You're welcome to join OLLI staff and other members for a bite to eat afterward (place TBD)
  • Organized by OLLI's Member Engagement Committee. 👏

[For members only]

[Field Trip] Behind-the-Scenes Tour: Cal Memorial Stadium

Start-of-Winter-Term Happy Hour: All are Welcome!

Special Event

Start-of-Winter-Term Happy Hour: All are Welcome!

Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Winter term is off and running! Let's raise a glass in celebration at a Happy Hour mixer organized by OLLI's Member Engagement Committee on Wed., Jan. 21, 3:30–5:30 PM, at Zino (2086 Allston Way, Berkeley) in the Hotel Shattuck. Come solo or bring a friend. New members and longtime members who've never attended a Happy Hour are encouraged to attend. The welcome will be warm! This is a no-host (but yes-fun) gathering. No need to RSVP. Hope to see you there.

Start-of-Winter-Term Happy Hour: All are Welcome!

[Vital Aging] Acting on New Year's Resolutions...Or Not, with Barry Schwartz

Special Event

[Vital Aging] Acting on New Year's Resolutions...Or Not, with Barry Schwartz

Thursday, January 15, 2026
Thursday, January 15, 2026

Each New Year invites us to commit to change — yet the sheer number of options and expectations we face can leave us stalled, second-guessing ourselves, or abandoning resolutions altogether. Join us for this month's Vital Aging gathering as professor Barry Schwartz explores why decision-making so often breaks down at moments of intended change, how too many choices can undermine motivation and follow-through, and what we can do to make clearer, more purposeful decisions that lead to meaningful action.

About the Speaker

Barry Schwartz is the Dorwin Cartwright Emeritus Professor of Social Theory and Social Action at Swarthmore College where he taught for 40 years, and a visiting professor at Berkeley Haas. His work focuses on the intersection of psychology and economics. A popular lecturer, his TED Talks have been viewed by more than 25 million people.

Details

  • This event is for members only
  • It will be livestreamed and recorded
  • Free for OLLI members; $15 for Best of OLLI subscribers
[Vital Aging] Acting on New Year's Resolutions...Or Not, with Barry Schwartz

[Community Service] Alameda County Community Food Bank Volunteering

Special Event

[Community Service] Alameda County Community Food Bank Volunteering

Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Wednesday, January 14, 2026

**FULL** — Thank you for your interest! We plan to organize more community service initiatives in the future. Stay tuned. 

One in four Alameda County residents is experiencing — or at risk of — hunger. It’s a sobering reality, but one we can help address together. Please join fellow OLLI members on Wednesday, Jan. 14, from 12:30–3 PM, as we roll up our sleeves as a group to sort and pack fresh produce at the Alameda County Community Food Bank’s Oakland warehouse — no heavy lifting or special skills required. It’s a simple, hands-on way to support neighbors in need and show up for our community.

Details

[Community Service] Alameda County Community Food Bank Volunteering
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