Stanford thought leaders Alexander Nemerov and Laura L. Carstensen to present at March and April events
Palo Alto, CA (February 17, 2026) — Avenidas invites the community to participate in its free “Smart Talks, Warm Hearts” conversation series, taking place March 4 and April 15, from 4 to 6 pm, at 450 Bryant Street — its conveniently located downtown Palo Alto enrichment center. In collaboration with Stanford University Office of Community Engagement, the series celebrates lifelong learning, intellectual curiosity, and the joy of connecting university scholarship with everyday life.
“We are thrilled to partner with Stanford University to bring these thought leaders together with our vibrant community of older adults and neighbors, reflecting the heart of this series, where intellect and compassion meet.” shared Nisha Koul, Vice President of Development at Avenidas.
On Wednesday, March 4, author and Stanford University’s Carl and Marilynn Thoma Provostial Professor in the Arts and Humanities, Alexander Nemerov, will speak about “Beauty, Love, and the Person: A Meditation on Painting.” A distinguished scholar of American culture, Nemerov explores our connection to the past and the power of the humanities to shape our lives. Through his empathetic, intuitive research and close readings of history, philosophy, and poetry, he reveals art as a source of emotional truth and considers its ethical demands upon us in our moment. Revered for his breadth of scholarship and celebrated for his eloquent public speaking, Nemerov inspires audiences with his belief in the affirming and transfiguring force of art.
On Wednesday, April 15, gerontologist and Stanford University’s Fairleigh S. Dickinson Jr. Professor in Public Policy Laura L. Carstensen, will speak about “Learning and Reflections on Longevity.” Carstensen is Professor of Psychology and founding director of the Stanford Center on Longevity. Her research on the theoretical and empirical study of motivational, cognitive, and emotional aspects of aging has been funded continuously by the National Institute on Aging for more than 30 years. She is an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and she is the author of A Long Bright Future: Happiness, Health, and Financial Security in an Age of Increased Longevity.
“With topics spanning the arts, health sciences, and spirituality, this new speaker series highlights Stanford University’s commitment to connecting scholarship with community, acknowledging the unique perspectives of Avenidas’ older adults,” explained Megan Swezey Fogarty, Senior Associate Vice President for Community Engagement at Stanford University.
Each session will offer an intimate, conversational setting for attendees to learn directly from Stanford thought leaders, engage in dialogue, and build community. Seating is limited to 65 guests.
To RSVP for the March 4 event, please sign up here or go to: https://bit.ly/MarchSmartTalks
To RSVP for the April 15 event, please sign up here or go to: https://bit.ly/AprilSmartTalks
For more information, contact Frances Freyberg English at ffreybergenglish@avenidas.org or 650-289-5472.
About Avenidas
Since 1969, Avenidas services and programs have been helping older adults in the San Francisco Bay Area Mid-Peninsula area be as active, engaged, and healthy as possible. Annually, Avenidas serves more than 4,300 older adults through over 62,000 encounters in two adult enrichment centers in Palo Alto and one adult day care center located in Mountain View. Whether older adults require rides to a doctor’s office, counseling sessions, technology assistance, or if they want to develop a new interest, take an exercise class, or make new friends, Avenidas is here for them.
High resolution images are available for use by the media. Please contact Michelle T. Shinseki, Vice President of Marketing & Communications, at mshinseki@avenidas.org.
Contact:
Michelle T. Shinseki
650-475-6500
mshinseki@avenidas.org
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