TRAVEL THE WORLD WITH FGCU ACADEMY IN 2025
Through unique and interesting itineraries, FGCU Academy travel guests have the opportunity to experience life outside the classroom, visit historic sites with local guides, experience another culture – its customs, cuisine, language and history – and delight in conversation and laughter with fellow explorers who share a love of travel and a sense of adventure. These high-end concierge-style excursions are sure to impress and delight you.
Travel brochures and a recording of our travel presentation are available online at fgcu.edu/academy/travel
NORTHERN ITALY: FROM THE ALPS TO THE ADRIATIC
Departure: August 20, 2025
This leisurely exploration of Italy’s varied northern regions, from the romantic Lake District and dramatic Cinque Terre to beloved Tuscany, the majestic Dolomites, and canal-laced Venice, offers a refreshing perspective on a well-known land. In the company of our congenial small group, we celebrate the Italian penchant for hospitality, good food, and good living.
JOURNEY THROUGH CENTRAL EUROPE
Departure: August 30, 2025
Whether you’re seeking to recapture your ancestral heritage or simply wish to discover a beautiful and poignant part of the world, this small group tour offers ample opportunity for enrichment, enlightenment, and enjoyment. With both comprehensive touring and time for independent exploration, it provides a generous overview of four distinctly different – and fascinating – nations.
INSIDER’S JAPAN
Departure: September 8, 2025
It’s a land of delicate art and bustling commerce, of rich traditions and dizzying modernity; a jumble of sights, sounds, and tastes that for visitors are truly foreign – and truly fascinating. This well-crafted tour features the highlights of Tokyo and Kyoto, engages us in local life, and takes us off the beaten path to the lovely historic cities of Takayama and Kanazawa.
PARADORES & POUSADAS
Departure: September 15, 2025
You’re invited on a distinctive small group journey through the Iberian Peninsula to the intimate lodgings of Spain’s paradores and Portugal’s pousadas: medieval monasteries, historic fortresses, and stately palaces, each reflecting the spirit of its region. We feel the spell of Iberia’s rich Roman and Moorish past – and the pull of its vibrant contemporary life.
MACHU PICCHU TO THE GALÁPAGOS
Departure: October 28, 2025
They rank as two of South America’s greatest treasures, and a small group tour is the natural selection for both: the enigmatic ruins at Machu Picchu, where we overnight at an intimate on-site hotel; and the fascinating Galápagos Islands, Darwin’s “living laboratory,” for a four-night island-based adventure.
EGYPT & THE ETERNAL NILE
Departure: November 17, 2025
Accompanied by an expert Egyptian guide, this singular small group journey through antiquity travels from vibrant Cairo and the Great Pyramids to Abu Simbel and the Upper Nile for a fascinating cruise on Lake Nasser. Then: a classic voyage along the Lower Nile from Aswan to Luxor before returning to Cairo.
MOROCCAN DISCOVERY: FROM THE IMPERIAL CITIES TO THE SAHARA
Departure: November 18, 2025
This land of dramatic contrasts invites us to encounter its ancient ruins and sacred mosques, endless desert and storied mountains, imposing kasbahs and spirited souks. As we travel from the imperial cities of Rabat, Fez, and Marrakech to the High Atlas and vast Sahara, we open our eyes, and hearts, to a truly foreign land, an age-old culture, and genuinely hospitable people.
FGCU ACADEMY YACHT & RIVER CRUISE EXCURSIONS
FGCU Academy has partnered with Mayflower Cruises & Tours, a division of the Scenic Group, to offer voyages that sail some of the most iconic rivers and waterways of the world. Our itineraries include the most memorable attractions, touring opportunities, and highlights of each destination. We believe that planning travel is more than just a simple journey to exceptional destinations, it is about creating life-enriching experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.
Travel brochures and a recording of our travel presentation are available online at fgcu.edu/academy/travel
Natural Treasures of Indonesia, Borneo & Taiwan Yacht Cruise Departure: April 1, 2025
From bustling metropolises to deserted archipelagoes, this unique voyage of discovery takes you to some of the most diverse and captivating destinations in South East Asia. Overnight port stays, immersive discovery and days at sea will make for a fascinating voyage with plenty of time to indulge in the ultraluxury experiences on board Scenic Eclipse II.
Portugal and the Douro River Cruise Departure: September 17, 2025
A symbol of Portugal’s birth and growth as a nation, the Douro has long been the country’s lifeline. Navigate a path through Portugal’s enchanting countryside while cruising along the dramatic Douro River. Terraced vineyards rise from the river banks, historic landmarks pepper the distant horizons and charming towns lay hidden in the rural hillsides. From Spain’s walled city of Salamanca to the charming baroque village of Lamego.
Gems of Eastern Europe River Cruise Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Departure: Sept 24, 2025
Five countries line the Danube on its journey towards Eastern Europe. Visit a Puszta Horse Farm in Hungary, see Magyar cowboys and enjoy lunch in a private Croatian home in Osijek. Take a tour of Belgrade; taste Romanian wine. Visit Dracula’s (Bran) Castle in Transylvania, touring in the medieval city of Brasov, visit to Peleş Castle in the Carpathian Mountains, and touring in the Romanian capital of Bucharest.
HOW TO REGISTER FOR PROGRAMS LOCATIONS
We only accept credit cards or checks. No cash.
ONLINE:
fgcu.edu/academy
Use your credit card on our safe and secure site, 24/7.
BY PHONE:
(239) 434-4737
Use your credit card.
MAIL:
Use our registration form at the end of this program guide or go to our website, print it out and mail to us.
PHILANTHROPY
Become a supporter of FGCU Academy to help attract distinguished guest speakers. Your generous donation will also help to enhance technology and facilities and provide scholarships. Donors receive private campus tours, invitations to special events, president’s meet & greets and access to additional campus amenities through our partnerships with Alumni Relations, the Bower School of Music & the Arts, WGCU Public Media and FGCU Athletics.
Donate online at fgcu.edu/academy/givenow
*Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
OUR STAFF
Katherine (Kitty) C. Green Vice President, Advancement
John J. Guerra Rose Stone Director, FGCU Academy Admin. Specialist II
Shawn Pacheco Admin. Specialist
Look for the two letter codes below before each course number.
Our locations are open to everyone. You do not need to be a resident to enjoy programs there.
(AG) – Aston Gardens at Pelican Marsh
4800 Aston Gardens Way, Naples
(BV) – Bentley Village 850 Retreat Drive, Naples
(BR) – Brooks Enrichment Center 9930 Coconut Road, Bonita Springs
(CL) – The Carlisle Naples 6945 Carlisle Court, Naples
(CC) – Cypress Cove 10200 Cypress Cove Drive, Fort Myers
(GR) – Grey Oaks Country Club 2400 Grey Oaks North Drive, Naples
(GL) – Moorings Park Grande Lake 7410 Little Lane, Naples
(GO) – Moorings Park Grey Oaks 2355 Estuary Drive, Naples
(MP) – Moorings Park Original Campus; Center for Healthy Living 132 Moorings Park Dr, Naples
(NC) – Naples Center 704 Goodlette-Frank Rd N., Suite 330, Naples
(OL) – Online via Zoom
(SL) – Siena Lakes 2521 Orange Blossom Drive, Naples
(TE) – TwinEagles Club 11725 TwinEagles Blvd., Naples
In all of its operations, including admissions, employment, and access to its programs and services, Florida Gulf Coast University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender identity/expression, religion, sex (including sexual harassment/assault), sexual orientation, disability, marital status, veteran status, genetic predisposition or age. Individuals who require reasonable accommodations due to a disability can contact the Office of Adaptive Services at 239-590-7956, by e-mail at adaptive@fgcu.edu, or via the Florida Relay at 711.
fgcu.edu/academy or (239) 434-4737
FGCU Academy Needs Your Support Today to Ensure that Our Critical Mission of Adult Education and Enrichment Continues!
