Giving and Receiving Kindness |
Osher is a place where adult learners give and receive kindness. When you register for one of our classes or events, you don’t just pay tuition and fees in a transactional relationship. You receive the full benefit of a labor of love from everyone involved: kind and caring staff members, dedicated volunteers, stellar instructors, and devoted fellow members. Instructors generously create an atmosphere of intellectual exchange by sharing insights from their lifetimes of learning. Class members in turn contribute their own life’s wisdom through insightful questions and robust discussions. Volunteers give back by recruiting and supporting instructors, assisting our small staff team, and planning events, tours, tastings, and other fun activities for fellow members. It’s a win/win/win for everyone, thanks to the genius of Bernard and Barbro Osher!
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In the decade leading up to American independence, white women took on crucial roles in a series of boycotts, petitions, and protests. During the long war that began in 1775, they were also indispensable. As wives and mothers, they encouraged their husbands and sons to enlist and then managed households and family businesses in their absence. The struggle for independence had allowed American women to assert themselves as political actors as never before. Would they happily resume their apolitical domestic roles after the war? Or would they demand to be recognized and directly represented in the new political order? This lecture, led by University of Maryland historian Richard Bell, explores these questions by examining the struggle to define white women's place in politics, voting, and public leadership.
Wednesday November 18 at 9:30 am – IN PERSON!
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By March 1770, the people of Boston had lived almost 18 months under British military occupation. The town was a powder keg--and on Monday, March 5, it exploded. Shots rang out on King Street and when the smoke from soldiers' muskets cleared, five local men lay dead and dying on the snowbound street. In this program, historian Richard Bell will draw on the latest scholarship to explore the Boston Massacre from all its many sides.
Wednesday November 18 at 12:30 pm – IN PERSON!
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Coming to a theater near you! This 2026 series has been built around Warner Bros. Studio's 1936 to 1940 patriotic film series Old Glory—which has recently been restored to its original, vibrant Technicolor--as a springboard for understanding the latest scholarly insights regarding the history of the American War of Independence. Each session includes four parts: a 20-minute screening of an American Revolution-related "short-reel film," a film historian's introduction, a contemporary historian's discussion, and a Q&A interaction between scholars and participants.
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The American War of Independence topics in this film and lecture series include the Declaration of Independence, the story of Patrick Henry, the story of the Sons of Liberty, the Bill of Rights, and Edward Everett Hale's 1863 short story The Man Without a Country. Dr. James D'Arc, retired curator of the BYU Motion Picture Archive, and Brad Westwood, retired senior public historian for Utah, organized this series for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute to expose participants to the most recent scholarship in the history of the American Revolution, presented by seven Utah University professors. The series will also seek understanding about how the US film industry interpreted this story during the Great Depression from 1929-1940 and show how accurately interpreting American Revolutionary history can help Utahns to be more informed and more engaged U.S. citizens today. This free series, co-sponsored by the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Utah, is open to all ages. You do not need an Osher membership to participate, but we hope you will join us for Osher classes in the future, especially if you are already age fifty and better!
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday Sessions at 6:30 pm
October 21 through November 18 – FREE
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In this Emmy-nominated feature documentary, follow the half-century story of America's civic unraveling through the journey of legendary social scientist Robert Putnam, whose groundbreaking Bowling Alone research into America's decades-long decline in community connections could hold the answers to our democracy's present crisis. Watch this fascinating film with fellow Osher members and share your thoughts in a guided discussion.
Monday October 26 at 1:30 pm
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This transformative class explores the profound art of connecting with horses through presence, breath, and mutual understanding. Far beyond traditional horsemanship, this experience invites participants to develop a deep, intuitive relationship with these magnificent beings without the barrier of riding. Class members will each be interacting and connecting with horses (not riding them).
Saturday October 31 at 10:00 am
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| Guiliana speaking at PATH International Region 10 Conference
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Oboist, Luca de la Florin, will present a half-hour preview of the music in the November 6 Finishing Touches Rehearsal of the Utah Symphony. The class takes place in the First Tier Room of Abravanel Hall from 9:00-9:30am on Friday, November 6, 2026. Separate tickets are required to attend the actual rehearsal and can be purchased from the Utah Symphony Ticket Office, 801-533-6683; they can also be purchased immediately after the class in the half hour before the rehearsal begins.
Friday November 6 at 9:00 am
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New Advances in Pharmaceuticals – Blocking Cancer’s Communication Network: A New Approach to Treat Advanced Ovarian Cancer
By Dr. Farzana Alam, Research Assistant Professor in Pharmacology and Toxicology at The University of Utah
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Cancer cells constantly send messages to nearby cells that encourage tumor growth and spread. These messages are delivered in tiny particles called exosomes. New research at The University of Utah has discovered that a protein called Doppel plays an important role in this communication system in ovarian cancer. By targeting Doppel, we hope to interrupt these harmful signals, reduce cancer spread, decrease abdominal fluid buildup, and improve the effectiveness of future therapies.
