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The start of Osher fall term is around the corner. We have almost 1,800 of you joining us for classes. This is finally a return to our pre-pandemic numbers, which is fantastic! With all this extra excitement, please be sure to use your purple parking pass on your car’s rearview mirror. We want to ensure that the parking spots at our 540 Arapeen Drive location are reserved for Osher members (and not used by other tenants in Research Park).
You can pick up your pass on your first day of class in your classroom. Then plan to use it for the second class starting the following week. The purple passes are the same each term, so if you still have one from a previous session, feel free to use it now. We’ll start checking passes, ticketing—and towing, if necessary—starting the second week of the term.
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Do you love Osher and want to give back to this wonderful program by serving as a volunteer? We would love to have you! We are currently seeking volunteers to serve as fall term Osher Ambassadors to greet and welcome members during the busy "first week of school" and help everyone find their way to our many classrooms. Osher Ambassadors can also help instructors by taking roll in classes and reading announcements each week before class begins, as well as showing members to our complimentary coffee and tea service in Room 233. This is a low effort but high impact and fun way to get involved. Having a friendly face greet and welcome you on your first day of classes goes a LONG way, especially for folks new to our program. So thank you for taking the time to help us start the Osher school year with a smile!
Join us to learn more about this fun volunteer opportunity in a free class training session.
Monday, September 15 at 9:30 am
| Sign up for Osher Ambassadors to be a friendly greeter in your choice of four different time slots, during the four days of Osher's first week of classes, Monday September 22 to Thursday September 25. |
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You joined Osher and paid your membership dues for a year of fun. Now what? This single-session free class will welcome new members, provide a "meet and greet" opportunity to socialize a bit with others new to Osher, and show you the ropes of how to get involved. We will cover the material in our Member Handbook, letting you know how you can get the most out of your membership benefits...everything from where to get your U of U student ID card, to where to use it for discounts, to the many campus amenities available to Continuing Education students. Our program becomes stronger with each new member!
Monday, September 8 at 1:30 pm - Today!
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In 1905, Albert Einstein upended commonly held notions about space and time in his Special Theory of Relativity. Ten years later, he changed our understanding of gravity with his General Theory of Relativity. We will begin our journey with a summary of physics before Einstein, including the principal of relativity articulated by Galileo. We will then explore how Einstein's two postulates lead to bizarre consequences, such as time dilation and length contraction. We will conclude with his General Theory of Relativity, including its prediction of Black Holes.
Monday, September 22 at 1:30 pm
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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
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In this class, we will create stationery and artistic envelopes to send in the mail. Correspondence art is a fabulous way to use your own creativity to surprise and delight a friend, relative, co-worker, or even a new pen friend. We will use several art mediums and everyday items to enhance your communication with others. No previous knowledge of art is required. Pen friends are available if participants wish to write to someone new. Side benefits may include a happier mailbox!
Monday, September 22 at 11:30 am
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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
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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
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For the advanced beginner to the intermediate painter: Improve your watercolor skills through practice! This class will give you dedicated time to get your paints out and create. Each week we will paint a different subject matter together, learning tips and techniques as we go and sharing with each other. Let go of expectations of perfection--we will learn through doing! Come prepared with your supplies and be ready to paint each week. (Don't forget to make sure you set your mug of drinking water away from your container of brush water!)
Monday, September 22 at 5:30 pm
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How does the U.S. compare in meeting the challenges that exist in 2025? We will examine some 24 topics including: GDP, Wages, Taxes, Trade balance, NATO funding, Environment, Energy, Education, Healthcare, Climate Change, Immigration, Safety, Prosperity, Happiness, "Best" Nations, et al. We will use the "Top 10" format which provides a quick "snap-shot" of the U.S. rank relative to other nations. Our sources are international surveys by highly credible and impartial world-wide organizations. This is the 4th Bi-Annual Edition for the program and includes three discussion breaks. A complete PDF copy will be supplied in advance.
Friday, October 10 at 11:30 am
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Historical novels tell interesting stories about a time and its people, requiring extensive research so the writing reflects history accurately. Using The Rest of His Days by Pamela Taylor, we will offer a one-hour look at the history of England at the end of the 13th and beginning of the 14th centuries, with emphasis on the historical characters introduced in the novel and the political conflicts that roiled the medieval world. In the second hour, we will continue with a discussion of the novel as contemporary literature. Readers and history buffs welcome!
Friday, October 31 at 11:30 am – New Date!
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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.