FGCU Academy is ready to serve the SWFL community for the Fall 2024 Season—Learning, Growing, Sharing, Socializing.
If we have had the opportunity to meet in person or if you have heard me speak, I hope I was able to share with you my passion about FGCU Academy and its mission to provide lifelong learning and enrichment to the SWFL community. I believe it is critical to our well being to keep exploring new avenues for growth to keep our minds engaged in our past, present and future.
As an educator, I find myself slightly uncomfortable talking about the financial needs of FGCU Academy beyond thanking everyone for their support. But, this year and moving forward, it is important that I find the words to ask for additional support through philanthropic donations. The fact is that the revenue generated through memberships and fees provides for only 50% of our annual operating costs. Additionally, our attendance has not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels, so revenue is much lower than in the past.
Our passion keeps us moving forward and your donations will do the same. Please take a few minutes to consider donating to ensure our continued success. All amounts make a difference in strengthening the work we do in the community.
Your gift will allow the Academy to offer more than 1,500 diverse and fascinating programs at more than twenty-two locations throughout SWFL. Through our mission we promise to enrich the lives, minds and social well-being of more than 10,000 SWFL adults and seniors that participate in our programs each year.
I look forward to seeing you at a FGCU Academy program soon. Please contact me directly at jguerra@fgcu.edu or 239-434-4838 with questions or to learn more.
In gratitude,
John J. Guerra Director of FGCU Academy
MEMBERSHIP
$85 FGCU ACADEMY ANNUAL SINGLE MEMBERSHIP
BENEFITS INCLUDE:
} Save approximately 20% on most programs.
} Bring a first-time Academy student with you to a program and receive a $10 credit toward future programs.
} Enjoy year-round online programming from anywhere in the world.
} Gain access to special member-only events and free access to other events when available.
} A free subscription to the FGCU360 digital magazine and e-newsletter.
BECOME A FRIEND OF FGCU ACADEMY WITH A $100 DONATION. FEEL GOOD ABOUT SUPPORTING LIFELONG LEARNING!
A “Friend of FGCU Academy” is part of a vital group of supporters who continue to believe in the success and vibrancy of our organization; assist with our ability to help attract distinguished guest speakers and help cover our operating expenses. If you would like to learn more about supporting our work, please contact John Guerra at jguerra@fgcu.edu. Thank you for your generosity.
Donate online at fgcu.edu/academy/givenow
CANCELLATION POLICY:
Membership fees are non-refundable. If a program is canceled, you will be notified and issued a full refund within 10 business days. If you wish to withdraw from a program, please notify the Academy at 239-434-4737 no later than 5 pm, 3 business days prior to the first session of the program in order to receive a refund. Individuals who cancel after the start of a program will not receive a refund. Unless otherwise stated, a 10–business day notice is required for refunds on all special programs (SP).
Florida Gulf Coast University is a regional comprehensive university committed to providing high quality, affordable educational opportunities to people of all ages.
SAVE THE DATES & REGISTER FOR FGCU ACADEMY ONLINE
Join FGCU Academy ONLINE when you are away from SWFL or if you can’t be with us in-person. You can enjoy our lectures from any desktop, laptop, smartphone or tablet. Look for any lecture in the program guide which has the code “OL” for online.
Missed a lecture? Visit our website at fgcuacademy.asapconnected.com to see a library of recorded lectures and programs for you to view anytime at your convenience. Call our offices at 239-434-4737 to register.
Balance University: Improve Balance, Posture and Flexibility $45 / $55 (Page 17)
Option #1 – October 4, 11, 18 at 9 – 10am, Fridays – OL7102 – Online via Zoom
Option #2 – November 1, 8, 15 at 9 – 10am, Fridays – OL7104 – Online via Zoom
Option #3– December 6, 13, 20 at 9 – 10am, Fridays – OL7106 – Online via Zoom
Current Events: Online Discussion Group About Events Shaping the World $46 / $56 (Page 16)
Option #1 – October 10, 24 at 10:30 – 12pm, Thursdays – OL7087 – Online via Zoom
Option #2 – November 7, 21at 10:30 – 12pm, Thursdays – OL7088 – Online via Zoom
Option #3 – December 9, 19 at 10:30 – 12pm, Monday / Thursday – OL7089 – Online via Zoom
Russian Intelligence FREE for Members / $32 (Page 18)
October 11 at 10:30 – 12pm, Friday. OL7110 – Online via Zoom
iPhone/iPad: iOS 18 Tips, Tricks and Secrets All Users Should Know $37 / $44 (Page 10)
October 16 at 10:30am – 12pm, Wednesday, OL7048 – Online via Zoom
Five Eyes: Global Eavesdropping and the Collection of Communications Intelligence $27 / $32 (Page 18)
October 21 at 10:30 – 12pm, Monday, OL7113 – Online via Zoom
Getting Started with Android Smartphones: A Beginner’s Guide $37 / $44 (Page 11)
October 28 at 10 – 11:30am, Monday, OL7057 – Online via Zoom
Election Showdown: Road to the White House $27 / $32 (Page 19)
October 28 at 10 – 11:30am, Monday, OL7119 – Online via Zoom
Can You Trust the Media? $27 / $32 (Page 23)
November 12 at 10 – 11:30am, Tuesday, OL7148 – Online via Zoom
The Roots of the Israel-Palestine Conflict $27 / $32 (Page 20)
November 19 at 10 – 11:30am, Tuesday, OL7129 – Online via Zoom
Understanding Christian Nationalism $27 / $32 (Page 25)
December 16 at 1:30 – 3pm, Monday, OL7171 – Online via Zoom
Miami’s Little Havana Culinary, Artistic and Cultural Tour
$130 / $150
November 19 at 7:30am – 6pm, Tuesday
SP7082 - Miami
Henry B. Plant Museum Victorian Christmas & Tampa Art Museum
$130 / $150
December 3 at 7am – 6:30pm, Tuesday
SP7083 – Tampa Bay
Miami Millionaire’s Row™ Boat Cruise & Bayside Marketplace
$115 / $135
December 10 at 8am – 6pm, Tuesday
SP7084 - Miami
Cuba: Art, Culture & History
In Support of the Cuban People
Departure: March 3, 2025
Although just 90-miles from the U.S., Cuba remains a mystery to most Americans. On this in-depth, six night program travelers will experience this enigmatic island through the eyes of its people. Discover Trinidad Cien Fuegos and Havana during specially-arranged meetings. Explore captivating Cuba, with privileged access to the country's arts community and experts. Savor Cuban cuisine en vogue paladares and get to know our warm and hospitable neighbors to the south!
