Downtown, Pearl & NW

Join acclaimed historian Lord Andrew Roberts for a fascinating look at the men who helped build — and ultimately unravel — Napoleon Bonaparte’s empire. In his new book, Napoleon and His Marshals, Roberts brings to life the extraordinary generals who served at Napoleon’s side, from the courageous Ney and flamboyant Murat to the tenacious Masséna, iron-willed Davout, and meticulous Berthier.

In 1804, Napoleon created the Marshalate, the highest military honor of the French Empire, and over the next decade elevated 26 of his most accomplished generals to the rank. Roberts explores their personalities, ambitions, rivalries, and complex relationships with their emperor, revealing how Napoleon’s leadership both inspired fierce loyalty and fueled destructive competition among his marshals. Ultimately, only two of the 26 would ride beside him at Waterloo.

Drawing on years of scholarship on Napoleon and his era, Roberts offers a dramatic and richly detailed portrait of the men whose military brilliance helped create Napoleon’s extraordinary empire — and whose rivalries helped bring it down.

This event is a co-production with The Chartwell Society of Oregon, a chapter of the International Churchill Society.

Rome: Exploring the City Through Water
What can water teach us about Rome’s past and present?

Join us for a nine-day, non-credit-bearing program exploring how water has shaped Rome, Italy, over the past 3,000 years. Discover how ancient aqueducts, baths, and fountains tell the story of the city’s development while exploring water’s role in contemporary Roman life.

Through site visits, walking lectures by archaeologists, and a visit to Rome’s contemporary beach scene, you’ll explore connections among water, history, art, and culture. Potential site visits include the Forum Boarium, Isola Tiberina, Baths of Caracalla, Villa d’Este, Castel Gandolfo, and Santa Severa.

Open to learners of all ages, this program is designed for senior auditors, PSU faculty and staff, and community members. It is especially suited for those interested in history, art, art practice, cultural studies, and the humanities.

Program Dates: September 6–14, 2027
Program Leaders: Sarah Newlands and Meredith Michaud, University Studies

Join Cheri Arthur, an Ambassador for American Wild Horse Conservation. Learn about Velma Johnstone, the first woman advocate for wild horses and burros, and the history of Oregon's wilds horses. You'll hear about the challenges of land management and access, and learn ways to get involved if you are interested.