March 19, 2021
COVID- Past, present, future
P&S Senior Vice-Dean and Hamilton Southworth Professor of Medicine & Professor of Epidemiology
Despite the incredibly swift development and now distribution of vaccines, the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over. Many EPICureans have been fortunate enough to be fully vaccinated but even so the future is not clear. Our next Tuesday Talk features an authoritative discussion of the current state of knowledge and what we can reasonably expect going forward. Dr. Shea has been an integral part of the impressive and effective Columbia-NYPresbyterian response to this pandemic. This talk is co-sponsored by the Office of Faculty Retirement.
Tuesday, March 23, 2021
2:00 PM
Online Event
Graduate Scholar Series:
The Case of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Personnel
Sandra Veronica Portocarrero, Sociology Department

How did the killing of George Floyd on May 25th, 2020 change the nature of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) expertise in the American workplace?
Portocarrero examines how this event altered the nature of DEI expertise within Redwood University, a pseudonym for one of the University of California campuses. She shows how the everyday lives of DEI personnel are being redefined. Her work helps advance understanding of race, expertise, and organizations. 

Wednesday, April 7, 2021
2:00 PM
Online Event
On the Horizon
David Fishman, Prof of History, Jewish Theological Seminary will talk about the nearly unbelievable story of how Vilna ghetto inmates rescued thousands of rare books and manuscripts―first from the Nazis and then from the Soviets―by hiding them on their bodies, burying them in bunkers, and smuggling them across borders. Fishman brings the story to life in his recent book, The Book Smugglers, five copies of which will be given as door prizes to EPICureans in attendance.

Tuesday, April 20, 2021
2:00 PM
Online Event
Members in the News
Seth Low Emeritus Professor and EPIC Steering Committee Member Volker Berghahn will be in conversation with Dr. Colleen Becker about The Evolution of Capitalism in America and Northern Europe, 1945-2021 on April 7, 6:30 pm- 8 pm, an online event hosted by the Columbia Alumni Association, Washington D.C. Register for the event here.
ONLINE EPIC Yoga: Every Thursday
10 am - 11 am and 11:15 am - 12:15 pm
Professor Emerita Virginia Papaioannou, a registered teacher with the Yoga Alliance, leads EPIC Yoga.
No prior experience is required to join. Yoga can benefit people at all levels of physical training and health, but it is always wise to consult with a physician before undertaking any new exercise regime. Modifications will be offered to any participants with specific limitations arising from recovery from injury, arthritis, limited movement, or other causes.

Two one-hour classes are offered each week. The 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. class practices breathing techniques and moves through some basic yoga poses, concentrating on alignment, balance, and flexibility. Those with experience move more deeply into the poses. From 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., we practice gentle/chair yoga, which is ideal for those of more limited mobility or flexibility. Classes include breathing, stretching, and yoga poses, done either seated in a chair or standing. No yoga mats are required for this class.
Need more info? email Lalla Grimes.
Do you have any questions about EPIC? Contact us.