Wednesday October 21 from 12:00-1:00 pm
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Join us for a guided tour of the Bountiful Davis Art Center (BDAC), where we will explore the current exhibitions and learn more about the artists, ideas, and creative processes behind the work. Our tour will feature the Statewide Emerging Artists Annual (SWEAA), showcasing the work of emerging artists from across Utah, as well as Artists Who Teach, an exhibition highlighting the creativity and perspectives of artists who are also educators. The guided tour will focus primarily on BDAC's Main Gallery and will offer an engaging opportunity to look closely at the artwork, learn about the exhibitions, and share observations and conversation with fellow Osher members.
Friday October 23 at 11:00 am
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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.
Friday October 23 at 11:00 am
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The Other Side Village in West Salt Lake is more than a foundation of brick-and-mortar homes. It is a community of adult men and women that offers a supportive, meaningful environment to help individuals thrive beyond chronic homelessness. Join us for a tour of the Village and its lovely cottage-style homes to better understand the path to connection and purpose that builds lives.
Friday November 6 at 11:00 am
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We meet monthly to discuss Booker Prize-winning literature. Come to discuss Lincoln in the Bardo (2017) by George Saunders. Set in February 1862 amidst the early days of the American Civil War, the novel centers on President Abraham Lincoln's profound grief following the tragic death of his eleven-year-old son, Willie.
Friday November 6 at 1:00 pm
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Learn why the red poppy has become a symbol of remembrance for veterans. Discover the history of Flanders and the lasting devastation left by the Great War. Explore how the poppy became an enduring symbol of remembrance and reflection.
Monday November 9 at 11:30 am
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Liberty Park is one of Salt Lake City's most visited parks, but how much do you really know about it? Join the Salt Lake City Park Rangers for a walking tour to learn about the historic park and the importance it has to our city.
Monday November 9 at 1:30 pm
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Explore the flavors, traditions, and cultural history of Salt Lake City's Chinatown on this unique grocery-focused tour. Visit the local markets to discover ingredients, foods, and products from across Asia while learning about the communities and traditions they represent. Come curious, hungry, and ready to discover something new. We will make our way through narrow aisles of the grocery store and explore with our guide. Following the tour, Osher participants are encouraged to stay for lunch (not included) if interested.
Tuesday November 10 at 10:30 am
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| Osher Special Events in 2026 are brought to you in part from funding from ZAP
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Join us for a behind-the-scenes visit to HK Brewing Collective, a welcoming community taproom and bar featuring craft alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, creative experiences, and Han's Kombucha, brewed on-site. During this one-hour guided experience, we'll learn more about the brewing process, the story behind HK Brewing Collective, and the craft that goes into making their beverages. The tour includes a guided tasting and plenty of opportunities to ask questions and learn more about the process. After the tour, participants are welcome to stay and enjoy the taproom. Each participant will also receive a pint glass to take home.
Thursday October 22 at 2:00 pm
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Get a behind-the-scenes look at Pioneer Theatre Company’s production of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS through their new Insider’s Access program. This exclusive experience, led by Pioneer Theatre Company’s Props team, will give Osher members a rare glimpse at how the show’s iconic carnivorous plant, Audrey II, is brought to life on stage. Based on the 1960 low-budget Roger Corman horror movie (starring Jack Nicholson!), this cult classic musical is a perennial favorite and is currently enjoying a hugely successful Off-Broadway revival in New York. LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS is the story of a beleaguered flower shop assistant who discovers a strange carnivorous plant that thrives on (gulp) human blood! With a score by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman (of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid fame) and featuring hit songs like “Somewhere That’s Green,” “Suddenly Seymour,” as well as the title song, it’s a monster hit!
The Insider’s Access experience lasts approximately one hour. Your $15 special event fee covers the Insider’s Access experience. The LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS performance is not included in this fee.
Saturday October 24 at 11:00 am
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Professor Tim Palmer, Chair of Film & Media Arts, will introduce the groundbreaking work of Agnès Varda, one of world cinema’s finest filmmakers. Through an illustrated talk and screenings of micro-shorts and shorts, participants will explore Varda’s urban photography and early work in essay film, blending fiction and nonfiction in the 1950s and 1960s. The event will culminate with a screening of Varda’s 1962 feature Cléo From 5 to 7, which follows a pop star’s real-time journey through Paris as she awaits a medical diagnosis.
