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The Osher Institute Expands to Bountiful in Spring 2007

U OF U'S OSHER LIFELONG LEARNING INSTITUTE OFFERS BOUNTIFUL RESIDENTS 50 AND OVER MANY OPPORTUNITIES TO FEEL YOUNGER

February 28, 2007—This spring, lifelong learners age 50 and over in Salt Lake City and Bountiful have even more chances to learn together through the class offerings at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. Older adults will come together to explore their internal resources, find new dimensions for growth, and reexamine their histories beginning April 2. They'll study together in courses they chose, developed specifically for them by subject experts. Thirty-seven weekly classes and a variety of special events will be offered during the U's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute spring term. Registration opens March 13 at 8:00 AM.

For the first time ever, the Osher Institute will hold seven classes in the U of U Bountiful Campus location, 75 East 200 South. University classes have been held at the historic Stoker School since 1981. The Bountiful campus offers free parking and a central downtown location for Osher members, and is easy to find from I-15. The spacious facility includes 17 classrooms, two study rooms, a gymnasium, two ceramics studios, and a computer lab with 22 computers. The Osher Institute will kick off the spring term in Bountiful with three Open House events.

Community members will be able to preview several spring classes, learn more about the program, and tour this new location. The public is welcome, and RSVPs are not required.

On Wednesday, March 7, community members can explore the Bountiful location from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., followed by a free sample class from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.: The Wonders of Ancient China, instructed by Ewa Wasielewska. Professor Wasielewska has more than 25 years experience working on different aspects of both the ancient and modern Middle East and Central Asia. Following the class demonstration, there will be a special presentation about the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute from 11:30 a.m. to noon.

On Thursday, March 15, community members can experience one of two sample classes from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.: The Nia® Technique, taught by Julie Rider, an occupational therapist who believes that "through movement we find health." Nia (Neuromuscular Integrative Action) is an expressive movement practice that uses "The Body's Way" to achieve physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual fitness and well-being and to increase your personal power. The Heart of Darkness, taught by Kay Senzee, will guide participants to a greater understanding of this masterpiece. Kay has taught at the University of Utah, Utah State, Weber State, and the Osher Institute. Following the class demonstration, there will be a special presentation about the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute from 11:30 a.m. to noon. Specialists will be on hand to discuss the program and register students in spring Osher classes from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

On Thursday, March 22, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Osher will present short versions of The Nia® Technique (see above) and Introduction to Computers, taught by Hanisya Massey, who has more than 15 years of professional technical experience teaching various software programs and Internet basics to individuals, groups, mature adults, children, and corporate clients. Following the class demonstration, there will be a special presentation about the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute from 11:30 a.m. to noon. Specialists will be on hand to discuss the program and register students in spring Osher classes from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

According to Cathy House, Osher Institute director, "Mature learners have incredible life experiences and lessons to bring to class discussions. Watching our Osher Institute members interact simply debunks the stereotypes of 'aging'—our members continue to grow and thrive as they learn with each other. The Bountiful campus is extremely conducive to learning and will only enhance the program and the members' experiences."

Many other new classes and returning favorites in both locations will cover topics such as foreign languages, religion, nature, hands-on art and photography, home and garden, history, writing, technology and computers, music, wildlife and geology, the environment, and personal development. All classes are taught by current and emeritus University of Utah faculty members and experts from the community.

The Osher Institute offers three, six-week sessions annually, with most courses held during the day at historic Fort Douglas in Salt Lake City and at the U of U Campus in downtown Bountiful. Typical classes meet once or twice a week for one and a half hours. Courses are specifically selected for learners age 50 and over by a curriculum committee made up of Osher members, and are developed and taught by distinguished emeritus faculty and community experts.

Osher students have several membership options. Membership entitles Osher Institute students to benefits such as discounts at Kingsbury Hall and free entrance to the Utah Museum of Fine Arts, Utah Museum of Natural History and Red Butte Garden, and access to campus libraries. In addition, members and their guests can participate in various special events, University lectures, films and tours. Gift certificates can be purchased for membership in the program.

Funded primarily by a grant from the Bernard Osher Foundation, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University joins over 100 other campuses in providing education outreach to older community members. The U's program, the only Osher Institute in Utah, is also sponsored by the University Health Sciences Center and Osher members. Community Partners include the Utah Museum of Natural History, the Utah Museum of Fine Arts, Red Butte Garden, and the U Alumni Association. The Osher Institute is part of the Academic Outreach and Continuing Education division at the University of Utah, which enriches the lives of people of all ages in the greater community and beyond by providing extraordinary learning opportunities.

More information on courses, membership, special events, and the Osher Institute may be obtained by calling 801-585-5442.