Continuing Education at the University of Utah: Classes for All Ages!

Current Instructors

Michael Austin
Michael Louis Austin has been a music instructor for 20 plus years. He has toured the United States three time as the lead and rhythm guitarist of Las Vegas' award-winning Rock band The All-Togethers. He teaches guitar, ukulele, bass, and vocals. Michael has a degree in guitar performance from McNally Smith College of Music in St. Paul Minnesota. He has opened up for bands such as The Steep Canyon Rangers, Billy Strings, Taylor Ashton, Cracker, Nada Surf, Everclear, and the Spin Doctors. He has released a full album of all original music titled "Radio" in 2015 and has released eight new singles produced by Thaddeus Corea (Son of Jazz legend Chick Corea).
JOON BAE
Joon Bae received her BFA in visual arts with an emphasis in painting and drawing from the University of Utah. She began learning traditional Korean ink painting methods during her childhood. After a lifetime of practice and an exploration into Western forms of painting through her studies, she has found her rhythm as an East Asian ink painter. Her work has been collected internationally and exhibited in Utah at the Salt Lake City Library, the University of Utah, the Springville Museum, the Jewish Community Center, and more. She has given countless demonstrations and was featured in the 2019 edition of Sunshine Artist magazine. She is excited to continue teaching and learning through storytelling by putting brush to rice paper.
Richard Bell
Richard Bell is Professor of History at the University of Maryland and author of the book, "Stolen: Five Free Boys Kidnapped into Slavery and their Astonishing Odyssey Home," which was a finalist for the George Washington Prize and the Harriet Tubman Prize. He has held major research fellowships at Yale, Cambridge, and the Library of Congress and is the recipient of the National Endowment of the Humanities Public Scholar award and the 2021 Andrew Carnegie Fellowship. He serves as a Trustee of the Maryland Center for History and Culture and as a fellow of the Royal Historical Society.
ROBERT BIGELOW
Robert Bigelow has a BS in physics and is an amateur astronomer. He recently retired from Clark Planetarium (formerly Hansen Planetarium) after nearly 27 years, where he gave presentations on science and astronomy, both at the Planetarium and in schools throughout Utah. He has previously taught courses on astronomy and physics for the Osher Institute and Lifelong Learning. He is also a NASA Solar System Ambassador.
TIMOTHY CHAMBLESS
Tim Chambless, PhD, has taught seven different courses for the University of Utah's Department of Political Science since 1987. He has also taught courses for the U's departments of Communication and History as well as the English Language Institute. Tim has worked for a mayor, a governor, a senator, and a congressional representative. He served for over 20 years on Salt Lake City's Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment, and he has participated in more than 30 political campaigns. Tim emphasizes current events and contemporary world problems in the study of American government as both an experiment in democracy and as a tool for solving societal problems. He has taught for Osher since 2007.
MARCIE COLLETT
Moving to Salt Lake City from Denver in 2005, Marcie has spent her professional and volunteer life working to advance film programs, the arts, health, and educational causes that serve the community. Her work includes organizations such as the American Cancer Society, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the University of Utah, Utah Film Center, and the Utah Museum of Fine Arts. Since 2017, Marcie has been associate director of the Salt Lake Film Society, thrilled to advance their mission and programs through the Broadway and Tower cinemas, slfsathome.org, and the Studio Backlot Motor Cinema.
CANDICE CRAVINS
Candice L. Cravins is the Development Coordinator at the John Wesley Powell River History Museum in Green River, Utah. She holds an M.S. degree in Anthropology from Utah State University and has been designing and implementing in-person and online educational programs for K-12 students and teachers, undergraduate students, and adults in academic settings in Utah, Texas, and Alabama since 2012. Outside of her work in museum education, she maintains a nationally recognized Group Fitness Instructor certification with the Athletics and Fitness Association of America and instructs yoga and other group fitness classes for all ages, sharing her passion for creating accessible health and wellness resources with her rural community. She enjoys spending her free time exploring the great outdoors with her partner and their two sweet rescue dogs.
GARY DIXON
BS Chemistry, University of Utah
MS Chemistry, Seattle University; Thesis: Quantum Theory and Negentropy in Process Development
National Science Foundation Fellow
Director: Development of Saudi Arabian Laboratories (U.S. State Department)
Manager: Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Boosters (NASA)
Director: Warhead Development Center (U.S. Military)
Adjunct Professor: Chemistry Department (Weber State)
JONATHAN DUNCAN
Jonathan Duncan has over 20 years of experience working as a professional adventure photographer and digital storyteller. His work has taken him through many of the world's most remote landscapes and cultures. He is driven by a passion for wild places and for understanding and communicating the way different people relate to the natural world. He has served on the faculty of The Art Institute of Portland, Western Washington University, and Westminster College, where he is currently an adjunct professor teaching Adventure Media and Photography.

