Osher fall term begins Monday September 21 with a few early classes starting this week. We are thrilled to announce over 1,800 fall enrollments in over 140 classes. And, we broke a new record this month with over 2,000 Osher current members for the first time ever! Please sign up below. if you would like to volunteer greeter to help welcome people during the first week of classes. Thank you all for your ongoing support. In gratitude, we are hosting a new FREE fall open house on Saturday, September 26 from 12 to 5pm featuring all seven Continuing Education programs, including Osher. Join us for fun demos and workshops, including watercolor, bridge, and photography. Read all the details below. We'll have fun for all ages, so bring your friends and family!
|
|
|
|
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 Osher Ambassadors to help greet and direct people at our building's entrances during Osher's first week of classes, Monday September 21 to Friday September 24. We are also seeking Classroom Assistants to serve throughout fall term in classes where they are already enrolled.
|
- Osher Ambassador Greeters welcome and say hello to Osher members as they enter our building, hand out our purple parking passes, and help everyone find their classroom locations. Greeters also remind and show people where the Osher Lounge is located for complimentary morning coffee and tea service. We need greeters Monday through Thursday before class start times 9:30am, 11:30am, 1:30pm, 3:30pm.
- Classroom Assistants help instructors by taking roll in classes, encouraging fellow Osher members to use our whiteboard name tents so we can all get to know each other, and reading a few announcements each week about five minutes before class begins from our weekly email newsletters.
|
Having a friendly face greet you on your first day of classes goes a LONG way, especially for folks new to our program. Join us in this fun, free training session to learn more about the tasks of both of these Osher Ambassador volunteer roles, Greeters and Class Assistants, or simply sign up to serve in a time slot if you’ve volunteered before. This is a low effort but high impact, easy, and fun way to get involved by helping in classes you are already attending. Thank you for taking the time to help us start the Osher school year with a smile. And all volunteers get one of our cool t-shirts!
Monday September 14 at 1:00 pm – Today!
|
|
|
|
This course reviews the history of the American Revolution as fought in South Carolina. We start with an overview of the fraught political situation in South Carolina prior to the war, as well as the early battles there, followed by two years of militia in-fighting. Next, we briefly review the northern war which resulted in a stalemate, so the war shifted south. We then review in greater detail the battles which took place in the south involving Continentals and/or militia. We conclude with the brutal fighting that occurred after the surrender at Yorktown, and explain how it affected the eventual terms of the Treaty of Paris.
Tuesday September 22 at 11:30 am
|
|
| |
|
Come play bridge with us! This is not a structured class, but a comfortable place to come and play with a teacher on hand in case you have questions. These bridge sessions were created with beginning bridge players in mind, but players of all skill levels are welcome, and we are happy to have you join us, with or without a partner.
Tuesday September 22 at 11:30 am
|
|
| |
|
Once we reach a certain age, most of us know someone--a family member, friend, associate, even ourself--who has lost a breast to cancer. In this class, we will learn to use the Magic Loop knitting technique to knit a comfortable, machine washable, affordable prosthesis. Class members should know how to do a long tail cast on, as well as knit and purl. Skills taught will include how to handle a cable needle for Magic Loop, casting on to knit in the round, increasing and decreasing, and finishing.
Wednesday September 23 at 3:30 pm
|
|
| |
|
The Intersection of Our Lives: How History Shaped Us - The 1970s looks at the decade through a simple, repeatable lens: each session begins with one core historical event, then combines it with other historical events from the same year to show how our lives are part of one larger story. From there we zoom in on what everyday life looked and felt like at the time, using news headlines, music, television, film, and shared memories. The goal is to connect history to lived experience: what changed, what followed, and why the 1970s made a difference in our lives.