• Engage with Cuba’s leading creators in exclusive gatherings, with intimate discussions at the homes and studios of artists, a private rehearsal at a famous dance company, and phenomenal evenings of art and music.
• Celebrate and mingle with fellow travelers at exclusive receptions, including an after-tours tour at the dazzling Ceramics Museum and a cocktail reception with a sumptuous dinner in the company of the President of The Ludwig Foundation of Cuba.
• Meet the thought leaders who are shaping Cuban society, including the former Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, who will share profound insights on Cuban politics.
The first fee listed for each program is the Member price; the second is the Non-Member price. Advance registration is required for all programs. Membership is highly recommended but not required. The views, analyses, findings and opinions expressed by FGCU Academy speakers are theirs alone and do not necessarily reflect those of the Academy or FGCU.
A rtificial I ntelligence
The Robot and the Megaphone: How the Coupling of AI and Social Media is Transforming Society $27 / $32
Option #1 – October 3 at 10 – 11:30am, Thursday BV7028 – Bentley Village (North Naples)
Option #2 – November 7 at 10 – 11:30am, Thursday GR7029– Grey Oaks Country Club (South Naples)
Option #3 – December 9 at 10 – 11:30am, Monday MP7030 – Moorings Park Original Campus (Naples)
Speaker: John Lack
With the emergence of AI’s ability to create machines that can simulate human intelligence and behavior, people are losing the ability to distinguish fact from fiction. Social media also turns consumers into producers. Individuals can now reach millions of people instantly with very little cost. Nearly 88% of corporate marketers say video on social media gets them the biggest return on investment. Does AI and Social Media need regulation, and who will it protect? How can we accomplish the protections and still foster innovation? Should we worry that this lethal combination of technology has the potential to greatly harm our society?
Artificial Intelligence (AI): Friend or Foe? $27 / $32
Option #1 – October 21 at 1:30 – 3pm, Monday
BV7031 – Bentley Village (North Naples)
Option #2 – November 22 at 1:30 – 3pm, Friday
GL7032 – Moorings Park Grande Lake (SE Naples)
Speaker: Dr. Edward Maxwell
The road to AI started back in the 1940s when Alan Turing developed a machine to break the German Enigma code. With the development of faster and faster processing capabilities, AI has become the “Next Big Thing” after the car, the plane, and the internet. This lecture examines the history of AI and how it can be used for good or evil. We explain ChatGPT, Gemini and Copilot and how they can be
used to help us plan everyday activities. Finally, we look at the bad side of AI and demonstrate how to know when it should not be trusted. Dr. Maxwell has been involved in AI research since the 1970s.
A stronomy & S pace E xploration
Artemis: Return to the Moon by 2026 $27 / $32
October 17 at 1:30 – 3pm, Thursday
CC7033 – Cypress Cove (Fort Myers)
Speaker: Edward Grace
NASA’s Artemis Program plans a return to the moon and beyond before the end of 2026 and will include a woman in the crew who would become the first woman to walk on the moon. We discuss NASA’s plans for the Artemis Program. NASA has issued a contract to SpaceX to develop the Human Landing System to be used on Artemis. The long-term plan is to build a base on the moon from which to launch explorations of other planetary bodies such as Mars. When will Artemis finally take astronauts to the Moon?
Our Speaker was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his work on the Apollo 13 mission which safely returned the three astronauts to earth after an explosion occurred in their Service Module 200,000 miles from earth on its way to the moon. He will share with us an inside view of the Artemis program and how it differs from the Apollo Program which he worked on while employed at the MIT Draper Laboratory for 10 years.
55th Anniversary and Review of the Apollo Program $27 / $32
December 5 at 10:30 – 12pm, Thursday
CL7034 – The Carlisle Naples (North Naples)
Speaker: Edward Grace
Our speaker reviews the Apollo program from the eyes of an engineer that helped design the Inertial Navigation System which included the Apollo Flight Computer used by both the Apollo Command and Lunar Modules. We review the details of the Apollo 11 Mission – First Manned Landing On the Moon; Apollo 13 – Houston We Have A Problem Mission; and Apollo 17 – Last Man On The Moon Mission. Our speaker was employed at the MIT Draper Laboratory for 10 years, which had a contract with NASA to design and develop the Primary Guidance and Navigation System (PGNCS). Our speaker was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his work on the Apollo 13 mission which safely returned the 3 astronauts after an explosion occurred in their Service Module 200,000 miles from earth on its way to the moon.
B iographies
Sam Walton and the Making of Walmart $27 / $32
October 21 at 1:30 – 3pm, Monday CL7049 – The Carlisle Naples (North Naples)
Speaker: Gary Stuhltrager
Sam Walton built a single “five and dime” store into the largest retailer in the world. His passion for low prices and focus on the customer humbled his much larger competitors. But as yesterday’s David became today’s Goliath, critics became as numerous as new Walmart Supercenters. Were low prices worth the cost of low wages, lack of health care and the ruin of America’s small retailers? Was Walmart doing what everyone else was doing but just doing it better? Has Walmart changed in reaction to the criticism? We’ll look at Sam Walton and Walmart’s past, present and future.
General “Black Jack” Pershing $27 / $32
October 21 at 2 – 3:30pm, Monday AG7035 – Aston Gardens (North Naples)
Speaker: Thomas Eastwood
John J. Pershing, who led U.S. forces in World War I, is one of the most respected and honored military leaders in history. An 1886 graduate of West Point, he had a distinguished military career spanning over four decades. Among his career highlights: commanding Black troops during the Indian wars and at the Battle of San Juan Hill; promotion from Captain to Brigadier General by President Teddy Roosevelt, with whom he fought in Cuba; combatting terrorism in the Philippines and Mexico; commanding AEF; and promotion to General of the Armies. Join this fascinating look at the life and career of a military icon.
Love and Treachery – Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson $27 / $32
November 5 at 1:30 – 3pm, Tuesday SL7036 – Siena Lakes (Northeast Naples)
Speaker: Nancy Maxwell
King Edward VIII relinquished the English throne and left his country to marry Wallis Simpson, an American divorcee. Forbidden to enter England, they spent their lives in exile. Surely this is a love story for the ages! But was it? Did Wallis even like Edward? Was Edward a loyal Englishman? Close examination and new evidence reveal a different picture.
Sidney Reilly “Ace of Spies” – The “Real”
James Bond? $27 / $32
November 14 at 10:30 – 12pm, Thursday CL7037 – The Carlisle Naples (North Naples)
Speaker: Thomas Eastwood
Britain has a long and storied history of intelligence. Sidney Reilly was one of their most successful spies. His exploits spawned articles, books and a popular TV miniseries. Reilly, the origin of James Bond and the structure and history of British Intelligence is discussed and compared to the U.S. Intelligence Community in this lecture.
Diana: Death of a Princess $27 / $32
November 19 at 2:30 – 4pm, Tuesday
GO7130 – Moorings Park Grey Oaks (South Naples)
Speaker: Jeffrey Steinberg
Our lecturer participated personally in the investigation into the death of Princess Diana in a Paris car crash on August 31, 1997. He delves into the still-unanswered questions surrounding the crash, the role of the paparazzi and the political backdrop of her death. Twenty-six years later, there are still significant gaps in what the public knows about Diana’s political battle with the British Royals, the events in Paris on the fateful hours before her death, and the serious flaws in the investigations by French and British authorities.