"The Instructor, Jonathan, was always prepared and shared great information and techniques. He is open to assisting us in developing our continued journey through successful implementation. I would take another class from this instructor." -Camille B.

"Jonathan is a thoughtful, engaging instructor with a great deal of experience to share. He creates a positive learning environment, very enjoyable!"-Bruce Q.
CHRISTINE DYSON
Chris Dyson received a BA in English and a Master's of Education from the University of Utah. Before retiring in 2016, she worked for Granite School District as a geography teacher for 16 years and a District Teacher Specialist for 11 years. While working at the district office, she coordinated a Character Education/Service Learning Program for 90 schools and also served as a National Trainer for the Community of Caring Program. Her last six years of teaching she focused on AP Geography and loves teaching about the elements of culture around the world.

Chris became fascinated with calligraphy over 40 years ago and has studied with international master calligraphers from across the U.S., Canada, and England. Her experience includes studying at St. John's University in Minnesota under Donald Jackson, who is the official scribe and calligrapher to Queen Elizabeth II. Chris focuses on ancient alphabets and illuminated letters. She has taught calligraphy classes in the public schools and also though community education. Her pieces have received Best of Show and Honorable Mention awards in juried exhibitions.
LAURIE EASTWOOD
Laurie Eastwood, a University of Utah English major, discovered that her passion and joy were in the creative process. Following her dreams and intuition she experimented with hand-tinted photography, founded J. Christopher Prints, and sold prints in hundreds of retail outlets nationwide. In 2004, Laurie retired from her business and began an inquiry on how to tap into creative sources through art. Laurie currently teaches and engages in retreats in which participants explore their personal versions of creative living.
PETER FILLMORE
Peter was the primary care partner of his wife Susan of 54 years, who was living with Alzheimer's Disease. The journey began in 2011 when Susan diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment. Yearly follow-ups were done with the Neurology staff at the U of U. In 2019 Susan was diagnosed as living with Alzheimer disease. The goal was to provide a home-based care for Susan throughout the journey including the end of life. Therefore, strategies were developed to create an environment to meet the emotional and physical needs of Susan. This class will help to define how those strategies were developed, the resources available to help and the actual hands-on requirements to meet the needs of living with Alzheimer's Disease.
GABINO FLORES VALINO
Gabino Flores has been teaching classical guitar for over 20 years, bilingually, as he is in fluent Spanish and English. He studied at the National Conservatory of Music in Mexico City. He has performed in Mexico, Europe, and throughout Utah. He currently teaches for the Harmony Hub program, part of the Mundi Project at the Sorenson Unity Center, and the Madeleine Choir School in Salt Lake City.
CHRISTINE FRAIZER
Christine Fraizer (retired) is a former newspaper and magazine writer/editor. She enjoys researching Utah stories from the past, and this happens to include people interred at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Her talk will not dwell on the morbidity of those in the cemetery, but, rather, embrace their contributions to Utah's past. Fraizer has a bachelor's degree in journalism/biology and a master's in journalism/English. Utah has been her home since 1984.
STEPHEN HALL
Stephen C. Hall (Col., USAF, retired) is a former senior fellow at L-3 Communications Systems-West, in Salt Lake City. He is a 1967 graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology and received his master's degree in management from Troy State University in 1976. Col. Hall lectures on World War II history at Georgia Tech, Morehouse College, BYU, and Osher at the University of Utah.
ALEXANDER HARRELSON
Alex Harrelson is a 24-year-old tenor pursuing a DMA at the University of Utah. He studies under Dr. Robert Breault. At the U, he has performed as the Mad Hatter and the White Rabbit in A.L.I.C.E., a new opera by Amy Scurria, as well as Marley, Fred, and Cratchitt in A Christmas Carol, King Kaspar in Amahl and the Night Visitors, Rinuccio in Gianni Schicchi, the Defendant in Trial by Jury, and Ferrando in scenes from Cosi fan tutte. In addition to operatic performance, Alex performed Schubert's Die Schone Mullerin for his Master's Recital. As a lover of lieder, he has also performed Schumann's Dichterliebe and Beethoven's An die ferne Geliebte. He looks forward to performing Wolf's Italienisches Liederbuch in December. With Lyrical Opera Theater, he has performed Le Remendado in Carmen, Gherardo in Gianni Schicchi, Parpignol in La Boheme, and Count Almaviva in Il Barbiere di Siviglia. Other notable roles include Gastone in La Traviata and Lindoro in L'Italiana in Algeri. Most recently he performed in Le Roman de Silence, a new opera by Anthony Buck. Alex regularly sings with the Cathedral of the Madeleine and in opera outreach within Salt Lake and Utah counties.
PAUL HOLBROOK
Paul Holbrook has a Master's degree in Gerontology from the Fischer Institute for Wellness at Ball State University and experience at the Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University. A Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association, he has worked as a personal trainer for over twenty years. In 2005, Paul founded the Age Well Center, a human performance training center for older adults.
MARTIN HURLBURT
Martin Hurlburt is a certified retirement counselor, author, Tedx speaker, husband, father, grandfather and guitarist in a rock n roll cover band.
JAY JACOBSON
Dr. Jacobson, Professor Emeritus in Internal Medicine, has studied, trained, or taught at the Universities of Michigan, Florida, Chicago and Utah, and at the Centers for Disease Control. His specialties are Infectious Disease and Medical Ethics. He does clinical consultation at both Intermountain Healthcare hospitals. He established the multidisciplinary Division of Medical Ethics and Humanities at the University of Utah Medical School in 1989. His academic interests include medical errors and apologies, professional conflicts of interest, and ethical issues at the end of life.
WALTER JONES
Walter Jones, retired Head of Western Americana at the J. Willard Marriott Library, teaches history at Salt Lake Community College. He has Master's degrees in Library Science from BYU and in History from the University of Utah. Walter was a Korean linguist in the US Army (four years active duty and 23 years Reserves), and in the National Guard. He has presented papers and written about the Vietnam War.
DAVID KEYES
David Keyes completed his yoga teacher training soon after retiring from the Salt Lake City School District. He teaches yoga, qigong, and other healthy living classes in the community. His interest in walking meditation began in earnest after attending a labyrinth workshop at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco.
JENNIFER LOVE
Jennifer Love attended Westminster College of Salt Lake City where she earned a BS in Marketing with a Minor in Spanish and a Teaching Minor in Fine Art. She later returned to Westminster to earn a Master of Professional Communications. Art has always played an important role in her life. It is therapeutic and brings her a joy that she loves to pass on to others as often as possible. Jennifer is a Signature Member and Past President of the Utah Watercolor Society (UWS) and has served in several volunteer roles with the UWS since 2003. She has participated in multiple watercolor exhibitions and several art festivals as well as Community Nursing Services Art & Soup Celebration fundraiser. She began teaching private watercolor and drawing lessons in 2020 as well as outdoor summer workshops and demonstrations for multiple students. She discovered a passion for passing on her love of art to others and encouraging people to find their creative voice.

