Let College Change Your Life... Again! | | Back-to-school can be a transformative time in life, no matter the age or stage you are in. With over 130 fall term Osher courses, there are many reasons to get excited about lazy summer days turning into cool crispness this autumn. Plan ahead now to keep your intellectual fires burning well into November. Please read below for some highlights of the week. With stimulating instructors, fun special events and tours, AND smart friendly classmates, there are so many opportunities to get involved and feel like a kid again! | | |
World War II ended 80 years ago on 15 August 1945. To commemorate that momentous historic event, Col. Hall, USAF, Retired, will offer a special single-session lecture that speaks to topics covered in his many other classes and lectures regarding the WWII in the Pacific and the Manhattan Project. But this session will go into greater detail and include several fresh topics not covered earlier, due to time constraints in his regular courses. The people, decisions, and actions that brought World War II to an end demand our deep understanding; anything less is simply disrespectful to history and to the people who made it. Come join Col. Hall for a revisit!
Tuesday, September 16 at 10:00 am
|
| |
In this course, learners will have the opportunity to increase their participation and understanding of the activities that occur during their visit with their healthcare provider. For example: what questions your provider might ask and why; what labs might be ordered and what do they mean? Learners will also get a better understanding of tests like a colonoscopy or an MRI; when might a second opinion be valuable, and what community services might be available for follow-up care? This knowledge will facilitate better preparation for such visits. At the beginning of each course day, learners will also be provided with a general overview of the anatomy and pathophysiology of one of the physical systems that may be discussed by their provider.
Tuesday, September 23 at 1:30 pm
|
| |
Learn how to communicate with impact in this interactive workshop! "We will explore essential strategies for fostering meaningful connections through effective communication. Participants will discover how to enhance their verbal and nonverbal skills, actively listen, and adapt their messaging to establish trust, strengthen credibility, and cultivate lasting professional and personal relationships. Get ready to engage, practice, and elevate your communication game!
Thursday, Sept 25 at 9:30 am
|
| |
Many of us think of World War II as having taken place primarily in the places where the forces of the United States and Great Britain fought. We know very little about World War II campaigns in Eastern Europe despite the fact that the vast preponderance of fighting happened there. This lecture series focuses on the specific events of the Eastern European campaign and the decisions that led to victory. We will carefully examine the pros and cons of the major decisions, the factors in play, and why the final outcome was what it turned out to be. We will examine Operation Barbarossa, the Battle of Stalingrad, and the amazing recovery and resilience shown by the Soviets. We will also discuss additional topics, including the role played by Soviet women.
Tuesday, September 23 at 10:00 am
|
| |
Losses are a part of our daily lives whether it is a loss of a loved one or a loss of something important in our lives. Losses can create a unique loneliness when we are not able to talk openly about our grief and loss without judgement, bright-siding, or having someone trying to fix us. There is empowerment that comes from sharing our story with others who have also experienced a loss. It not only helps us process our pain, but it also helps others, who are witnessing our grief, to understand their unique grief journey and not feel so alone. The instructor, a certified Grief Educator, will moderate this class using a variety of questions that will encourage sharing and discussion on topics unique to this group. Join this class for a safe place to be yourself, talk about your grief, and learn from others.
Wednesday, October 1 at 1:30 pm
|
| |
How is retirement the "higher education of life"? In this class, which is offered to both retiring University employees as well as to newly retiring Osher members, participants will co-create a learning community in which we explore together the challenges and opportunities of that life phase we call "retirement". This is one of the most important transitions we can experience in our lives. We will examine together the continued growth and maturation that aging people can have in all the ecological (including financial), biological, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions of life-span development. Participants will have opportunities to suggest specific topics to explore, and to share experiences and life wisdom with each other. The instructor, a retired person himself, has taught this class for many years, utilizing a combination of dialogue and didactic learning techniques.
Thursday, Sept 25 at 12:00 pm
|
| |
The Health and Aging course will provide a comprehensive examination of the aging process, focusing on the demography of aging, understanding changes in aging, and social aspects. It delves into the physiological changes associated with aging, including common age-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and dementia. The course also covers cognitive and mental health, examining topics such as memory loss, depression, and anxiety in older adults. Attendees will study the impact of social factors, such as family dynamics, caregiving, and community engagement, on the health and well-being of the elderly. Additionally, the course covers healthcare systems, policies affecting older adults, and aging in the sociostructural context, including elder abuse and end-of-life decisions.
Thursday, Sept 25 at 5:00 pm
|
| |
Run by the Osher National Resource Center (NRC) at Northwestern University, this very special program allows members from various Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes to participate in shared online courses, thanks to the generosity of the Bernard Osher Foundation. These courses are not meant to replace our locally offered in-person or online courses, but rather to supplement our own local offerings. The very high-quality courses feature popular instructors from some of the other 124 Osher Institutes across the country. Osher Online allows Osher members from different states and institutions to learn with and connect to each other while maintaining membership at their own local Institutes. We hope you will enjoy being a part of the fun!
