Winter Term Registration is Open!

Please join us for one of 92 wonderful classes this winter, taught by our talented, dedicated, and passionate instructors! We have 74 classes meeting in person and 18 held online via Zoom for cozy learning at home. An added treat will be 17 brand new courses from Osher Online with Northwestern University, taught by experts from around the country who specialize in adult education and the interests of learners ages 50 and better. The registration deadline is December 30 for Osher Online. Sign up today to create your own personal winter learning adventure!

Upcoming Classes

Christmas History Part II: Traditional Customs and Celebrations

With Larry Gerlach

Why are evergreen trees brought into homes and decorated? Why are stockings hung with care? When did sending Christmas cards begin? Why do people kiss under mistletoe? This extensively illustrated course will examine the history and evolution of the traditions and activities commonly associated today with the celebration of Christmas including trees and ornaments, wreaths, wassailing, Advent calendars, cards, creches, stockings, nutcrackers, special toys, seasonal foods and drinks, outdoor lighting, parades, commercialization, and much more. No need to have previously taken Christmas History Part I, which was offered in fall term, in order to join and enjoy this course.



Tuesday January 21 at 9:30 am

The Weavers' Stories

Learn about the design of Navajo rugs, the history of their patterns, and the history of their weavers. Osher members will have the opportunity to interact directly with Navajo weaver, Beverly Benally, and Rodger Williams, who was raised traditionally on the Reservation by a traditional weaver and a traditional Medicine Man. Through six sessions, class members will achieve a better understanding of the Navajo Culture, and an appreciation for their predominant art form.



Wednesday January 22 at 9:30 am

I Ching: Embracing Change

With Chantal Papillon

The I Ching is one of the most beautiful books of wisdom that exists. More than a tool of divination, the I Ching is a mirror of the mind that guides us in turbulent times and enlightens us on the shadows that we can carry from our unconscious. In this course, you will learn the basics of the philosophy of the I Ching. This will help you to consult the I Ching, read the hexagrams, and draw on your intuition and act from your choices.



Thursday January 23 at 1:30 pm

Lunar New Year Talk: The Year of the Wood Snake 

With Chantal Papillon

According to the Chinese Calendar and Chinese astrology, the Year of the Wood Snake will begin January 29th, 2025, in line with the Chinese New Year. On this day, join us for the Lunar New Year "forecast" from the perspective of Chinese medicine and astrology. In this one-hour talk, we will explore the basics of the Lunar Calendar and Chinese Astrology, learn the energetic manifestations of the Wood Snake, and see what the year of the Snake may have in store for us.

Wednesday January 29 at 1:30 pm – Single Day Session

Online Classes

Build Strength and Balance with Vivo for Seniors

Muscle strength and balance are critical to maintaining health and independence as we age. Without additional strength training, most older adults will suffer a loss of muscle mass and strength that can negatively impact their balance and mobility, leading to unfortunate falls and accidents. Vivo, a live, online, interactive strength-building course customized to your fitness level, consists of cognitive, balance, and strength exercises informed by the latest science and research on exercise for older adults. Certified personal trainers, skilled in working with older adults, provide modified exercises to meet each class member's fitness needs. Whether you are new to exercise or exercise regularly, Vivo will help you build your strength and improve your fitness, balance, and mobility! Classes meet once weekly for 45-minute sessions for eight weeks. For best results, sign up for two class sessions per week and choose which days best suit your individual time preference and schedule.

Your Choice of Day Monday through Fridays!

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: January 6

Osher Online with Northwestern University

Run by the National Resource Center (NRC) at Northwestern University, this 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 125 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!

Special Events

A Tour of the World-Famous Salt Lake City Main Library

Enjoy this special opportunity to view Audubon's The Birds of America series, take a look at some of the treasures in the Special Collections Reading Room, and visit the secure storage area of Periodicals which houses the library’s oldest volumes. Weather permitting, we’ll visit the remodeled roof and see the city views from a different angle. We’ll also get a tour of the Book Sale room from the Friends of the City Library president, Luana Chillili. And if you don't already have a city library card, you will be able to get one at the event! 

Friday, January 10 at 2:00 pm

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Thursday, January 2

Utah Food Bank Tour

Founded in 1904, Utah Food Bank remains true to its mission of Fighting Hunger Statewide by providing food to a statewide network of partner agencies located in each county of the state. Utah Food Bank distributes tens of millions of meals annually to families and individuals facing hunger throughout the state, free-of-charge. Touring Utah Food Bank's 143,000 square foot primary distribution center and headquarters, located in South Salt Lake, will provide insight into the complex operations required to feed Utahns facing hunger.



Wednesday January 15 at 11:00 AM

Cool Things to Do with Your Phone, Tablet & Laptop

Our devices can be cool tools with many uses. Taught by Osher member and instructor Mark Rothacher, this one-day class will provide some ideas about these uses, such as Google Sheets & Maps for note taking or checklists, and finding entertainment on YouTube. Mark will welcome your suggestions as well. You will need some basic knowledge of your cell phone (iPhone or Android), your tablet, and laptop.



Friday February 21 at 1:30 pm

Lunch & Learn - Wednesdays at Noon

Announcing Our New Winter Term Series!

Thanks to dedicated Osher volunteer Sandy Clark, we have another excellent set of six FREE Lunch & Learn lectures for winter term. Please tell a friend! Plan to join us on Zoom or at our watch party at 540 Arapeen Drive in Room 238 for all six sessions.

Topaz, Utah: Lessons Learned and Unlearned

January 22, 2025, 12:00-1:00 pm

By Scott Bassett, Topaz Museum Board Member and Docent

Migraine: A Neurogenetic Disorder, Not Just a Headache           

January 29, 2025, 12:00-1:00 pm

By Dr. Dan Henry, Founder and President, Danielle Byron Henry Migraine Foundation, and Elizabeth Henry Weyher

Keeping Busy After Retirement

February 5, 2025, 12:00-1:00 pm

By Jeanine Wilson, Society for Human Resource Management & Service Corps of Retired Executives

Social Isolation and Loneliness: The Significance of Friendship in Later Years

February 12, 2025, 12:00-1:00 pm

By Dr. Michael Chang, PhD, Associate Professor in Human Development & Family Studies, University of Hawaii at Manoa

Note: THIS SESSION WILL NOT BE RECORDED

Virtual Tour of the New Utah State Historical Museum

February 19, 2025, 12:00-1:00 pm

By Tim Glenn, Inaugural Director of the Museum of Utah

Downtown Salt Lake City

February 26, 2025, 12:00-1:00 pm

By Dee Brewer, Executive Director of the Downtown Alliance, Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce

Our Campus Community

HELP: The U of U Hospital Elder Life Program—Seeks Volunteers!

The Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) works with patients 70 years and older at the University of Utah Hospital. The patients they serve are at risk for developing delirium and experiencing functional decline. They help patients stay as mentally clear and physically strong as possible throughout their hospital stay. Their volunteers spend time with the patients 1:1, get to know them, and provide meaningful ways for patients to engage, reduce stress, and heal. Many of the HELP volunteers say that their weekly hospital volunteer shift is the best part of their week. Volunteering with HELP is meaningful, fun, and volunteers learn a lot. HELP trains volunteers, and they ask for a commitment of a four-hour shift every week. Interested? Email Lauren Chamberlain at lauren.chamberlain@hsc.utah.edu