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.
The Closing of the American Heart: How Young Adults Struggle to Find Love, Why it Matters, and How We Can Help
Presented by: Brad Wilcox
When: Nov. 9, 2026 at 2 p.m.
Where:
Lecture and Presenter Information
In "The Closing of the American Heart,” UVA Professor Brad Wilcox traces the retreat of young Americans from love, marriage, and family — a generation lonelier and less partnered than any in living memory. Drawing on new data, he explains why this matters for human flourishing and the common good, and outlines concrete steps families, schools, churches, and policymakers can take to reopen the American heart.
Brad Wilcox, PhD, is the Melville Foundation Jefferson Scholars Foundation Distinguished University Professor of Sociology and Director of the National Marriage Project at the University of Virginia. His research focuses on marriage, fatherhood, and family life, and he is the author of Get Married (2024) and several other books on families in America.
Knowing What You've Got Before It's Gone: The Power of Connection and Grief
Presented by: Ryan Dunn
When: Nov. 17, 2026 at 10:30 a.m.
Where: McKay Education Building, Room 331
Lecture and Presenter Information
In this presentation, Dr. Ryan Dunn explores how insights from grief, continuing bonds, and relationships can transform the way we nurture our connections today. By examining the principles of "emotional estate planning," attendees will discover how intentional daily investments—such as proactive communication, emotional intimacy, and meaningful time together—create lasting relational resilience. Through stories of those who have loved and lost, this session highlights how understanding the enduring nature of love equips couples to navigate current life stressors and deepen their connection at every stage of a relationship. Ultimately, participants will gain practical tools to strengthen their everyday partnerships and build bonds that can weather life’s greatest challenges.
Ryan Dunn, PhD, is Chair of the Department of Child and Family Studies at Weber State University. His research and teaching focus on parenting, healthy relationships, human development, family finance, and grief and loss.
Spring 2027 Lecture Schedule
To be announced.