ATTEND OUR FREE TRAVEL OPEN HOUSES
LAND TOUR OPEN HOUSES
Option #1 – October 14 at 10:30 – 12pm, Monday
NC7163 – Naples Center
OL7164 – Online via Zoom
Option #2 – November 19 at 10:30 – 12pm, Tue
NC7165 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7166 – Online via Zoom
Option #3 – December 18 at 10:30 – 12pm, Wed
NC7177 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7178 – Online via Zoom
CRUISE OPEN HOUSES
Option #1 – October 23 at 10:30 – 12pm, Wed
NC7179 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7180 – Online via Zoom
Option #2 – November 14 at 10:30 – 12pm, Thur
NC7181 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7182 – Online via Zoom
Warren Buffett – The Oracle of Omaha $27 / $32
December 16 at 3:30 – 5pm, Monday
TE7192 – TwinEagles (Northeast Naples)
Speaker: Gary Stuhltrager
Warren Buffett is considered the world’s greatest investor. He built a company from scratch into a topfive Fortune 500 company. His wealth and business acumen are only part of what makes Buffett so interesting. His stellar reputation and home-spun wit and wisdom have made him a cultural icon.
Alva Vanderbilt Belmont – Slave to Ambition or Champion of Freedom? $27 / $32
December 23 at 1:30 – 3pm, Monday
BV7038 – Bentley Village (North Naples)
Speaker: Nancy Maxwell
Alva was seen by many – including her own family – as a ruthless, domineering social climber who would stop at nothing to reach the top. Her carefully orchestrated plans for dominance, including the forced marriage of her daughter, have become legendary. Yet there was more to Alva than snobbery: she forged an independent path that astonished both her contemporaries and posterity.
B ridge L essons
Contract Bridge for Beginners $100 / $120
October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, Nov 7, 14, 21 at 10 – 12pm, Thursdays
NC7039 – Naples Center (Naples)
Speaker: Charles Valery
Students should bring $35 cash or a check payable directly to the instructor on the first day of class for purchase of the Beginners Student Workbook and Guide which will be used each week for class. This course is intended for total beginners who want to learn bridge. Modern Contract Bridge is an exciting and challenging card game played by millions of people. Upon completion, you can expect to have a firm foundation of Contract Bridge principles. The course is based on a balanced mixture of lectures and hands-on practice playing. Each successive session builds by introducing more complex subjects. The first half of each session introduces various bridge concepts. The second half is spent playing actual hands on these topics. Students get a set of fifty handouts illustrating topics discussed. Learn this wonderful card game and have fun.
Bridge for Advanced Beginners/Intermediates
$100 / $120
October 15, 22, 29, Nov 5, 12, 19 at 10 – 12pm, Tues NC7040 – Naples Center (Naples)
Speaker: Charles Valery
Students should bring $35 cash or a check payable directly to the instructor on the first day of class for purchase of a Bridge Convention Workbook and Guide. Only students who have taken “Contract Bridge for Beginners” or have a minimum of several years playing experience should enroll in this course. The course is intended for students who want to learn many Advanced Topics in Contract Bridge and is composed of a series of lectures with many examples of each topic discussed and student playing of topic hands. A total of twelve advanced conventions and 10 guidance “rules” to aid player’s bidding are analyzed for use in achieving the best contracts and scores.
C omputer & T echnology
iPhone/iPad: Photos App, Photo Editing, Organization, Sharing and More in iOS 18 $37 / $44
Option #1 – October 10 at 3 – 4:30pm, Thursday SL7041 – Siena Lakes (Northeast Naples)
Option #2 – November 12 at 10:30 – 12pm, Tuesday BR7042 – Brooks Enrichment Center (Bonita)
Option #3 – December 16 at 10 – 11:30am, Monday
MP7043 – Moorings Park Original Campus (Naples)
Speaker: John Guerra
Apple’s Photos App has changed dramatically in iOS 18. It has an immersive, dynamic look that emphasizes your best shots with larger previews and improved organization. Memories finds your best photos and videos and weaves them together into a video complete with music, titles and transitions. Perfect your images with intuitive, built-in, powerful editing tools. Search photos based on who or what is in them. iCloud stores your photos and videos and synchronizes them across all your devices.
iPhone/iPad: iOS 18 Tips, Tricks and Secrets
All Users Should Know $37 / $44
Option #1 – October 15 at 10:30 – 12pm, Tuesday
BR7046 – Brooks Enrichment Center (Bonita)
Option #2 – October 16 at 10:30 – 12pm, Wednesday
NC7047 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7048 – Online via Zoom
Option #3 – October 31 at 10 – 11:30am, Thursday
BV7050 – Bentley Village (North Naples)
Option #4 – November 18 at 3:30 – 5pm, Monday TE7051 – TwinEagles (Northeast Naples)
Option #5 – November 21 at 1:30 – 3pm, Thursday CC7052 – Cypress Cove (Fort Myers)
Option #6 – November 25 at 10 – 11:30am, Monday MP7045 – Moorings Park Original Campus (Naples)
Option #7 – December 12 at 1:30 – 3pm, Thursday SL7053 – Siena Lakes (Northeast Naples)
Option #8 – December 16 at 2 – 3:30pm, Monday AG7054 – Aston Gardens (North Naples)
Option #9 – December 17 at 2:30 – 4pm, Tuesday GO7044 – Moorings Park Grey Oaks (South Naples)
Speaker: John Guerra
Join this lecture-style presentation to learn all the new features, upgrades and enhancements of Apple’s newest operating system for iPhone and iPad, iOS 18. All participants should install the new operating system (released in September 2024) prior to attending class (see Settings>General>Software Update>Install iOS 18). We will explore tips, tricks and secrets that make using your device easier, more powerful and efficient. All levels from beginner to advanced users will benefit from this informative and interesting program.
iPhone/iPad iOS 18 Boot Camp – Apple’s Newest and Most Powerful Operating System (2-part series) $50 / 60
October 17, November 14 at 2 – 3pm, Thursdays GL7055 – Moorings Park Grande Lake (SE Naples)
Speaker: John Guerra
iOS 18 is a major update to Apple’s iPhone and iPad operating system, bringing a host of new features and capabilities. Join this two-part series as we explore tips, tricks and secrets that make using your device easier, more powerful and efficient. All levels from beginner to advanced users will benefit from this informative and interesting program.
