Lunch & Learn Lectures
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

If you're 50 or better you are invited!

Osher lunch and learn eventsLunch and Learn lectures are wonderful opportunities to experience a sampling of the Osher program firsthand. All six lectures will be held via Zoom Webinar. We will be broadcasting the lectures at 540 Arapeen Drive from 12 PM until 1 PM, for those who would like the option to gather in person to watch the Zoom Event. Grab your brown bag lunch, invite a friend, and join us for these informative, interesting, free lectures!  

In Salt Lake City We will be broadcasting the lecture at 540 Arapeen Drive from 12 PM until 1 PM, for those who would like the option to gather in person to watch the Zoom Event.

For our St. George Learners We will be broadcasting the lecture at the St. George Graduate Center in Room 101 from 12 PM until 1 PM. The Graduate Center is located at 1071 E 100 S, St. George, UT

Register Now!

Did you miss a lecture or hope to watch one again? View our archives.

Winter 2025 Lunch and Learn Lecture Series

Topaz, Utah: Lessons Learned and Unlearned
January 22, 2025, 12:00-1:00 pm
By Scott Bassett, Topaz Museum Board Member and Docent

The Topaz Museum mission is to preserve the Topaz Incarceration site and its World War II history; to interpret the impact of Topaz on the incarcerees, their families, and the citizens of Millard County; and to educate the public in order to prevent a recurrence of a similar denial of American civil rights. This presentation will focus on the tragic facts of this World War II injustice vs. the fake news of the day. The intent is to answer the following questions: Were citizens and "enemy aliens" of Japanese ancestry truly a threat to national security during World War II? Was military action necessary? Is fear a justifiable reason to forcibly remove an entire population of marginalized people from an area? What were the conclusions of the "Personal Justice Denied" report? Can we learn from the past?


Migraine: A Neurogenetic Disorder, Not Just a Headache
January 29, 2025, 12:00-1:00 pm
By Dr. Dan Henry, Founder and President, Danielle Byron Henry Migraine Foundation, and Elizabeth Henry Weyher

Dr. Dan Henry's presentation will include the pathophysiology of migraine, the prevalence of the disorder in children and adults, and his personal connection to the disease. Dr. Henry's daughter, Elizabeth, will share Danielle's story and the resources and initiatives supported by the Danielle Byron Henry Migraine Foundation.


Keeping Busy After Retirement
February 5, 2025, 12:00-1:00 pm
By Jeanine Wilson, Society for Human Resource Management & Service Corps of Retired Executives

This presentation is designed to inspire and guide retirees or those approaching retirement on how to create a meaningful, engaged, and balanced retirement life. This presentation will identify multiple ways for participants to enter retirement with a fresh perspective—blending social, intellectual, physical, and creative activities with practical ideas to make retirement a vibrant and fulfilling new phase of life.


Social Isolation and Loneliness: The Significance of Friendship in Later Years
February 12, 2025, 12:00-1:00 pm
By Dr. Michael Chang, PhD, Associate Professor in Human Development & Family Studies, University of Hawaii at Manoa

The effects of social isolation and loneliness may be as damaging as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. You may be in a house or room full of people, and yet be socially isolated. What unexamined assumptions are people making about “friends” in their lives? Find out how important friendships can be to address the consequences of social isolation and loneliness in later years.

Note: THIS SESSION WILL NOT BE RECORDED


The Forthcoming Museum of Utah
February 19, 2025, 12:00-1:00 pm
By Tim Glenn, Inaugural Director of the Museum of Utah

Set to open in 2026 as Utah’s first state history museum, the Museum of Utah will celebrate our unique history, culture, and art through world class exhibits, programming, and community spaces. The Museum of Utah will be housed within the new North Capitol Building and serve as a future gateway to Utah's Capitol Complex, engaging visitors as they explore Utah’s past and consider their place in shaping Utah’s future. The Museum building also will include a state-of-the art collections storage facility specifically designed to care for and house the state’s renowned history and art collections. Hear from Tim Glenn, Museum Director for the Utah Historical Society, as he discusses the process behind the new Museum of Utah project. The discussion will highlight exhibition development, public engagement, content processes, and highlight some of the unique stories that will appear in the Museum of Utah.


Downtown Salt Lake City
February 26, 2025, 12:00-1:00 pm
By Dee Brewer, Executive Director of the Downtown Alliance, Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce

This will be a presentation about Downtown Salt Lake City today through 2034. We will examine recent trends in visitation, office worker census, and residential growth. We will also discuss the current state of plans for developing a Sports, Arts, Culture and Convention District; a Green Loop surrounding the urban core; and other major initiatives between now and the 2034 Olympic Winter Games. The Downtown Alliance is a nonprofit business improvement organization in Salt Lake City dedicated to building a dynamic capital city that is the center of culture, commerce, and entertainment.


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!

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