America in the Middle East

Prof. William Reno joined us via webinar to explore the consequences of the U.S. shift from a Cold War era strategy in the Middle East, one that was based upon regional balancing and did not involve long-term stationing of US troops.

View Full Webinar Here

How the Chinese Helped Build the Railroad that Helped Build America

Edward Jung and Mark Chiang, Ph.D. from the Chinese American Museum of Chicago joined us to give a fascinating presentation on the experience of the immigrant Chinese workers in the late 1800s and their importance in building America’s first transcontinental railroad.

Fall Welcome Back

Members gathered for a reception and opening lecture in Evanston to celebrate the start of another great year at OLLI. We were joined by Chris Jones — author, acclaimed theater critic, and Sunday culture columnist of The Chicago Tribune.

OLLIs Go To Ravina

Third annual event! We gathered at Ravinia with the OLLIs from Bradley University and the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee for dinner, an illuminating lecture, and performance by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Coordinator Cruise

We took a final sail on the Mystic Blue to treat our amazing OLLI Study Group Coordinators to a two-hour, luncheon cruise on Lake Michigan in appreciation for all they do for OLLI. Next year will be a new adventure.

The Empty Throne

Ivo Daalder, former ambassador to NATO, joined us for a timely discussion on U.S. foreign policy and what many see as its greatest lurch since the decision to retreat back into Fortress American after World War I.

Black History Month Celebration

Third Annual Event. A Legacy of Rising and Thriving. Keynote address by Dr. Jabbar Bennett, Associate Provost and Chief Diversity Office at Northwestern University.

Building Equity in a Segregated City

A half-day community forum, co-hosted with Leadership Greater Chicago, that shed light on the endemic inequity in our city and far reaching impact and consequences.