Lunch & Learn Lectures
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
If you're 50 or better you are invited!
Lunch and Learn lectures are wonderful opportunities to experience a sampling of what the Osher program offers, firsthand and for FREE! This special lecture series is open to the general public, as part of our service to the community.
All six lectures will be held live via Zoom Webinar each term, fall, winter, and spring (no summer lectures). Most lectures are recorded (with the speaker's permission) and kept in our archives for re-watching or later viewing after the live session ends.
We also host an in-person Watch Party each term at our building at 540 Arapeen Drive, broadcasting the six Zoom sessions live, from 12 PM 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!
Salt Lake County Zoo Arts and Parks Most webinars are recorded and made available on our website for later viewing. Free Lunch & Learns are supported by ZAP.
Did you miss a lecture or hope to watch one again? View our archives.
Fall 2025 Lunch and Learn Lecture Series
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
The signs are all around us! Through this presentation, Megan Schmidt from Adult Protective Services will define who is a vulnerable adult in Utah and how to identify warning signs and spot the "red flags" of abuse. We will also look at how no one is immune to the risk of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. We will learn how to protect older adults through engagement, advocacy, and empowerment, and how to report concerns of older adult abuse to Adult Protective Services. Megan will also be available to answer any questions that we may have.
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
Learn what constitutes a mental health crisis, as well as the warning signs for suicidal intentions. Learn skills for supporting someone in a mental health crisis and skills for talking about suicide. Learn about resources available to provide professional support for mental health crisis.
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
Founded in 1958, The George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation is dedicated to serving the people of the state of Utah by carrying forth the philanthropic interests and goals of its founders. The Foundation supports projects and programs that have the potential to make a significant difference in bettering Utah’s communities and enriching the quality of life of its citizens. The Foundation has awarded over $850 million to nonprofits in five focus areas: Arts and Culture, Community, Education, Health and Wellness, and Preservation and Conservation.
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
Balthild was a seventh-century Anglo-Saxon slave who was purchased for "a low price" and ended up as a powerful queen regent and saint of France. Her life story was remarkable, as were her anti-slave-trade policies. This talk will focus on how her legacy was maintained over the centuries through material remains associated with her—her bones, her clothing, and her hair. We will also look at two pieces of art, the statue of Balthild in the Luxembourg Gardens, and the Sons of Clovis II painting by the nineteenth-century artist Evariste-Vital Luminais.
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
Artificial intelligence (AI) has become an essential engine for innovation and economic growth, and provides new opportunities for scientific discovery in almost every domain. However, realizing AI's positive and transformative potential requires a transdisciplinary approach that ensures AI research and development (R&D) progress responsibly. In this talk, Dr. Penny Atkins will discuss the importance of democratizing AI R&D—including access to advanced cyberinfrastructure—to achieve the goal of responsible AI. She will then introduce the University of Utah's One-U Responsible AI Initiative, which aims to catalyze an innovation ecosystem at the Scientific Computing and Imaging Institute, to enable responsible, transdisciplinary AI development, and use for societal impact in the areas of environment, health, and education.
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
Utah is home to several defense installations and industries today, which are an important part of Utah's economy. But relations between Mormons and the military in the 19th century were not as cordial when the army was sent to Utah to back up federally appointed officers. In this engaging session, Fred Esplin will explain that early history, from Camp Floyd in 1850s to Fort Douglas in the 1860s and Fort Cameron in the 1870s.
Bernard Osher set up the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute to be member-led and volunteer-driven. We would appreciate any suggestions for future topics of interest to you for Lunch and Learn Lectures. We especially appreciate recommendations of speakers who could present topics for us in future terms. Thank you for your participation and support!
