Academy for Learning in Retirement focuses on Russia, Ukraine, Putin in January

The Academy for Learning in Retirement will offer five monthly series during Spring 2021.  Each series will have four presentations. 

ALR’s first Spring 2021 series began earlier this month with a focus on Russia, Ukraine, and Vladimir Putin.  The complex relationship between Russia and Ukraine has had massive impacts in Europe and the world for centuries, and, in particular, during the past 100 years. 

Vladimir Putin’s international goals have included reasserting Russian dominance over Ukraine and its resources.  Audiences will be fascinated to learn more about these topics.

Presenter Dr. Elmo E. Roach is an emeritus professor from Bradley University and was the director of Bradley's International Programs Office in 1990-2005.  He earned bachelor’s degrees in history, political science and philosophy in 1963 at the University of Dayton; a master’s degree in history at Ohio State University in 1965; and a doctorate in history at Ohio State University in 1968. 

Roach will discuss the geographical and cultural features that shaped Ukraine and Russia, and examine the history of the region from Kyivan Rus’ to Muscovite Russia and to Imperial Russia. 

He will further examine the historical narrative from the Russian Revolutions of 1917 to Vladimir Putin’s rise in 2000.  One of Roach’s key themes during the recent century will be USA-USSR relations. His final presentations will focus upon Putin’s strategic objectives and his record of expansionism in Ukraine and beyond. 

Roach said he hopes to share some of his experiences of two dozen or more trips to Ukraine, Russia and Siberia, from his days as a graduate student to those as a senior researcher and project manager. 

The January series will be held on Tuesdays and Thursday.  ALR will open its Zoom window at 10 a.m. each morning, and the sessions will take place from 10:30 a.m. to noon.  The remaining presentations will include these dates and topics:

Tuesday, January 19, “Putin’s Strategic Objectives.”

Thursday, January 21, “Putin’s Expansionism.”

You may register for these sessions by going to dacc.nmsu.edu/alr and opening the “Memberships and Presentations” Website. 

ALR Board members will be available to assist with any Zoom issues.  If you are interested in attending these free presentations, please request a Zoom link by e-mailing nmsu.alr@gmail.com and letting us know that you wish to attend.  Please include a telephone number where we may reach you in the event Zoom is not working for you.  Thank you.