Tuesday September 22 at 3:30 pm — New Section Added!
|
|
| |
|
In a time of increasing division, the ability to engage in respectful, thoughtful conversations is more important than ever (even and especially with those you disagree with!). This course introduces the Living Room Conversations model—an approach to discussing challenging topics in a controlled environment where all voices are heard and valued. Participants will learn how to practice active listening, curiosity, and bridge-building, learning how to navigate difficult discussions with empathy and understanding. Each week, we will cover specific skills and discuss a different topic together, fostering powerful connection and mutual learning.
|
|
| | |
Weekly topics will include: Foundations of Civil Dialogue, Navigating Tricky Conversations, Finding Common Ground in Political Discussions, Communicating with Care and Empathy, Writing and Speaking for Impact, and Applying Civil Dialogue in Everyday Life.
Wednesday September 23 at 9:30 am
|
|
|
|
Discover a fun way to breathe new life into your watercolors! For beginners, intermediate, or advanced painters, woven watercolors are a way to add texture and dimension to your paintings. This course will teach you a few basic watercolor techniques such as wet-in-wet and dry brush, along with various ways to create texture on your paper. There will be a quick instructional on how to set up your paint palette and supplies for most efficient use. You will then learn to plan and execute a woven watercolor painting from concept to finished product.
Monday September 21 at 5:30 pm
|
|
| |
|
Resistance took many different forms in the Japanese incarceration camps of WWII, from draft resistance, to saying NO-NO on the loyalty questionnaire, to expressions in art, music, poetry, and photography. What you will see is the harshness of their daily lives, being held against their will. Additionally, we will explore the vocational side of the camps, from job training to the many work positions that the Japanese performed, jobs and services that the War Relocation Authority was unable to provide.
Wednesday September 23 at 11:45 am
|
|
| |
|
The American Origin story is steeped in mythology, Pilgrims, Colonists, Frontiersmen, Explorers, Traders, the Indian "troubles," the French and Indian War, and the Revolutionary War brought the United States of America into being. Then came the Wilderness Road, Westward Ho, cowboys and Indians, the Wild West, the gunfighters, the gold strikes, the Intercontinental Railroad, the ranchers and farmers and the exploitation of the West. The telling was mythic, the people heroic, their feats legendary. It was a story that captured the imagination of the world. Join us as we explore the mythmaking that attended the creation of a nation, the defeat and subjugation of its Indigenous peoples, and its westward expansion that soon reached from the Atlantic to the Pacific. We examine what purpose this mythmaking served.
Wednesday September 23 at 3:30 pm
|
|
| |
|
Explore the intersection of psychedelics and human development through historical, scientific, psychological, and spiritual lenses. Examine the cultural roots and modern resurgence of psychedelic substances, learn about their therapeutic uses, and engage with cutting-edge research on their potential to address mental health challenges. Emphasis will be placed on the biopsychosocial-spiritual model of healing, offering a holistic framework for understanding transformation and integration. By the end of the course, class members will have a deeper understanding of how psychedelics can influence identity, healing, and growth--both individually and collectively.
Thursday September 24 at 9:30 am
|
|
| | |
What is spirituality? How is it different from religion? What role does it play in a healthy aging process? In this six-week course, we will explore together some of the mysteries of life and death and how we create meaning and purpose along the way. The class will be taught with a combination of group dialogue and instructor presentations. Class members are encouraged to co-create an inclusive learning community in this class, and share with and learn from each other. Our instructor, Dr. Dave, is Professor Emeritus at the University of Utah, College of Social Work, former Director of Peace and Conflict Studies, and author of seven textbooks that link spiritual development with physical and mental wellbeing.
Thursday September 24 at 9:30 am
|
|
| |
|
If you know the basics of photography and use a digital camera, this course is for you. In this highly interactive course, you will learn about landscape composition, exposure, lenses, landscape equipment and accessories, depth-of-field, lighting, time and timing, photographing in different seasons, dealing with flare, shooting in snow, and more. You will receive feedback on your photos, time providing.
