OLLI Talks: Ukraine in Context: An Historical and Personal Perspective (Drake Hall)

Ukrainians have historically been dominated by foreign powers and have nevertheless fought to preserve and develop their unique cultural and ethnic identity. Ukraine's modern, independent, democratic nation was created during a great upheaval in Central and Eastern Europe that culminated with the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. With the Russian invasion of Ukraine, those reverberations continue today. This course will examine the evolution of Ukraine, with emphasis on the post-Soviet period. 

Dr. John Olienyk is a CSU emeritus professor of finance. He has had a lifelong interest in international affairs, particularly as they pertain to Eastern Europe. All four of his grandparents were born in Ukraine and emigrated to the US. He was raised in an ethnic Ukrainian community and Ukrainian culture and traditions were deeply embedded in him at an early age. The collapse of the Soviet Union resulted in independence for Ukraine and created an opportunity for John to contribute to the growth of the new nation. Over a span of twelve years, he participated in a USAID-sponsored faculty exchange program with a number of universities in Ukraine and has maintained his relationships with the young professors that he mentored. He also taught in an MBA program at a university in Russia. 

Notes

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