Getting Started with Android Smartphones: A Beginner’s Guide $37 / $44
Option #1 – October 28 at 10 – 11:30am, Monday NC7056 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7057 – Online via Zoom
Option #2 – December 17 at 10:30 – 12pm, Tuesday BR7058 – Brooks Enrichment Center (Bonita)
Speaker: Dr. Baharul Islam
This lecture is for beginners looking to master Android smartphones. We’ll cover powering on the device, navigating the home screen, making calls, sending
texts and using key apps. Practical tips will include managing apps, adjusting settings and securing your phone. You’ll also learn how to take and share photos, use voice commands, and troubleshoot common issues, all presented with clear, step-by-step guidance.
iPhone/iPad Apps: Apple Mail $37 / $44
Option #1 – October 29 at 10:30 – 12pm, Tuesday BR7059 – Brooks Enrichment Center (Bonita)
Option #2 – November 6 at 10:30 – 12pm, Wed NC7060 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7061 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: John Guerra
Many iPhone and iPad users do not fully understand how to use Mail, one of the most important apps on their devices. Apple’s Mail app supports Gmail, Yahoo, Microsoft Exchange, AOL and nearly all email platforms. We explore the detailed workings of the Apple Mail app showing you how to add new accounts and contacts, work with attachments, insert photos or videos, organize email into folders, eliminate junk mail, markup or sign attachments, scan documents and much more.
iPhone/iPad Basic Skills Boot Camp $37 / $44
October 30 at 10:30 – 12pm, Wednesday NC7062 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7063 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: John Guerra
For beginners and casual users of their devices, this lecture focuses on the most important fundamentals of using your iPhone and iPad. If all you do is make calls and text, this presentation is for you. So many people have smart phones and tablets and don’t know how to use them. This lecture teaches you how to interact with your device; enter, type, dictate and edit text; search for, install and organize apps on your home screens; use the App Library; use Spotlight; undo your mistakes; use Siri; and so much more. Stop asking your grandchildren for help and master your iPhone and iPad today.
Unlocking the Power of Facebook: A Complete Guide for Smart Citizens $37 / $44
Option #1 – November 12 at 10 – 11:30am, Tue NC7064 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7065 – Online via Zoom
Option #2 – December 19 at 10 – 11:30am, Thur BV7066 – Bentley Village (North Naples)
Speaker: Dr. Baharul Islam
This practical lecture is designed to help users confidently navigate Facebook. You’ll start by setting up your Facebook account and learning the basics of using the platform. The session will focus on practical skills, such as posting updates, sharing photos, and connecting with friends and family. We’ll also explore how to find and join groups that match your interests, making Facebook a valuable tool for staying socially active. Emphasis will be placed on managing privacy settings and recognizing potential online threats to ensure a safe experience. With clear, step-bystep instructions, this lecture will equip you with the practical knowledge needed to make the most of Facebook and stay connected in today’s digital world.
iPhone/iPad Notes App: The App Everyone Should Use $37 / $44
Option #1 – November 14 at 10 – 11:30am, Thur
BV7067 – Bentley Village (North Naples)
Option # 2 – December 11 at 10:30 – 12pm, Wed
NC7068 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7069 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: John Guerra
The Notes app is the best place to jot down quick thoughts or to save checklists, images, web links,
scanned documents, handwritten notes or sketches. With iCloud, it’s easy to keep all your devices in sync, so you’ll always have your notes with you. You can search notes for typed text, handwritten notes, text in scanned documents and even images inside your notes. Secure the notes that hold your most personal data – such as financial details, medical information, or secret family recipes with a password, a fingerprint or even Face ID. Join this lecture as we explore one of Apple’s most useful, powerful and productive apps available.
iPhone/iPad Apps: Apple Safari $37 / $44
November 20 at 10:30 – 12pm, Wednesday
NC7070 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7071 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: John Guerra
Apple’s web browser, Safari, keeps getting faster and better. It sports a smart search bar, tabs, and a special split view version for iPad users. Save your favorite websites to your Home Screen or as Bookmarks. You can view Shared Links and add articles to your Reading List or access your saved passwords and credit cards through iCloud’s Keychain.
iPhone/iPad Apps: Messages $37 / $44
Option #1 – November 26 at 10:30 – 12pm, Tue
BR7072 – Brooks Enrichment Center (Bonita)
Option #2 - December 13 at 10:30 – 12pm, Friday
NC7073 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7074 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: John Guerra
With the Messages app, stay connected to the conversations that matter the most. Send texts, photos, videos, voice texts and more. Personalize your messages with animated effects, pin your important conversations, send inline replies and more. Learn Messages’ most important settings and latest features so you can communicate more effectively.
Computer and Internet Security for Desktops, Laptops, Phones and Tablets $37 / $44
December 10 at 10:30 – 12pm, Tuesday
BR7076 – Brooks Enrichment Center (Bonita Springs)
Speaker: John Guerra
Every day across the country, millions of people fall victim to viruses, spyware, malware, keystroke loggers, ransomware, phishing schemes and hacking. Join this lecture-style presentation to better understand all these threats and how to best protect
yourself against them. Defend yourself and your computing devices while protecting your identity and keeping your personal information safe. This lecture is appropriate for all Windows, Android and Apple users and is one of the most important technology lectures you can take.
Online Shopping and Banking: A Guide to Safe and Easy Transactions $37 / $44
December 5 at 10 – 11:30am, Thursday
NC7077 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7078 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Dr. Baharul Islam
This lecture will boost your confidence in online shopping and banking. We’ll cover safely navigating online stores and banks, setting up accounts, making transactions, and using secure payment methods. Learn to recognize and avoid online scams, manage your orders and bank accounts, and handle common issues. The session will provide practical demonstrations and clear instructions to make online transactions safe and straightforward.
C rime, P olicing & J ustice
The Problem of Mass Incarceration in the U.S. $27 / $32
October 14 at 10 – 11:30am, Monday
MP7079 – Moorings Park Original Campus (Naples)
Speaker: Larry Siegel
Incarceration is now one of the primary means of punishment for the commission of crimes. Over five million people are under some form of supervision by the criminal justice system. More than 1.2 million people are incarcerated in state or federal prisons; over 700,000 are housed in local jails; and over 800,000 people are on parole. How did the trend towards mass incarceration develop and what is being done to reverse its course?
Crime in America: Why Do People Commit Crime? $27 / $32
November 12 at 2:30 – 4pm, Tuesday
GO7080 – Moorings Park Grey Oaks (South Naples)
Speaker: Larry Siegel
Why do people commit destructive and violent crimes? While criminologists have been searching for decades to discover the true cause of crime, the answer remains elusive. One view is that anti-social behaviors are linked to pre-existing and destructive individual level factors: impulsive personality; lack
of self-control; cognitive deficits and personality disorders. In contrast, others believe that crime is linked to social problems such as poverty and income inequality; after all crime rates are highest in neighborhoods characterized by poverty and social disorder. Still another view is that crime is the outcome of destructive relationships in the family, peer group and school. Which of these views is correct or can they all be?
Defund the Police? The Current State of American Policing $27 / $32
November 25 at 1:30 – 3pm, Monday
BV7081 – Bentley Village (North Naples)
Speaker: Larry Siegel
Police and law enforcement have become a lightning rod for controversy. While some community members worry about public safety, demand greater police presence and more forceful law enforcement, others fear that the call for aggressive policing will lead to incidents of excessive force and police brutality. The demand to defund the police has been heard in several communities. Because of this increased interest in the police and the focus the media has put on officer actions it has become evident that a hard look at the current state of policing in America is needed. What are the most significant problems and how are they being addressed?
D ay T rips & S pecial E vents
Appetizers with Wine Pairing Social Event at Mare Terra $85 / $95
November 12 at 5 – 7:30pm, Tuesday
SP7167 – Bonita Springs
Pre-registration is required. Make new friends and enjoy several delectable samplings of wonderful Italian appetizers at Mare Terra Restaurant in Bonita Springs. Your guide for this food and wine experience is with a sommelier who has personally chosen the wine pairings for each appetizer. Eat, laugh and be merry at the Academy’s Appetizers and Wine Pairing social event! No refunds within 5 business days of event.