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| A tour of the Salt Lake City International Airport will take participants onto the airfield for a unique behind the scenes look at airport operations. The tour is conducted by an airport operations manager who provides an overview of airport programs, such as the wildlife mitigation program, deicing/snow removal, operations, and airport rescue and firefighting services. Participants should plan on at least 90 minutes for the tour. | Thursday, September 25 at 2:00 pm | Thursday, October 16 at 2:00 pm |
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Join us for the October session of the Osher Booker Bookers Book Club series! The book this month will be The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy.
Friday, October 3 at 1:00 pm
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Join experts in healthy aging for a FREE one-hour webinar exploring the science of strength training as we age. Learn how staying strong boosts mood, sleep, and memory, and discover key strategies for success, including the role of protein and everyday ways to incorporate strength training into your routine. Each Zoom session features a live interactive demo, followed by a Q&A to address your questions about possibly joining us for Vivo Fitness classes through Osher in a future term!
Friday, October 10 at 12:00 pm
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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
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Join us for a special lecture on World Polio Day by Osher member and retired MD Robert Day. Epidemics of polio in the United States became prevalent in the early 20th century. This discussion will focus on some of the science and characteristics of poliomyelitis and on the many individuals who became known for the great American fight against polio. Included are the pioneer scientists who originated the Salk (injected) and Sabin (oral) vaccines, and President Franklin Roosevelt, himself a victim of polio. The origins and the roles of The March of Dimes, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, Rotary International, the World Health Organization, and other groups will be discussed. The current worldwide status of polio eradication efforts will be reviewed, and finally, there will be some discussion about possible outcomes of the withdrawal from worldwide public health measures and from vaccine advocacy by the current administration.
Friday, October 24 at 11:00 am
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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 - Tomorrow!
Thursday, September 11 at 6:30 pm
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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
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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: Oct 21
Thursday, October 23 at 6:30 pm
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Lunch and Learn lectures are wonderful opportunities to experience a sampling of what the Osher program offers, firsthand and for FREE! These lectures open to the general public, as part of our service to the community.
All six lectures will be offered live via Zoom Webinar. Most lectures are recorded (with the speaker's permission) and kept in our archives for re-watching or later viewing. We also host an in-person Watch Party in Room 238 at our building at 540 Arapeen Drive, broadcasting the six Zoom sessions live, from 12 to 1 PM for those who would like the option to gather in person and watch the Zoom Event together. Grab your brown bag lunch, invite a friend, and join us--online or in person at the Watch Party--to enjoy these informative, interesting, engaging and free lectures.
Our huge thanks to longtime Osher volunteer Sandy Clark, who donates her time and energy to creating these sessions each term for fellow Osher members. Thank you, Sandy!
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Fall Term Lunch & Learn Lineup
Spotting the Warning Signs of Elderly Abuse
September 24, 2025, 12:00-1:00 pm
By Megan Schmidt, Adult Protective Services Trainer, Utah Department of Health & Human Services
Crisis Intervention and Suicide Awareness
October 1, 2025, 12:00-1:00 pm
By Lisa Murphy, Outreach Facilitator, Community Crisis Intervention and Support Services, Huntsman Mental Health Institute
The History of the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation & Sponsored Programs
October 8, 2025, 12:00-1:00 pm
By Jennifer Napier-Pearce, Foundation Chief of Staff
The Life and Legacy of Balthild, an Enslaved Girl Who became Queen of France
October 15, 2025, 12:00-1:00 pm
By Isabel Moreira, Associate Dean, University of Utah College of Humanities
Harnessing Responsible AI for Science Discovery, Innovation, and Impact
October 22, 2025, 12:00-1:00 pm
By Penny Atkins, Director of Research & Science, University of Utah’s Kahlert School of Computing
Who's in Charge Here: The Early History of the Military in Utah
October 29, 2025, 12:00-1:00 pm
By Fred Esplin, Osher Instructor, Former General Manager of KUED Channel 7, and
Former Vice President for Institutional Advancement, University of Utah
| | Language and Memory Aging Study | |
The Language and Memory Aging (LaMA) lab led by Dr. Brennan Payne is recruiting participants for their current study. This study will measure electrical brain activity (using electrodes placed on the scalp) and track eye movements while participants listen to speech presented in background noise. Participants also complete a short hearing acuity test. All data will be de-identified and kept confidential. This study takes place on the main Salt Lake City campus at the U. There would be one test session that lasts 3.5-4 hours, on average. If you choose to participate, you will be compensated $20/hour. Parking will be provided at no charge.
Please email them for more information: lamalabutah@gmail.com
| | 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!
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Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
801-581-6461 | osher@utah.edu
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