Distinguished Professors Lecture Series

In Celebration of OLLI at FSU’s 35th Anniversary

We are proud to launch the Distinguished Professor Lecture Series, a new initiative to bring world-renowned scholars to Tallahassee. This special event marks our 35th anniversary and reflects OLLI at FSU’s enduring commitment to lifelong learning and academic excellence.

We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Eoin Devlin, Affiliated Lecturer in the Faculty of History at the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom, will serve as the inaugural Distinguished Professor.

Bringing international scholars like Dr. Devlin to our community enriches the OLLI experience and strengthens our role as a hub for intellectual engagement.

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Meet Our Inaugural Distinguished Professor

Dr. Eoin Devlin
University of Cambridge, UK

A popular instructor through our virtual courses, Dr. Devlin teaches British history with a focus on political, cultural, and diplomatic history of the early modern period. His recent scholarly contributions include work on The Oxford History of British and Irish Catholicism and editing a forthcoming collection on 17th-century dynasties.

For the first time, he will visit Tallahassee for an exclusive in-person lecture series hosted by OLLI at FSU.

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Aspects of 20th Century British History

A Four-Day Lecture Series with Dr. Eoin Devlin
Westminster Oaks Maguire Center – Auditorium
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET (4:00 PM on Friday)

Date	Topic
Tuesday, February 17, 2026	The Decline of the Liberal Party and the Rise of Labour Explore the political realignment that reshaped British governance in the 20th century.
Wednesday, February 18, 2026	The Rise and Fall of the British Empire Trace the expansion, global influence, and eventual dissolution of the world’s largest empire.
Thursday, February 19, 2026	Britain and Its Sovereignty: Devolution and Europe Examine the evolving constitutional landscape and Britain’s complex relationship with Europe.
Friday, February 20, 2026	The British Monarchy in the 20th Century  Discover how the monarchy adapted to war, media, public opinion, and modernity. Followed by a Closing Reception!

Free for current OLLI at FSU members
Friday, February 20, 2026, Open to the public — non-members welcome!

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Registration Options

For OLLI Members

You're all set!
This series is free for current members.
Register for the full series 

Make sure your membership is active to attend.

For Non-Members

Join us for Friday, February 20 only — open to the public at no cost!

Register as a Non-Member (Friday Lecture + Reception)

This is a wonderful opportunity to experience OLLI at FSU firsthand.

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Help Us Bring More Global Scholars to Tallahassee

This inaugural lecture series is just the beginning. To ensure we can invite distinguished professors like Dr. Devlin each year, we’ve created the:

Distinguished Professor Lecture Series Fund

Your tax-deductible gift will directly support honoraria, travel, and hosting for future international scholars.

Please consider making a gift before the end of the year.
Donate to the Distinguished Professor Lecture Series Fund (F08852)

Your support makes global learning local — right here in Tallahassee.