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Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI)
Satisfy your curiosity. Sharpen your mind. Share your passions. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Dominican University of California was designed for lifelong learners like you.
Welcome to OLLI
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) is a close-knit community of adults, ages 50+, who believe in lifelong learning, engagemen and exploration. Our not-for-credit courses and workshops include art history, film, history, politics and economics, literature and language, and science. There are no mandatory exams, assignment or grades. We invite you to continue your journey of lifelong learning through our courses, lectures, and clubs.
OLLI Courses in Spring 2023
Russia's War on Ukraine
Online, from 2 p.m. to 3:40 p.m.
Starts March 30
On February 24, 2022, Russian missiles struck multiple cities across the sovereign nation of Ukraine. As the tanks and artillery vehicles pounded civilian and military targets, buildings crumbled, Ukrainians died. The world watched in horror. A nation once lauded for defeating Nazi Germany, Russia is now an aggressor bringing murder and violence to people with whom it shared centuries of common past. How did it happen? Why does Putin’s regime refuse to call his war “war”? Who’s Putin fighting—Ukraine? NATO? The West? What do Russian people think of the carnage wrought in their name? And where does this all end for Russia, Ukraine, and the world?
Taught by an acclaimed writer, cultural critic, and social historian, the course combines larger historical and society trends with personal vignettes for perspective and accessibility. Sessions follow an entertaining multimedia format, where the latest political, economic, and cultural events are illustrated with movie clips, music, art, and literature. Participants will emerge with better understanding of the Russian-Ukrainian war landscape and cultural space, including the logic behind the actions of the Russian government and Russian society failure to stop the war; political and cultural roots of Russia’s military barbarism; reasons behind Ukraine’s resilience; and short and long-term impacts of the war.
OLLI at Dominican truly saved my sanity during the pandemic. I took nearly every class that was offered and fell in love with new topics along with my favorites. The instructors are excellent, and the classes brought helpful structure and JOY to my days.
– Barbara, 2021
Recent Events
Spring Open House, March 3
On Friday, March 3, OLLI held its Spring Open House. Almost all the lecturers of Spring courses attended and presented their new courses.
Kayleen Asbo Discusses Mendelssohn
On Wednesday, February 1, Kayleen Asbo presented a wonderful lecture on the life and music of Felix Mendelssohn. If you missed it, or if you would like to watch it again, click the link below. When prompted, very carefully copy and paste the following passcode: iw@Q57uZ
Watch Kayleen Asbo Lecture
Contact Information
Due to health and safety guidelines, our offices will be open on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Email inquiries are available every day.
- 50 Acacia Ave., San Rafael, CA 94901 (Anne Hathaway Cottage)
- (415) 458-3763
- olli@dominican.edu
- Subscribe to Our Newsletter
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