Miami’s Little Havana Culinary, Artistic and Cultural Tour $130 / $150
November 19 at 7:30am – 6pm, Tuesday
SP7082 - Miami
Tour Host: Valerie Bostrom
Join us as we explore the rich history and culinary delights of a vibrant neighborhood. Little Havana was recently listed as an official “national treasure” of the United States by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The neighborhood is well-known for its many historical, political, culinary, and artistic contributions to our Miami culture. Nestled in the heart of the city’s downtown area and only a short drive from Miami’s famed South Beach, the neighborhood is full of interesting cultural landmarks which we visit including a cigar factory, Domino Park, Cuban Memorial Blvd., the Tower Theater, artist workshops and the Damas De Blanco Mural. Enjoy delicious cuisine including empanadas, Cuban sandwiches, mojitos, guayaba, croquetas, churros and more at a diverse range of establishments; from 5-star gourmet to hole-in-the-wall ethnic eateries. Departure information will be emailed 3 days prior to the trip. Itineraries are subject to change. No refunds within 10 business days of departure.
Henry B. Plant Museum Victorian Christmas & Tampa Art Museum $130 / $150
December 3 at 7am – 6:30pm, Tuesday SP7083 – Tampa Bay
Tour Host: Valerie Bostrom
Surround yourself with the lifestyle of the Gilded Age. Experience the development of Tampa in the late 19th century, the Cuban Campaign of the Spanish-American War, and the vision of steamship and railroad magnate Henry Plant. Begin with a self-guided 45-minute audio tour (which you can download to your personal device) of the Henry B. Plant Museum at your own pace with a brochure. Experience the extravagance and grandeur of a Victorian Christmas at the former 1891 Tampa Bay Hotel during the Henry B. Plant Museum’s 42nd Annual Victorian Christmas Stroll! Allowing you into a glimpse of Christmas past. Enjoy lunch in the Rathskeller, located in the Plant Building basement. Next you will visit the Tampa Museum of Art for a 45-minute docent-led tour. Following the tour, you will have additional time to stroll through the rest of the museum on your own, before departing for home. No refunds within 10 business days of departure.
Miami Millionaire’s Row™ Boat Cruise & Bayside Marketplace $115 / $135
December 10 at 8am – 6pm, Tuesday SP7084 - Miami
Tour Host: Valerie Bostrom
Enjoy a fully-narrated 90-minute cruise and enjoy
spectacular views of Biscayne Bay, the Miami Skyline, Port of Miami, Fisher Island, Miami Beach and Millionaire’s Row™ – the Homes of the Rich and Famous™. Soft drinks, cocktails and light snacks are available for purchase. A modern yacht offers the utmost comfort and style. Each vessel features an airconditioned lower salon enclosed in picture windows, as well as an upper deck where you can take in the fresh ocean breeze and an awning that will protect you from direct sunlight and light seasonal showers. After the cruise, enjoy time for some lunch and shopping at the Bayside Marketplace, one of Miami’s most popular destinations. Departure information will be emailed 3 days prior to the trip. Itineraries are subject to change. No refunds within 10 business days of departure.
D iscussion G roups
Great Decisions 2025 $100 / $125
February 4, 11, 18, 25, March 4, 11, 18, 25 at 10:30 –12pm, Tuesdays
NC7085 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7086 – Online via Zoom
Moderator: John Guerra
Pre-Register now! Participants must register for the entire series (NC7085 or OL7086). The fee above includes the Great Decisions Briefing Book necessary for class. Great Decisions is America’s largest discussion program on world affairs. The program model involves reading the Great Decisions Briefing Book, watching the DVD and meeting in a discussion group to discuss the most critical global issues facing America today. Basic preparation for each session includes reading the information provided in the briefing prior to the class and watching the video segment prior to our discussion. Mailing of the Great Decisions Briefing Book will require an additional postage fee.
American Foreign Policy at a Crossroads
This chapter will explore the contours of the U.S. foreign policy debate as it plays out in a world of multiple and escalating crises and domestic polarization.
U.S. Changing Leadership of the World Economy
Under President Biden, the U.S. has advanced new ideas about trade, technology, industrial policy, competition with China, and the organization of the world economy. For most of the postwar era, the U.S. has tied its global leadership to cooperative agendas aimed at creating a more
open world trading system, but that has apparently come to an end. What are America’s options and opportunities as a leader of the world economy? How will America’s “foreign policy for the middle class” and strategic competition with China impact
GREAT DECISIONS
an ominous low ebb. Both American political parties have identified China as the country’s preeminent geopolitical challenger and, in the eyes of many, a systemic threat. What is driving this deterioration of Sino-American relations, and what are America’s strategic options in the face of Chinese power and ambition?
International Cooperation on Climate Change
The 2015 Paris Agreement established a UNsponsored framework for negotiations on climate change and global warming. In subsequent COP meetings, experts and political leaders have come together seeking common cause for this growing global crisis. What is the future of these efforts, and what have they yielded? What is the U.S. role in fostering cooperation on climate change? In a divided country, what are the possible futures for American policy leadership?
The Future of NATO and European Security European security is more uncertain than it has been for decades. Putin’s Russia has launched a
war with Ukraine on its doorstep, and America’s uncertain role as leader of NATO and security provider has been called into question with the failure of Congress to pass supplemental military support for Ukraine. What are Europe’s options, and how might developments on both sides of Western Europe – in Ukraine and across the Atlantic – impact its choices? What are America’s stakes in NATO and Europe’s strategic dilemmas?
AI and American National Security
The AI revolution is the leading edge of a larger high-tech revolution which promises to transform the world. Experts argue that international cooperation is needed to expand the opportunities these new technologies hold while protecting societies from their dangers. What are the key policy debates in this area, and what are the opportunities and limits on global AI rules of the road? How will the AI revolution impact American national security? What are its policy options to secure the benefits of AI and guard against its dangers?
India: Between China, the West & the Global South India is an emerging major power in world affairs, occupying a pivotal position between China, the United States, and the Global South. Its population size, economy, and geopolitical location ensure that it will be an influential voice in debates and political struggles over global order. What are India’s choices and opportunities for regional and global leadership? How will it maneuver between China and the United States, and what is its role as a voice of the Global South? What opportunities exist for Washington to work with India?
After Gaza: American Policy in the Middle East
The war in Gaza has brought the region to a crossroads. What are the possible outcomes of the war, and how might the United States use its influence to shape a long-term settlement that leaves both Israel and the Palestinians in a better position? How might Arab states in the wider region be brought into a settlement? What are America’s interests in the Middle East and how can it advance them?
Current Events Discussion Group
(Monthly 2-part series) $46 / $56
Option #1 – October 10, 24 at 10:30 – 12pm, Thurs
OL7087 – Online via Zoom
Option #2 – November 7, 21at 10:30 – 12pm, Thurs
OL7088 – Online via Zoom
Option #3 – December 9, 19 at 10:30 – 12pm, Mon / Thur
OL7089 – Online via Zoom
Moderator: John Guerra
In a globalized world, crucial and important topics rise and fall daily. Ripped from the headlines, this program offers the opportunity for substantive discourse on the issues and stories shaping local, national and world events. Our goal is to build consensus, unity and identify practical solutions. Join neighbors, friends and peers online in this interactive, thoughtprovoking and engaging discussion group. We strive to offer a constructive and respectful forum where conservatives and liberals alike can comfortably and openly share their viewpoints and opinions. Each week participants receive articles for discussion and, where appropriate, videos are shown to help further our dialog. The best discussions arise from a group of diverse individuals offering their personal viewpoints and perspectives informed by their unique life experiences. Together with your opinions and ideas, bring your listening and critical thinking skills to help enrich us all.