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Sept 17. An orientation will be held on Sept 30 at 12:00 PM (MT) for all enrolled attendees.
|
| |
Join us for the September session of the NEW Osher Booker Bookers Book Club series! The Booker Bookers will read Booker Prize winners in monthly meetings from September 2025 through May 2026, with the exception of January 2026. Each session will feature a rotating discussion leader from among Osher members. The reading list is curated by Osher volunteer Lee Ann Troutman, featuring titles available at both the Anderson Foothill branch of the city library system and the Granite County Library. Come meet new friends and join the Booker Bookers!
Friday, September 5 at 1:00 pm
|
| |
For nearly a century, the State Capitol has been one of Utah's most prominent landmarks. Designed by local architect Richard K. A. Kletting, the Capitol has been home to state government since its opening in 1916. From 2004 to 2008, the Utah State Capitol underwent one of the largest historical preservation projects in the United States. In addition to safeguarding the building against the risk of an earthquake, the project also repaired and restored the original beauty and artwork of the Capitol. Each year, thousands of people visit the Capitol to witness its modern magnificence and historic significance.
Come join us for a tour of our amazing Capitol building. We will be touring floors 1-4, visiting the Governor’s office and Gold Room, as well as visiting the tunnels under the Capitol.
Wednesday, September 24 at 10:00 am
|
| |
When we look for books about the Visual Arts, we usually find non-fiction histories, biographies, memoirs, instruction manuals, and museum catalogs. However, there are some writers who work to weave the Visual Arts into literature (novels, mysteries, thrillers, romances). These books rarely surface in a book search for "Visual Arts." In this event, Osher member Lydia Jones will review 15-20 of these harder-to-find books so you can decide whether to add them to your TBR list. Feel free to bring your own favorite titles to share with the group, too.
Lydia has degrees in Humanities and Art History. She was the Director of Museums and Galleries at Southern Utah University where she taught undergraduate and graduate courses in the College of Performing and Visual Arts. After leaving the university, she worked as a book indexer specializing in art books.
Friday, October 17 at 2:00 pm
|
| |
What is a Sound Bath? It’s a deeply relaxing meditation experience immersed in soothing sound vibrations. Enjoy this unique experience with Russ Jones, a well-known Native American flute player and composer, who was recently accepted as a voting member of the Recording Academy -- the GRAMMYs. Sound baths are known to promote deep relaxation, reduce stress, ease muscle tension, and enhance overall body awareness. Instruments typically used include crystal singing bowls, Tibetan metal bowls, tuning forks, gongs, and chimes. But thanks to Russ Jones, this session will be uniquely complemented by the beautiful and soothing sounds of the Native American flute. Dress comfortably (PJs are fine!), plan to relax—you might even fall asleep (snoring is welcome!). Russ usually charges over $30 per person for this immersive. For Osher members, he's offering it at a deeply discounted rate of just $12 per person, payable directly to him on (cash or Venmo only) the evening of the session.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: September 2
Monday, September 8 at 6:00 pm
|
| |
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the creative team, themes, and creative choices behind the production before seeing a Preview Performance of it! Pioneer Theatre Company's exclusive class is only offered to Osher members. Refreshments provided.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Sept 9
Thursday, September 11 at 6:30 pm
|
| |
In January 1863, U.S. Army forces from Camp Douglas attacked a village of Northwestern Shoshone, resulting in what has been described as the largest loss of native life in American history. Visit the massacre site on a day-long bus tour, exploring this traumatic event through the perspectives of three different instructors: Darren Parry, Brad Westwood, and Ephriam Dickson. They will each present lectures for us, enroute and on site.
Friday, September 12 at 8:00 am
| | |
This fun tour begins at the front doors of the Walker Center in downtown SLC. Once inside, you'll learn a little about the city's premier historic office tower, including its ties to Utah's mining industry and WWI. You'll also hear about Harry Houdini's visit and a true crime caper which played out at the Walker long ago. The tour moves to the rooftop just in time for sunset! Here your guide will point out other city landmarks and there will be time for photos. After dark, the iconic Walker Center sign lights up! You'll hear the history of the sign and see its modern capabilities. This tour is recommended for residents, history buffs, and anyone else wanting to experience the most photogenic rooftop and all of Salt Lake City at the most magical time of day.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: September 15
Saturday, September 20 at 6:30 pm
|
| |
Located in Bluffdale, experience a weaving class in a shady pasture surrounded by alpacas, goats, and chickens. Beginner to experienced weavers welcome! The looms are warped and ready to go. Instruction and all materials provided, but feel free to bring your own yarns, fabric scraps, feathers, or let your creativity run wild. You'll leave with a finished wall hanging or table runner.
Friday, September 19 at 10:00 am or 4:00 pm
|
| Stay Connected by Joining Us on Social Media | |
The Osher Instagram and Facebook pages are a great way to stay connected. We highlight the accomplishments of Osher instructors and members. Special Events are updated, posted, and featured here too. Please like us to stay up to date and share with your friends who would enjoy all that Osher has to offer!
| | |
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
801-581-6461 | osher@utah.edu
| |
| | | |
