[Intergenerational Dialogue] The Constitution and the Rule of Law

Special Event

[Intergenerational Dialogue] The Constitution and the Rule of Law

Friday, October 10, 2025
Friday, October 10, 2025

At a time when many people are concerned about the future of American democracy, there is considerable anxiety over the durability of its founding document, the US Constitution. Similarly, there is a pervasive sense of dismay over the vibrancy of the rule of law in the United States. Is all this fear misplaced or overdone? 

This Words Over Time intergenerational dialogue between OLLI members and Cal undergraduates is intended to forge a civil discussion that is engaging, innovative, transformative, and empowering. Facilitated by Berkeley's Darren Zook.

The Details

  • This event is for OLLI members only
    • Free for OLLI members; $15 for Best of OLLI subscribers
  • The dialogue will be held in person at OLLI HQ (1995 University Ave., Suite 365, Berkeley.) 
  • It will not be livestreamed nor recorded.
  • Limited to 24 members.
  • Members will be invited to continue the conversation with professor Zook and his students on campus in the weeks following the meeting.
[Intergenerational Dialogue] The Constitution and the Rule of Law

The Radical Movement of the Sixties: What it Accomplished, Why it Collapsed

Speaker Series

The Radical Movement of the Sixties: What it Accomplished, Why it Collapsed

Friday, October 24, 2025
Friday, October 24, 2025

What happened to the bold vision of a more democratic, egalitarian and humane America that energized a generation in the 1960s? Why did a movement that sparked sweeping change ultimately fall apart? Professor Barbara Epstein will discuss the driving ideals behind this transformative time and the hard truths behind its decline.

About the Speaker

Barbara Epstein is professor emerita in the History of Consciousness Department at UC Santa Cruz. She is the author of numerous books and essays focused on social movements and the problems they face. She is currently working on a book about the Jewish resistance to fascism during World War Two.

Details

  • The event will be livestreamed and recorded. The video will be shared with registrants as soon as it's captioned.
  • Cost:
    • $0 for OLLI @Berkeley members
    • $10 for non-members
  • The Zoom link will be included in registration confirmation and reminder emails; OLLI members will also find it in their Member Dashboards

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

[Members, be sure to log into your OLLI account before registering to receive your discount.]

The Radical Movement of the Sixties: What it Accomplished, Why it Collapsed

[Town Hall] For the Greater Good: Finding Balance and Hope in Troubled Times

Special Event

[Town Hall] For the Greater Good: Finding Balance and Hope in Troubled Times

Friday, September 26, 2025
Friday, September 26, 2025

We exist in a moment when anger, despair and cynicism seem to be everywhere. How do we find balance and even hope amidst the chaos and uncertainty assaulting our communities, country and planet? This online Town Hall panel discussion will focus not only on compelling reasons why a more positive response is warranted, but also on possible pathways of constructive action that can benefit everyone in the interest of the greater good. Facilitated by Berkeley's Darren Zook. 

_________________________________________________________________________

Panelists Include

Marilyn Standish retired recently as vice president of The California Endowment, a $4B+ private, statewide health foundation established in 1996 whose mission is to expand access to affordable, quality health care for underserved individuals and communities, and to promote fundamental improvements in the health status of all California.

Elizabeth Svoboda is a science writer and contributor to Scientific American, Discover, and the Boston Globe. She is the author of What Makes a Hero?: The Surprising Science of Selflessness. She is working on a book about the art of pacing ourselves in an overclocked world.

[For members only • Livestreamed + recorded]

[Town Hall] For the Greater Good: Finding Balance and Hope in Troubled Times

Solano Stroll: Stop By Our Table

Special Event

Solano Stroll: Stop By Our Table

Sunday, September 14, 2025
Sunday, September 14, 2025

Planning to go to the festive and joyfully packed (about 250,000 visitors last year!) Solano Stroll on Sunday, Sept. 14? Stop by our table in front of 1737 Solano Ave and say hi! We'll be there from 10 AM – 5 PM with fall brochures, good cheer, great info, hopefully-not-melting candy, and some snazzy pens. 

Solano Stroll: Stop By Our Table

Fall Open House: Join Us!

Special Event

Fall Open House: Join Us!

Friday, September 5, 2025
Friday, September 5, 2025

You're invited! ...