Friday September 25 at 11:30 am
|
|
| |
|
Lyuba Basin, Rare Books Curator in Special Collections, invites you to get a glimpse of the art and history of the book. Featured items on display from the Rare Books collection will include 4,000-year-old clay tablets, illuminated manuscripts, early print history specimens, and twenty-first century artists' books. After a brief lecture, there will be an opportunity to ask questions and enjoy the treasures found in this collection. This visit previews her more detailed upcoming spring term Osher course, Into the Vault: The Marriott Library's Rare Books Collection.
Tuesday September 15 at 10:00 am
|
|
| |
|
Tour the Museum of Utah, the state's first official state historical museum. Opened in June in the North Capitol building, permanent and rotating exhibits feature Utah culture, history and art including the Mormon Meteor III race car, pop culture, and artifacts from Native American tribes.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: September 22
Tuesday October 6 at 4:00 pm
|
|
| |
|
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
|
|
| |
|
| Osher Special Events in 2026 are brought to you in part from funding from ZAP
|
|
| |
|
Enjoy a tour of the KUER and PBS Utah public media stations. Peek into the control room and be part of an in-studio audience during the taping of The Hinckley Report. Meet Jason Perry, Vice President for Government Relations and Director of the Hinckley Institute of Politics at the University of Utah; Kelton Wells, PBS Utah Executive Producer; and their team and guests for a brief question-and-answer session following the taping. Please note: Limited guest/visitor parking; carpooling strongly encouraged. Additional parking instructions will be provided to registrants.
Friday September 18 at 9:00 am
|
|
|
|
Join Lesly Allen for a walking tour of the amazing murals of South Salt Lake. Lesly is the founder of the city's Mural Fest and Executive Director for SSL Arts Council. She will share stories, information about the artists, and ideas behind the mural while exploring how public art has helped share the character of South Salt Lake. Take a stroll and come discover colorful artwork throughout the city and learn more about the people and creativity behind it.
Saturday September 19 at 1:30 pm
|
|
|
|
Experience something very few people in the world have experienced—Rattlesnake Painting. You will not handle a snake, but will direct the rattlesnake wrangler on how you would like the snake to paint your art. You will choose the artist (snake), size and type of paper, color palette, wet or dry method of watercolor; and direct the wrangler where you want the paint and snake on the paper. Since you are dealing with a living animal, you never know how the painting will look. It is a fun and interesting experience and you will go home with a very unique work of art. Folks have said that it is actually a very relaxing experience to watch the process. The paint used is safe for the snakes; the instructor, has consulted with a world-renowned venom researcher who approved the paint as well as the process. Snakes are not being harmed in any way. Kim, the instructor, is a Certified Venomous Safety Instructor. You will never be near the snake, except when it is safely locked in its case. The snakes stay in their cases except when creating art. The $40 special fee is due upon arrival and will be donated to the Asclepius Snakebite Foundation. Please be considerate of the instructor who is buying all the materials and do not cancel last minute.
Registration Deadline Sept 22
Friday September 25 at 11:00 am
|
|
|
|
Located in Cottonwood Heights, this class will introduce you to the sport of canine scent detection. Bring your dog for a fun session to start teaching them to purposely search for a target odor. Our target odor will be essential oils on Q-tips paired with a treat. It's fun to enter their world and see how they get to the source of the odor we're having them look for. Your dog will get a great workout while you don't have to break a sweat! And the dogs LOVE the game! One dog per registrant please. The $15 special fee is due upon arrival.
Registration Deadline Sept 29
Friday October 2 at 11:00 am
|
|
|
|
Osher members are invited to a new monthly gathering designed to spark ideas, build connections, and help shape future Osher special events. This informal gathering is an opportunity for members to come together, share ideas, and collaborate on creative possibilities for future Osher events. Following our discussion, we’ll take a leisurely stroll through Red Butte Garden together. Whether you love brainstorming, planning, or simply connecting with fellow lifelong learners, we’d love to have you join us. No registration needed, please just show up and have fun!
