'Easy Death' provides insight and understanding of the death process whether approaching one's own death, serving a loved one in the death process, or simply suffering one's own sense of mortality. The pages of 'Easy Death' by Adi Da Samraj offer a most extraordinary and unique help: real help given as and in wisdom, and not merely as consolation or impermanent philosophy.

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Tuesdays; June 2 and 9, TBD - UR Campus

Join us for the 36th Annual Peple Lecture Featuring Sigrid Nunez, National Book Award Winner & New York Times Bestseller. A literary sensation and a writer of uncommon talent, Sigrid Nunez is the author of many novels, including the National Book Award winner and New York Times bestseller, The Friend. Her writing spans over a wide range of genres and themes, but the constant is the level of familiarity she achieves with her readers through her intimate and confessional tone. With her quiet wit, poignant prose, and sharp powers of observation, Nunez speaks to audiences about her path to becoming a writer and the craft of writing.

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No session is currently available for registration

If you are familiar with the library resources but want to go beyond the basics, this session will explore some of the more interesting and unusual digital collections and databases. This is an advanced session that builds on the information introduced in Bounty of Boatwright.

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Thursday, June 18, Synchronous Online

Learn how to find books, articles, and other resources that are of interest to you. This session provides an overview for beginners or those new to Osher and includes a virtual tour of the library.

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Thursday, June 4, Synchronous Online

Documentary Screening: Fine artist Dora Fugh Lee was born to a noble family in China. In this Emmy-nominated film produced for PBS and narrated by Rose Nan-Ping Chen, Lee's compelling life and art are explored. She is considered one of the last Chinese literati painters. After the film there will be a panel discussion with the director E. Samantha Cheng, followed by a reception. Then join us for One Man Show and Book Launch: Jesse Appell is an independent creative, entrepreneur and intercultural comedian based in Beijing who uses comedy as a means to bridge cultural divides between China and the West.

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No session is currently available for registration

Visit the recently opened Lora Robins gallery with Matthew Houle, Curator of Museum Collections, and Martha Wright, Curator for Academic Initiatives. This visit will share insights on the renovation, the re-installation, highlights of the collection and new community-focused initiatives. This is offered twice; please register for only one.

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No session is currently available for registration

Visit the recently opened Lora Robins gallery with Matthew Houle, Curator of Museum Collections, and Martha Wright, Curator for Academic Initiatives. This visit will share insights on the renovation, the re-installation, highlights of the collection and new community-focused initiatives. This is offered twice; please register for only one.

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Thursday, May 14, Lora Robins Gallery ( No seats currently available )

Older adults are prime targets for cybercriminals, losing billions annually to scams and fraud. This practical course demystifies cybersecurity and provides essential protection strategies. Learn to identify phishing emails, phone scams, and online fraud. Discover how to secure passwords, shop safely online, and protect your financial information. Through real-world examples and interactive exercises, you'll gain confidence navigating the digital world safely. No technical background is required, just a willingness to learn protective strategies that work.

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Mondays; June 29 and July 6, TBD - UR Campus

This interactive, confidence-building class is designed specifically for Osher students who wants to feel more prepared, informed, and empowered during emergencies. Participants will learn practical steps to stay safe before, during, and after a variety of events, including severe weather, power outages, medical emergencies, and unexpected disruptions. Attendees will leave with a clear, customized preparedness plan and the knowledge needed to respond calmly and effectively. This class prioritizes accessibility, practical skills, and peace of mind.

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Monday, Aug 17, TBD - UR Campus

Socrates was notorious for asking prominent Athenians ethical questions they could not answer. Eventually some retaliated by prosecuting him. At trial, he argued that everyone aspiring to lead a good life should ask such questions of themselves and others. In this class we will explore the 'Socratic method' and how Socrates inspired the young Plato to develop Socrates' questions into the major philosophical movement we now call Platonism.

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Tuesday, June 2, TBD - UR Campus

The definition of 'book' has evolved dramatically in our digital era. This course explores books through four essential perspectives: their physical form (materials, structure), their content (how they are written, read, collected, and sometimes banned), their technology (from Gutenberg's printing press to today's e-readers), and their artistic value. By studying how information sharing has transformed over centuries, participants will gain insight into the enduring impact of books on culture, literacy, and society.

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Tuesdays, July 7, 14, 21, 28, TBD - UR Campus

Crisis communication isn't just for governments or corporations. Whether you're leading a nonprofit or coordinating volunteers, how you communicate in the heat of the moment shapes outcomes. In this session, you'll learn how organizations prepare messages under pressure and manage misinformation, even when the situation is chaotic. You'll also leave with tools you can apply to your community organizations or volunteer roles.