Monday December 14 at 1:30 pm – Registration Deadline December 9!
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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 Classroom Ambassadors throughout fall term in classes where they are already enrolled.
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Classroom Ambassadors help welcome fellow class members, take roll in classes, encourage everyone to use and clean our whiteboard name tents so we can all get to know each other, and read announcements each week about five minutes before class begins. Class Ambassadors choose a few announcements that they would like to share from our weekly email newsletters.
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Having a friendly face greet you during classes and announce Osher happenings out loud goes a LONG way, especially for folks new to our program. This is a low effort but high impact, easy, and fun way to get involved by helping in classes you are already attending! Sign up using this Google Form and our graduate student intern Elizabeth Butler from the College of Social Work will follow up with you. Thank you for taking the time to help us start the Osher school year with a smile. And all Ambassadors get one of our cool t-shirts!
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Grandfamilies: Rising to the Challenge of Raising Another Generation with Hope and Heart
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Today, 2.5 million children live in grandfamilies, or families headed by grandparents, aunts and uncles, siblings, or close family friends. A recent report by Generations United found that grandfamilies save taxpayers more than $10 billion each year by keeping children out of foster care. In her new book, Grandfamilies: Stories of Children and the Loving Relatives Who Raise Them, Donna Butts explores the unique challenges, resilience, and successes of grandfamilies through the stories of the caregivers and the children they raise. This session will use these stories to highlight how public policy and perceptions of grandfamilies, and kinship care have changed over the past 30 years, and what more is needed to help these families thrive. There will be a presentation followed by discussion.
Donna Butts is an award-winning nonprofit executive, author, and nationally recognized advocate for intergenerational solutions that benefit children, youth, older adults, and families. For more than twenty-seven years, Donna served as Executive Director of Generations United, a national nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities and families through intergenerational policy and practice. In this role, she elevated the needs of grandfamilies and advanced policies supporting families across generations. Her leadership helped shape national conversations and paved the way for critical legislation and resources for relative caregivers.
Osher Online Community Events are FREE and available to ALL members of participating Osher Institutes, even if they are not enrolled in an Osher Online course.
Tuesday, November 10 at 3:00 pm MT
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Tanner Humanities Center: Jeremy Rosen
Genre Bending: The Plasticity of Form in Contemporary Literary Fiction — Stanford University Press
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Detective, horror, fantasy, romance, science fiction, spy thrillers, westerns, zombie novels. In recent decades, acclaimed and ambitious writers of literary fiction have increasingly gravitated to popular fiction genres. In this comprehensive account, Jeremy Rosen describes literary fiction’s embrace of genre fiction’s conceits as “genre bending” and argues that while literary writers adopt genres for a wide variety of purposes, what they share is a revitalized attitude toward genre—a recognition that while genres can be used in formulaic ways, they can also be adapted and transformed endlessly.
Thursday, October 22 at 12:00 pm – Free!
Carolyn Tanner Irish Humanities Building, Jewel Box, Room 143
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Join NOVA for music by Shostakovich, Ustvolskaya, Gubaidulina, and Auerbach at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts for a collection of distinctive composers on their first Gallery Series program! These composers epitomize individuality, non-conformity (a trio for piccolo, tuba and piano!?) and a feminist, uncompromising fervor in their compositional voices. Shostakovich wasn’t half bad either! Featuring Madeline Adkins, Jason Hardink, Caitlyn Valovick-Moore, Alex Purdy, Claude Halter, JT Posadas, and Matt Johnson.
Sunday October 25 at 3:00 pm
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St. Cecilia's Day Concert
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Celebrate the patron saint of music with the Cathedral Choir in a program bridging European classical splendor and the rich tapestry of the American spirit. This concert will feature Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Vesperae Solennes de Confessore, a masterpiece that balances dramatic choral textures with moments of profound intimacy, such as the sublime Laudate Dominum for soprano solo and chorus. The program will also feature several of Aaron Copland’s choral motets, including The Promise of Living from The Tender Land, capturing the humor, nostalgia, and resilience of traditional folklore. Randall Thompson’s The Peaceable Kingdom, inspired by the Book of Isaiah, is a stirring double-chorus a cappella tour de force that moves from vivid intensity to transcendent harmonies of peace.
Tickets will become available to purchase beginning at 9:00 am MDT on Friday, October 30, 2026.
Sunday, Nov. 15, 2026 at 7:30 PM
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Our previous newsletters and podcasts are saved in an archive on our main website, so you never have to worry about missing a thing.
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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
osher.utah.edu
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Continuing Education at the University of Utah | 540 Arapeen Dr Rm 210 | Salt Lake City, UT 84108 US
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