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.
Reclaiming the Family Lens in an Age of Radical Individualism
Presented by: Tim Rarick
When: Feb. 12, 2026 at 12 p.m.
Where: McKay Education Building, Room 331
Lecture and Presenter Information
This presentation explores why modern policymaking and social trends-especially in the Western world-must restore a family and community-centered lens in an era dominated by radical individualism. Drawing on research, real-world policy examples, popular media, and over a decade of consulting with diplomats at the United Nations, Dr. Rarick highlights how strong families and cohesive communities are essential to human flourishing, child well-being, and social stability.
Spring 2026 Lecture Schedule
March 11, 2026
1 p.m., McKay Education Building, Room 327
Gina Cook
PICCOLO in Practice: Helping Parents see Their Power in Early Intervention
April 1, 2026
2 p.m., WSU Davis Campus, Building 2, Room 117
Nicholas H. Wolfinger
Thanks for Nothing: The Economics of Single Motherhood Since 1980