E cology & E nvironment
Clean Hydrogen: Why We Need It and Does It Have a Future? $27 / $32
October 7 at 1:30 - 3pm, Monday
BV7090 – Bentley Village (North Naples)
Speaker: Dr. John Yasinsky
With the global campaign to reduce man-made greenhouse gases, renewable energy, such as solar and wind power, and nuclear power, together, can minimize the use of fossil fuels, but cannot eliminate their use. The remaining hard-to-decarbonize industries will require hydrogen to replace fossil fuels. The challenge is to produce abundant quantities of hydrogen at low cost, with no residual greenhouse gas emissions. Can this be achieved?
Hidden Hazards: Unveiling Toxic Chemicals in Everyday Products $27 / $32
Option #1 – November 4 at 10 – 11:30am, Monday MP7091 – Moorings Park Original Campus (Naples)
Option #2 – November 7 at 10 – 11:30am, Thursday
BV7092 – Bentley Village (North Naples)
Speaker: Dr. Levente Pap
In a world where convenience often trumps caution, many of the products we use daily contain hidden toxins that pose significant risks to our health. From food additives and packaging materials to cleaning supplies and personal care products, toxic chemicals are pervasive in our lives, often without our knowledge. This presentation delves into the science behind these harmful substances, exploring how they make their way into our food, homes, and bodies. We’ll discuss the long-term health effects of exposure, the regulatory gaps that allow these chemicals to persist, and practical steps we can take to protect ourselves and our loved ones. Join us to uncover the hidden hazards and learn how to navigate the complexities of modern consumer products safely.
F oreign F ilm D iscussion S eries
International Film and Documentary Discussion Series – Sundays (3 Films)
$30 / $40 Donation
October 20, Nov 10, Dec 15 at 2pm, Sundays NC7093 – Naples Center (Naples)
Moderator: John Guerra
Pre-registration is strongly advised. Participants may register for the series (NC7093) or for any of the individual films below. Join fellow film lovers as we watch and discuss films from around the world. Award winning, thought provoking, heart pounding and life changing cinema that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
Born in Gaza (Documentary, 2014, Not Rated, 54 mins) $12 / $15 Donation
October 20 at 2pm, Sunday NC7094 – Naples Center (Naples)
This documentary focuses on the violence of the Israel-Palestine conflict and its’ effects on the children of Gaza. The documentary follows the story of about ten children who tell what their daily life is like after the horror of the war in Gaza in the summer of 2014.
Departures (Drama, 2008, PG-13, 130 mins) $12 / $15 Donation
November 10 at 2pm, Sunday NC7095 – Naples Center (Naples)
Soon after buying an expensive cello, Daigo learns that his orchestra is disbanding. He moves back to his hometown with his wife, where he answers an ad for what Daigo thinks is a travel agency but is, in actuality, a mortuary.
As It Is In Heaven (Comedy/Drama, 2004, Not Rated, 133 mins) $12 / $15 Donation
December 15 at 2pm, Sunday NC7096 – Naples Center (Naples)
A famous international conductor returns to his small childhood town in Sweden for early retirement. He’s asked to help with the church choir after which everyone’s lives will be forever changed.
International Film and Documentary
Discussion Series (3 Films) – Tuesdays $30 / $40 Donation
October 22, Nov 19, Dec 10 at 2pm, Tuesdays
GL7097 – Moorings Park Grande Lake (SE Naples)
Moderator: John Guerra
Pre-registration is strongly advised. Participants may register for the series (NC7097) or for any of the individual films below. Join fellow film lovers as we watch and discuss films from around the world. Award winning, thought provoking, heart pounding and life changing cinema that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
Soorari Pottru (Drama/Action, 2020, Not Rated, 149 mins) $12 / $15 Donation
October 22 at 2pm, Tuesday
GL7098 – Moorings Park Grande Lake (SE Naples)
Maara pursues his dream and sets out to make the common man fly and, in the process, takes on the world’s most capital-intensive industry and many enemies who stand in his way.
Monster (Japan, Drama, 2023, Rated PG, 126 min)
$12 / $15 Donation
November 19 at 2pm, Tuesday
GL7099 – Moorings Park Grande Lake (SE Naples)
A mother demands answers from his school when her son begins acting strangely.
Lion (Drama/Biography, 2016, PG-13, 118 mins)
$12 / $15 Donation
December 10 at 2pm, Tuesday
GL7100 – Moorings Park Grande Lake (SE Naples)
Five-year-old Saroo gets lost on a train which takes
him thousands of miles across India, away from home and family. Saroo must learn to survive alone in Kolkata, before ultimately being adopted by an Australian couple. Twenty-five years later, armed with only a handful of memories, his unwavering determination, and a revolutionary technology known as Google Earth, he sets out to find his lost family and finally return to his first home.
H ealth, M edicine & W ellness
Balance University: Improve Balance, Posture and Flexibility (3-part series) $45 / $55
Option #1 – October 4, 11, 18 at 9 – 10am, Fridays
NC7101 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7102 – Online via Zoom
Option #2 – November 1, 8, 15 at 9 – 10am, Fridays
NC7103 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7104 – Online via Zoom
Option #3– December 6, 13, 20 at 9 – 10am, Fridays
NC7105 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7106 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Chris Williams
Balance University is an interactive wellness class designed to improve balance, posture and flexibility. This program starts with basic balance exercises and progresses to more complex movements over time. Your instructor explains the “whys” and the importance of balance exercises as part of your everyday routine. Join our instructor in a safe and effective low-impact workout.
Unlocking
Your Brain’s
Potential:
Strategies for Peak Cognitive Health
$27 / $32
December 4 at 10 – 11:30am, Wednesday
MP7107 – Moorings Park Original Campus (Naples)
Speakers: Dr. Bhisnauth Churaman / Dr. Amy Jo Dudley
Dive into the secrets of maintaining and enhancing cognitive function with this dynamic lecture. Explore cutting-edge research on brain health, discover practical tips for boosting memory and focus, and learn how lifestyle choices can empower your mental clarity. Whether you’re aiming to sharpen your skills or safeguard against cognitive decline, this lecture will equip you with actionable insights to optimize your brain’s performance and longevity. Don’t miss out on the key to a sharper, more vibrant mind!
The Crown Jewels: Body Kindness for Aging
Bodies $27 / $32
December 12 at 10 – 11:30am, Thursday
BV7108 – Bentley Village (North Naples)
Speaker: Tricia Otto
This lecture explores the roots of diet culture and how ideas about dieting contribute to problematic narratives about our bodies as they age. Discussion and activities will be centered on self-examination and reflection to help foster gratitude and kindness toward the bodies we live in.