OLLI @Berkeley's Fall Open House is a great opportunity to meet and mingle with faculty, members, and the OLLI team as we gear up for the start of a new academic year. Want to chat about upcoming courses? Now's the time! Hope to get a feel for the community? Come on over! Wondering about ways to get involved? This is the perfect chance to learn more.

You can even register on the spot. 

Fall courses start in mid-September through mid-October in Berkeley and Lafayette, plus online.

Whether you're OLLI-curious or a longtime OLLI member, we'd love to see you and any family and friends you'd like to bring along.

🍁 Details 

  • Friday, Sept. 5, 10:30–noon
  • 1995 University Ave., Suite 365, Berkeley
  • We’re just a hop from a bus stop and a short stroll from the Downtown Berkeley BART station
  • Paid parking is available on site (enter via an alley between Milvia and MLK Jr. Way) and on neighboring streets
  • All are welcome! 
Fall Open House: Join Us!

[Vital Aging] Many Ways to Write Your Life, with Sara Orem

Special Event

[Vital Aging] Many Ways to Write Your Life, with Sara Orem

Thursday, September 11, 2025
Thursday, September 11, 2025

Over the years, OLLI has offered dozens of writing courses that have helped members express themselves through personal essay, memoir, creative non-fiction, autobiography, and legacy letters. You may have one or several pieces from these classes, or wish to begin a written history of your life. In this month's in-person Vital Aging salon with Sara Orem, you'll learn ways to weave your ideas and writing into a cohesive whole.

About the Speaker

Sara Orem founded Vital Aging in 2020 and has been a longtime volunteer, faculty member and consultant to OLLI. She is teaching Guided Autobiography, a certified process created by a well-known gerontologist, in the fall and winter.

Details

[Vital Aging] Many Ways to Write Your Life, with Sara Orem

Our Currency, Your Problem: The Past and Future of the Global Dollar, with Barry Eichengreen

Speaker Series

Our Currency, Your Problem: The Past and Future of the Global Dollar, with Barry Eichengreen

Friday, October 17, 2025
Friday, October 17, 2025

Are predictions of the dollar's demise greatly exaggerated? Berkeley economist Barry Eichengreen, one of nation's foremost experts on the international financial system, will discuss the implications of the U.S. dollar in the age of cryptocurrency and government deregulation, and the forces propelling both. 

About the Speaker

Barry Eichengreen is the George C. Pardee and Helen N. Pardee Chair and Distinguished Professor of Economics and Political Science at UC Berkeley. His research lies at the intersection of economic history and international macroeconomics. His body of work — including more than 25 books — has generated some of the field’s most influential research on the Great Depression and the design of international monetary systems. He has held many prestigious appointments: Research Associate of the NBER, Research Fellow at the Centre for Economic Policy Research, Senior Policy Advisor at the IMF, and a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Details

  • The event will be livestreamed and recorded. The video will be shared with registrants as soon as it's captioned.
  • Cost: 
    • $0 for OLLI @Berkeley members
    • $10 for non-members
  • The Zoom link will be included in registration confirmation and reminder emails; OLLI members will also find it in their Member Dashboards

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, intergenerational dialogues, socials, travel opportunities, and more. Fee assistance is available.

[Members, be sure to log into your OLLI account before registering to receive your discount.]
 

Our Currency, Your Problem: The Past and Future of the Global Dollar, with Barry Eichengreen

Sneak Peek: Berkeley Rep 2025/26 Season, with Johanna Pfaelzer

Special Event

Sneak Peek: Berkeley Rep 2025/26 Season, with Johanna Pfaelzer

Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Wednesday, August 27, 2025

Calling all theater-lovers and -goers! Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes peek at the stories, artists, and productions bringing Berkeley Rep’s 2025/26 season to life — presented by Artistic Director Johanna Pfaelzer.

About the Speaker

Johanna Pfaelzer joined the Tony-award-winning Berkeley Rep in the 2019/20 season as its fourth artistic director. Prior to that, she served for 12 years as the artistic director of New York Stage and Film, a New York City-based organization dedicated to the development of new works for theatre, film, and television.

About OLLI at UC Berkeley

OLLI @Berkeley is a learning community designed for people 50+ and open to all. Members enjoy exclusive access to 100+ courses per year, speaker events, town halls, field trips, intergenerational dialogues, socials, travel opportunities, and more. Learn more and join us! Fee assistance is available.

 

[Free and open to all • Livestreamed + recorded]

 

Sneak Peek: Berkeley Rep 2025/26 Season, with Johanna Pfaelzer
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