Jennifer has been teaching ZumbaÂ®, Zumba GoldÂ®, and Zumba GoldÂ® Chair classes since January 2021. She loves working with mature adults and anyone who is ready to move their body and feel better. ZumbaÂ® is for everybody and EVERY body. Movement is medicine! No experience necessary. These days, Jennifer focuses her attention on teaching Zumba GoldÂ® - which is a low impact, lower-intensity format of ZumbaÂ® and a super fun workout!
GIULIANA MARPLE
Giuliana Marple is a teaching faculty and Lecturer of Italian at the University of Utah. She directs and organizes study abroad programs in Italy and Europe. Giuliana received a Master in Foreign Language Teaching from the University of Utah and a Bachelor of Arts from Brigham Young Universtiy. She has worked for two Olympic Committees in Salt Lake City and Turin, Italy. Giuliana is the founder of several cultural organizations, including Frontier Education and the Italian Club of Salt Lake. She lectures on Italian Culture and Society all over Utah and in the North West. She collaborates with the SLC mayor's office and the Italian Consulate in SLC for Italian cultural exchanges. She is currently the director of the Verona Italian Language Learning Abroad program.

What Students are Saying:

"Giuliana is bright, dynamic, and makes this class FUN. She's the best--not only completely at ease with the language, but also, she knows how to teach. Excellent!" P.C., Bountiful

"Giuliana is such a bright, enjoyable person and being around her is so nice. She was so knowledgeable about the horses and made our experience with them very connected and fun. I left this experience with a deeper knowledge of myself and better tools for my relationships with others. I loved the meditation portions and all the interactions I was able to have with the horses. I will definitely be coming back to this experience and recommending it to people in my life!"-Kirsten D.

"I absolutely loved this class! Guilanna is a great instructor that is clearly passionate about her work and horses.

"I felt incredibly lucky to have stumbled upon this class and highly recommend it to anyone looking to clear their head or do something different."
-Becca C.

"Excellent! So well done. Prepared for us, the attendees, so much effort and sincere love. Excellent training and memories and positive life thoughts taken away from this class."
-Judy N.

