In this lecture, Jill Chalsty shares the story behind her memoir, 'Packets of Hope: A Journey of Healing and Rediscovery,' inviting participants to travel alongside her through the ports she visited, the people she met, and the reflections that transformed personal adversity into strength and global impact.

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Monday, December 21, Synchronous Online

Join us in a diverse discussion of the history, biology, politics and environmental issues of the White Continent. It's considered a polar desert because it is the coldest, driest, and windiest continent. Did you know there was a race to the South Pole, or that it once had forests and dinosaurs? And don't forget all the different species of penguins and whales! Join us to learn all about this very different place.

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Thursdays, Nov 12 and 19, TBD - UR Campus (3 seats (3%) remaining)

Ever wonder who stays awake while you sleep? Meet some of Maymont's nighttime residents and learn about their nocturnal adaptations through experiments, games, and a hike of the grounds! Owls, bats, frogs and many other creatures of the dark will help shed some light onto their mysterious ways. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. The terrain includes hills and flat areas. Note: the new refund policy applies.

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Friday, Nov 20, Maymont (5 seats (20%) remaining)

This beginner-friendly introduction to birding removes the pressure to identify everything perfectly. This talk reframes birdwatching as a simple, restorative practice focused on observing, curiosity, and enjoyment. Participants will learn what they actually need to get started, where to go, and how to build confidence through small, meaningful observations.

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Thursday, Nov 19, TBD - UR Campus ( No seats currently available )

John Martin has been called a futurist, a strategist, even a storyteller. What sets him apart is his ability to turn insight into action. As president and CEO of RVA757connects, he's leading an ambitious effort to unite Richmond and Hampton Roads into a single, globally competitive region. The organization's agenda includes promoting the I-64 Innovation Corridor, supporting passenger rail, expanding broadband infrastructure, and positioning the region as a global internet hub.

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Monday, Oct 12, JPSN, Room 118

Join us as we start the UR Women's Basketball season for 2026-27! This year our home opener is part of a two-day tournament. The game time is subject to change so watch for the reminder several days before the game. Your Osher Institute is providing the game tickets for this event. Look for your colleagues in Section 3 of the Robins Center. Let's cheer our Lady Spiders on to another historic season!

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Friday, Nov 6, Robins Center Arena (9 seats (9%) remaining)

Mexicans celebrate a remarkable diversity of peoples, music, food, festivals, and historical traditions, expressed through fiestas that bring communities together throughout the year. Let's explore Mexico City as a cultural and historical crossroads shaped by centuries of continuity and change. We'll trace the legacies of Indigenous civilizations, the transformations of Spanish colonial rule, the struggles for independence and revolution, and the rise of modern democratic politics, culminating in the election of Mexico's first woman president. Note: The new refund policy applies.

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Tuesdays; Sept 29, Oct 6, 13, 20, 27, Nov 3, Synchronous Online

When Rick Grizzell saw news reports and videos of the massive destruction and death caused by Hurricane Hellene in 2024 in the mountains of North Carolina, he decided to take action to help the victims who had lost so much. Since then, he made numerous trips to NC, and is now helping victims in southwest VA who lost everything in floods in 2025. Rick is a humble man with an inspiring message: come hear his story.

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Monday, Sept 21, JPSN, Room 118

Join the University of Richmond family for a great Saturday in Robins Stadium as our football team takes on Furman. Our Osher tailgate will start at noon in the R45 parking lot, and the game will start at 2pm. Bring a dish to share and join us! Note: The new refund policy applies. The cost of this event covers your game ticket. If you already have a game ticket, you do not need to register. Just bring a dish and join us!

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Saturday, Sept 26, Robins Stadium

Join the University of Richmond family for a great Saturday in Robins Stadium as our football team takes on our rival William and Mary. Our Osher tailgate will start at 10am, and the game kicks off at noon. Bring a dish to share and join us! Note: The new refund policy applies. The cost of this event covers your game ticket. If you already have a game ticket, you do not need to register. Just bring a dish and join us!

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Saturday, Nov 21, Robins Stadium