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.
Happy Hacks for Becoming Better After the Bitter
Presented by: Dave Schramm
When: Jan. 15, 2026 at 12 p.m.
Where: McKay Education Building, Room 331
Lecture and Presenter Information
In a world where negativity sticks and positivity slips away, Dr. Dave offers simple, science-backed "happy hacks" to help us boost mood, meaning, and motivation—both at home and at work.
Drawing on stories, humor, and the three core needs that shape our well-being, this presentation equips you with practical tools to strengthen positivity and productivity as you support parents, children, and families.
Spring 2026 Lecture Schedule
Feb. 17, 2026
12 p.m., McKay Education Building, Room 331
Tim Rarick
Reclaiming the Family Lens in an Age of Radical Individualism
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