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Wednesday, May 13 NOTE NEW TIME: 10:45am-12:15pm, Special Programs Building, Classroom 156

Come explore Shalom Farms at its Northside location. This guided tour will include a short presentation on Shalom's mission, food justice, and how Shalom approaches distribution, programming, and community engagement. An experienced guide will then walk folks around the farm to look at what's in season, talk about Certified Naturally Grown growing practices, and taste some yummy summer vegetables.

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Friday, Aug 14, Shalom Farms - NORTHSIDE

This offering adopts a hybrid structure. Several weeks before the in-person session, participants will receive a link to a video presentation. After watching the video on their own time, participants will use a simple Google form to share any questions about recent shifts in immigration policy and the impacts of those shifts. The instructor will use these questions to organize the 90-minute in-person session, which will be a mixture of presentation, discussion and joint exploration.

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Monday, July 27, TBD - UR Campus

Are you new to the University of Richmond campus and unsure where to park and what buildings are often used for Osher classes? Do you want to know where to eat, where the Post Office is located, and where athletic and performing arts events are held? This campus walk is for you! Join Marshall as he helps you navigate this beautiful campus, rated No. 2 for Most Beautiful Campus in the 2024 Princeton Review.

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No session is currently available for registration

Learn how to access and fully enjoy the many benefits of being a member of the Osher Institute and the larger UR community. Designed for new members, but offers tips for all.

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Tuesday, June 2, Synchronous Online
Monday, Aug 24, TBD - UR Campus

UR's Dr. Sonja Bertucci's most recent feature-length documentary, 'The Diamond Couple' (2024), is an intimate meditation on love, aging, and the transmission of memory. The film premiered at the Arizona International Film Festival, where it received the Jury Prize for Inspirational Filmmaking, and continues to screen internationally. Join us for Dr. Bertucci's opening remarks, the film screening, and Q&A.

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No session is currently available for registration

In the popular imagination, lethal injection is a slight pinch and a swift nodding off to forever-sleep, performed by well-qualified medical professionals which is regulated and carefully conducted, and certainly the most 'humane' form of capital punishment. In reality, not one of these statements is true. Lethal injection is nothing like what people think. This is its untold story.

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Mondays; June 15, 22, 29, July 6, 13 & 20, Synchronous Online

While we celebrate our nation's 250th year, learn about a critical and fascinating figure. Benjamin Franklin's prot?g?, he was an inventor, from a new quill for the harpsichord to a national identity. He designed the images printed on our currency and the Stars and Stripes itself. He initiated an art music tradition, was the de facto first Secretary of the Navy, a federal judge, and a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Meet Francis Hopkinson.

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Tuesday, June 30, TBD - UR Campus

The Song of Songs (also called the Song of Solomon) is one of the Bible's most beautiful poems, a joyous celebration of eroticism and love. But why is this very sexy poem even in the Bible? What do biblical scholars and other interpreters say about this text? And why is there so much fruit?

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RESCHEDULED, due to inclement weather, to Friday 5/15 from 10:00a-11:30a(Was originally scheduled for Wednesday, Jan 28), BUS, Ukrop Auditorium Q162 (3 seats (3%) remaining)

The UR Computer/Technology Help Desk is available to Osher members, but do you really know what services it provides? Join this session to find out how to take full advantage of this great benefit of Osher membership.

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Wednesday, July 29, Synchronous Online

The World Cup begins on June 11, with the US as a co-host. But what do you know of its history? Why is it the most important sports event in the world? Attend this lecture by UR History Professor Juan Pablo Ardila Falla to gain a greater appreciation of why soccer is more than a sport, but a way of life in so many countries, especially Latin America. Through the history of the World Cups of 1950, 1970, 1978, and 1986, we'll delve into questions regarding soccer, politics, national identity, and race in Latin America. The lecture offers an overview of why soccer is so central to Latin American societies.

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Wed, May 20, TBD - UR Campus

US veterans living in Virginia: don't let your story fade away. The Virginia Department of Veterans Services has awarded Words of Veterans grants to help Veterans like you keep your story alive! Let's talk about how you can contribute.

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Tuesday, June 16, Synchronous Online

¡Bienvenidos! We're pleased to offer a series of Spanish classes this spring! These lively and interactive sessions will include basic grammar, pronunciation, and daily life vocabulary. We will include conversation practice, written exercises, and short videos in Spanish. The pace of this initial series is for beginner/refresher levels. Each session builds upon the previous lessons to increase confidence in communication. ¡Nos vemos pronto!

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Tuesdays: Feb 3, 10, 17 AND newly added Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, May 19, 20, 22 NOTE:Time is changed to 10am-12pm, Special Programs Building, Room 160 ( No seats currently available )