October 25, 2023

Foreign Bodies: Pandemics, Vaccines, and the Health of Nations A talk by Simon Schama and luncheon

Tuesday, October 31 at 12 pm

Faculty House and via Zoom

In March 2020, as the COVID-19 virus spread, the world shut down in a way that felt unprecedented. In fact, that was far from the case. In his gripping new book, Columbia history and art-history professor Simon Schama chronicles some of the infectious diseases — from smallpox to cholera to the bubonic plague — that have crippled societies and the scientific advances that saved them. It’s an inspiring collection, full of human ingenuity and courage, and a welcome reminder of the power of vaccines and of collective action.

RSVP to Attend In-Person

Five copies of Foreign Bodi es will be offered as door prizes.

Join the EPIC Drama Society!

First meeting on Friday, October 27 at 11 am

Unleash your inner thespian with the EPIC Drama Society! Whether you’re a theater enthusiast, a storytelling lover, or simply enjoy great company, our Drama Society is your stage. We’ll gather EPICureans to read plays aloud, taking on character roles for an intimate theatrical experience. Professor Connie Nathanson guides our journey. Join us on October 27 at 11 am for our first meeting. Contact epic@columbia.edu for more information. (Read More)

UPCOMING EPIC EVENTS

October 27 – EPIC Drama Society meeting (Read More)
October 31 – Foreign Bodies: Pandemics, Vaccines, and the Health of Nations, a book talk by Simon Schama (Read More)
November 14 – Autumn Music Concert (Read More)
November 16 – Douglas Chalmers Lectureship by Niccolò Bigagli: “Scaling up Quantum Gases” (Read More)
November 28 – Writing with Scissors: American Scrapbooks from the Civil War to the Harlem Renaissance, a book talk by Ellen Gruber Garvey (Read More)
December 7 – Graduate Scholars Lectureship by Rebecca Marwege: “The Trifecta of Climate Justice” (Read More)
December 12 – EPIC Conversation with Ginny Papaioannou & Winter Party (Read More)

Online EPIC Yoga Every Thursday

10–11 am and 11:15 am–12:15 pm

10–11 am Class practices breathing techniques and moves through some basic yoga poses, concentrating on alignment, balance, and flexibility.

11:15 am–12:15 pm Gentle/chair yoga, ideal for those of more limited mobility or flexibility.

Professor Emerita Ginny Papaioannou, a registered teacher with the Yoga Alliance, leads EPIC Yoga. No prior experience is required to join.

Interested in joining a class or need more info? Email Lalla Grimes.

Renew securely online by making your annual

tax-deductible contribution to EPIC. Your contributions fund the

Douglas Chalmers Graduate Scholars Lectureship.

Renew Membership Online

Or mail a check to:

Emeritus Professors in Columbia (EPIC)

202A Philosophy Hall, 1150 Amsterdam Avenue

Mail Code 9215

New York, NY 10027

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Emeritus Professors in Columbia (EPIC) brings Columbia academic retirees together in professional and social fellowship with regular talks, fall and spring receptions, music performance, yoga and wellness sessions, and collaborative Columbia community initiatives,

such as the Douglas Chalmers Graduate Scholars Lectureship for young doctoral and post-doctoral scholars. EPIC is your powerful advocate for the retiree community.

Do you have questions about EPIC? Email us at epic@columbia.edu.

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