"This is an amazing class and I liked it so much that I attended for a second time. Please continue to offer this great class!"
-Jill M.
KEN MAY
Ken May has a Master's degree in Interdisciplinary studies from Oregon State University and a Bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts from Utah State University, as well as an Area Studies Certificate in International Development from Utah State University and a TEFL Certificate. Ken was raised in Salt Lake (Millcreek). His work background includes everything from social worker to migrant labor to weekly journalist at Bangkok Post. He has also volunteered for VISTA/Americorp in Berkeley, California. Mostly, Ken taught English and tourism overseas (Thailand, Turkey, South Korea, Hungary, India) and recently returned to Salt Lake after nearly 20 years overseas. A lot has changed since he has been away!
James Pagliasotti
James Pagliasotti at age 23 became the first rock music critic and columnist for The Denver Post, where he produced a twice-weekly column and regular articles about music and the counterculture from 1968-74. His work appeared in Rolling Stone magazine and various other publications. He also did shows as a deejay at KRNW-FM radio in Boulder, which he co-founded as a freeform station, and later at KFML AM & FM in Denver. He is the author of three books, a bi-monthly newsletter and blog jampags.com, and is the creator of Radical Radio: FREEFORM Radio Archive. His expertise is experiential rather than academic and is offered as first-hand observations in the form of a memoir from a time when he had press credentials, a back stage pass, and a front row seat at a fascinating time in history. He has taught this and several other courses at OLLI chapters across the country.
RUTH PALMER
Ruth Palmer is happily retired. While exploring options to stay involved and healthy, she discovered and fell in love with line dancing. Many years later, she is a participant and teacher in a number of line dance classes for active seniors in the Salt Lake Valley. Her focus is on having fun as well as learning dance moves and great exercise. Ruth and her co-teacher, Linda Wood, are committed to sharing their skills and experience so that others can learn to love and enjoy line dancing as much as they do. Together they look forward to sharing their enthusiasm for line dance and the social and physical benefits it provides.
ASYA PERELTSVAIG
Asya Pereltsvaig received a Ph.D. in Linguistics from McGill University and taught at Yale and Stanford, and has been teaching in lifelong education programs since 2010. Her expertise is in language and history, and the relationship between them. Her most recent book, Languages of the World: An Introduction, 3rd edition (2020) was published by Cambridge University Press. Asya is a popular instructor for several Osher Lifelong Learning Institute programs around the country. She was the faculty host for a trip to the Baltic countries and St. Petersburg in July 2017.
CYNTHIA PERRY
Cynthia Perry has a BS in Applied Mathematics and an MBA, and spent her career in marketing analytics, competitive intelligence, and strategic planning. She is adept at making complex information easy to understand. An experienced Osher instructor, she has taught courses on political polling, big data, bionics and Quaker history. Cynthia is a researcher at heart and was an early adopter of ChatGBT in her everyday life. Cynthia currently lives in Denver, where she enjoys teaching, writing, and silver smithing.
JANEEN SHELDON
Janine Sheldon (B.A. '74) taught English and American literature to high school students in San Francisco for five years. She was a senior fundraiser at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and at UC Berkeley's art museum and Graduate School of Education for many years before returning to her hometown of Salt Lake City. She is now a docent at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts and recently completed her Master Gardener certification from Utah State University Extension.
ELI VEGA
Eli Vega is a highly-published and award-winning photographer and author. He has taught photography for over two decades, including several Osher Lifelong Learning Institute groups around the country. His largest teaching venue is Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, where he teaches his three-day in-the-field workshops. As a certified workshop facilitator, he makes his classes and workshops engaging, interactive, and fun. He is the author of two photography books: Right Brain Photography (Be an artist first) and Renditions of Famous Paintings.
MICHELLE WYATT
Chelle Wyatt is co-owner of Hearing Loss LIVE!. She has a progressive hearing loss and has worn hearing aids for 30 plus years, most of her life. After a big drop in hearing in 2010 she found support through the SayWhatClub and began participating with the Hearing Loss Association of America, Salt Lake City Chapter (HLAA-SLC) meetings. Through them, she found the Utah Division of Services of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DSDHH) classes to learn how to live more successfully with hearing loss. She worked for DSDHH for 8 Â½ years. As a Hard of Hearing Assistant for 5 years, she taught classes and gave presentations on hearing loss: Hearing aids 101, Tinnitus, Speechreading and Living with Hearing Loss. For three and a half years, she was the Hard of Hearing program manager increasing educational events and participation. Chelle credits her volunteer experience with HLAA - SLC and the SayWhatClub with giving her valuable work experience. Her volunteer experience includes being a board member for the SayWhatClub, sponsorship chair and convention setup.