Wednesday, September 23 at 2:00 p.m.
Red Butte Garden Plaza
For questions or more information, contact Sandi Greene: sandi@sandigreene.com
|
|
|
|
For anyone who would like a little extra support learning how to take an idea through the Special Event application process, members are also invited to attend the upcoming Osher Behind the Scenes: Special Events class.
|
Do you love attending Osher Special Events each term? Are you curious about how we select and organize our many varied fun events and who is responsible for planning them? This single-session free class will give you a behind-the-scenes tour of how Osher staff and volunteers run this very special and unique aspect of our program. Volunteerism is the foundation of Osher and especially of Special Events. Come learn how it's done and maybe even plan a new special event yourself for your fellow Osher members or share your ideas for fun places for Osher to visit.
Wednesday September 30 at 10:00 am
|
|
|
|
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!
Tuesday September 15 at 11:30 am
|
|
| |
|
Did you know that we share our Osher building with seven other programs? Continuing Education will be hosting a program-wide open house on Saturday, September 26 at 540 Arapeen Drive. We'll have demos and workshops, including watercolor, bridge, and photography. We'll have fun for all ages, so bring your whole family! Osher instructors Joon Bae, Jennifer Love, Marcie Collett, Charlie Belusa, Jonathan Duncan, David Stillman, and Amy Hargreaves-Judzis will represent the Osher program. You can enroll in their classes or join us to enjoy a day of fun conversations with all programs open house style.
about the joys of learning!
|
- Jennifer Love – Watercolor Demonstration
- Marcie Collett – Marcie's Movie Club Film Review
- Charlie Belusa – Bridge Demonstration
-
Joon Bae – Korean Ink Painting: Chrysanthemums
- Jonathan Duncan – The History and Future of the Great Salt Lake with Q&A
- David Stillman
-
Travelogs: Go Learn Patagonia
- Travelogs: Go Learn Bhutan
- Travelogs: Go Learn Mexico
- Amy Hargreaves-Judzis – Sip and Stitch
|
Saturday September 26 from 12:00 to 5:00 pm
|
|
|
|
NOVA Chamber Music Series 49th Season
|
NOVA Chamber Music Series' 49th Season opens on September 27 at 3 pm at Libby Gardner Hall. The concert features Kenji Bunch’s Lost Freedom, which was created in collaboration with actor George Takei, who experienced incarceration in a Japanese-American internment camp as a child. We are proud to present Plan-B Theatre’s Artistic Director Jerry Rapier as narrator for this work. The concert also features music by Franz Schubert and a world premiere by University of Utah Professor Jessica Rudman.
Use promo code OSHER for a 15% discount!
|
The University of Utah Office for Global Engagement and the Middle East Center invite campus and community members interested in global affairs to attend the Gulf States Forum, a one-day event, Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026, exploring diplomacy, economic diversification, natural resources, and innovation across the Gulf region. Several lectures and discussions are scheduled throughout the day, starting at 9 a.m. The event will culminate with the Global U Alumni Impact Award Dinner, recognizing His Excellency Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi, secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and a 1991 University of Utah graduate.
Participants are welcome to attend the full day or select sessions based on their interests. Apart from the evening dinner, all forum events are free and open to the public. Registration is required, and space is limited. To view full event details and register, visit https://www.global.utah.edu/gulfstatesforum/ .
|
Our previous newsletters and podcasts are saved in an archive on our main website, so you never have to worry about missing a thing.
|
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
osher.utah.edu
|
|
| |
|
Continuing Education at the University of Utah | 540 Arapeen Dr Rm 210 | Salt Lake City, UT 84108 US
|
|
|
|
Manage your preferences | Opt Out using TrueRemove™
Got this as a forward? Sign up to receive our future emails.
View this email online.
|
540 Arapeen Drive | Salt Lake City, UT 84108 US
|
|
|
|
This email was sent to .
To continue receiving our emails, add us to your address book.
|
|
|
|
|
