Families Alive Lecture Series
The Families Alive Tanner Lecture Series features lectures and presentations by leading scholars and practitioners in family science, human development and early childhood. Lectures and presentations will be held in person on the campuses of Weber State University, and are free and open to the general public.
There are typically eight lectures per year. Recordings of lectures will be made available online 1-2 weeks after the lecture.
The Department of Child and Family Studies has hosted the Families Alive Tanner Lecture Series at Weber State since 1984. We are grateful for an endowment from the OC Tanner Corporation and other sponsors including the Utah Marriage Commission for their support and helping make these lectures possible.
Students can earn course credit through the Families Alive Tanner Lecture Series; more information is available on our About page.
Contact Paul Schvaneveldt, Chair of the Families Alive Tanner Lecture Series, at pschvanveldt@weber.edu with questions.
Sexuality and Mindfulness in Committed Relationships
Presented by: Chelom Leavitt
When: Sept. 23, 2026 at 12 p.m.
Where: McKay Education Building, Room 327
Lecture and Presenter Information
Mindfulness within a sexual relationship creates connection and greater satisfaction and intimacy. Sexual mindfulness is linked with greater sexual functioning and communication. It is also being tested with couples where one spouse has experienced sexual abuse in childhood to see if greater connection and reduced anxiety is achieved.
Chelom Leavitt is an associate professor in the College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences at Brigham Young University.
Fall 2026 Lecture Schedule
Oct. 1
Jennie Taylor
Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, Weber State University
Oct. 20
Sonia Solari
Family and Consumer Studies, University of Utah
Oct. 26
Brad Wilcox
Sociology, University of Virginia Institute for Family Studies
Nov. 17
C. Ryan Dunn
Child and Family Studies, Weber State University