H istory, L aw & G overnment
Get Ready to Vote in the November Elections
$27 / $32
Option #1 – October 2 at 10 – 11:30am, Wednesday
MP6963 – Moorings Park Original Campus (Naples)
Option #2 – October 4 at 1:30 – 3pm, Friday
GL6968 – Moorings Park Grande Lake (SE Naples)
Option #3 – October 7 at 2 – 3:30pm, Monday
AG6964 – Aston Gardens (North Naples)
Option #4 – October 9 at 1:30 – 3pm, Wednesday
SL6965 – Siena Lakes (Northeast Naples)
Option #5 – October 14 at 2:30 – 4pm, Monday
BV6966 – Bentley Village (North Naples)
Option #6 – October 22 at 2:30 – 4pm, Tuesday
GO6967 – Moorings Park Grey Oaks (South Naples)
Speaker: Sandy Parker
Election Day is November 5. In this presentation, we will review the federal, state, and local offices and candidates, the proposed amendments to the Florida constitution, and the local referendum that will be on the ballot for Collier County voters. Join us and get a jump-start on being a more informed voter.
The Manhattan Project $27 / $32
October 9 at 10 – 11:30am, Wednesday
MP7075 – Moorings Park Original Campus (Naples)
Speaker: Gary Stuhltrager
During World War II the U.S. and Britain found themselves in a race with the Nazis to develop an atomic bomb. The scope of this endeavor was enormous. There were scientific issues, technical problems as well as the logistics of manufacturing the necessary materials. It involved tens of thousands of people and the creation of new cities all the while trying to maintain the utmost secrecy. Robert Oppenheimer and General Leslie Groves would emerge as the driving forces of the project. This
lecture also discusses the aftereffects of the decision to use the weapon. To this day, the U.S. is still the only nation to ever use an atomic weapon during wartime.
Russian Intelligence FREE for Members / $32
October 11 at 10:30 – 12pm, Friday NC7109 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7110 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Thomas Eastwood
Soviet/Russian intelligence has been highly effective for over a century. During World War II and the Cold War, their human intelligence was particularly successful. We discuss their successes and failures and compare them to Western intelligence. Topics include: intelligence effectiveness, structure, GRU, KGB, SVR, FSB, FSO, Spetsnaz groups, atomic spies, Cold War spies, defectors, Cuban Missile Crisis espionage, Russian Sleeper spies, The Cambridge Five, The Americans and assassinations.
Jewish Avengers $27 / $32
October 11 at 1:30 – 3pm, Friday GL7111 – Moorings Park Grande Lake (SE Naples)
Speaker: Thomas Eastwood
The Nazi military was formidable, but many Jews did not simply “go like lambs to the slaughter.” They resisted via sabotage, ghetto uprisings, escape, camp revolts and armed guerrilla fighting. After the war some sought restitution. Topics include: Jewish resistance; Jewish groups who targeted Nazi war criminals during and after WWII; Israeli assassinations; the Dachau liberation “reprisals;” war crime tribunals; if the Allies did enough to help the Jews; and the MV St. Louis.
Five Eyes: Global Eavesdropping and the Collection of Communications Intelligence
$27 / $32
October 21 at 10:30 – 12pm, Monday
NC7112 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7113 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Thomas Eastwood
Since World War II, the U.S. and U.K. have had an alliance to jointly collect and share communications intelligence. That agreement has expanded to include other types of intelligence. It also grew to include Australia, Canada and New Zealand and became called Five Eyes. It is the most effective intelligence alliance in history. Join us for a fascinating introduction into the world of signals intelligence and
global eavesdropping. Topics include: history, types of intelligence, agencies involved, third parties, Nine Eyes, 14 Eyes, Atlantic Charter, VENONA, Soviet Spies, Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, ECHELON, Pine Gap, NSA Hawaii, Edward Snowden, leaks, cyberwarfare, intelligence partnerships, Israel, emerging issues and 5G.
Immigration 2024: Crossroads of “Legal” and “Illegal” Immigration $27 / $32
Option #1 – October 21 at 3:30 – 5pm, Monday
TE7114 – TwinEagles (Northeast Naples)
Option #2 – December 5 at 10 – 11:30am, Thursday
GR7115 – Grey Oaks Country Club (South Naples)
Speaker: Casey Wolff
Global “migration” and a broken U.S. immigration system are what we see every day on the news. What are the root causes? Can they be corrected and at what cost? Immigration, by definition, is a political, economic, cultural and humanitarian issue worldwide as well as being a moving target. Expect a lively and interesting discussion.
The Spanish Armada – A Magnificent Myth!
$27 / $32
October 25 at 10 – 11:30am, Friday
NC7116 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7117 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Nancy Maxwell
What a sight to behold! Hundreds of Spanish ships coursing their way up the coast of Europe towards
England. The two countries had been on a collision course for decades, and now, in 1588, they were headed for a showdown. Spanish wealth and power, as everyone knew (or thought they knew) was unlimited, and the Armada was supposed to be invincible. To everyone’s surprise, the English survived, and the myths that began around that event continue to this day. This lecture examines the facts and the fiction of this fateful battle between Spain and England.
Election Showdown: Road to the White House
$27 / $32
October 28 at 10 – 11:30am, Monday
NC7118 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7119 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Dr. Peter Bergerson
This lecture addresses the state of the Presidential Campaign and the process that leads to the January 20th inauguration. Join us for a critically important discussion of the candidates, their policies, the most recent pre-election polls, voter suppression and election denialism.
Chinese Intelligence $27 / $32
October 28 at 10:30 – 12pm, Monday
NC7120 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7121 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Thomas Eastwood
China has a large and highly proficient intelligence organization. They are particularly effective in human intelligence, economic espionage and cyber warfare. They are also very aggressive in co-opting students, academics and businessmen. Topics include: structure; mission; effectiveness; operations; Ministry for State Security; People’s Liberation Army; industrial and economic espionage; cyber warfare; and TikTok
Wannsee Conference – The Final Solution $27 / $32
October 28 at 1:30 – 3pm, Monday
BV7122 – Bentley Village (North Naples)
Speaker: Thomas Eastwood
In January 1942, fifteen Nazi officials met near Berlin to discuss the murder of millions of Jews. Chaired by the Butcher of Prague, Reinhard Heydrich, it was a ghastly but matter-of-fact meeting to ensure efficient implementation of the “final solution to the Jewish question.” The logistics officer was Adolph Eichmann. Topics include: meeting participants and their fates; Heydrich; Eichmann; Himmler; agenda; setting; HBO film ‘Conspiracy’; T-4 Program; Nuremberg Trials; Operation Tannenberg; SS and Gestapo.
The Wives of Henry VIII $27 / $32
October 31 at 10:30 – 12pm, Thursday
CL7123 – The Carlisle Naples (North Naples)
Speaker: Nancy Maxwell
Henry VIII’s six marriages were about both love and power; but romance with this king could be a dangerous game. He needed an heir, but what else was Henry hoping to achieve through these marriages? Who were his wives? Were they hapless victims or ambitious schemers or a combination of the two? Each one’s story was unique. Let’s meet these six very memorable 16th century ladies of the English court.
The Creation of Germany $27 / $32
November 11 at 2 – 3:30pm, Monday
AG7124 – Aston Gardens (North Naples)
Speaker: Nancy Maxwell
Perhaps because of its dominant role in two world wars, it is easy to think of Germany as an old nation with a long history. But Germany is a young state, less than 150 years old. The original territory was divided into a myriad of small holdings ruled by independent noble families and surrounded by the powerful states of Austria and France. The path to unification would be blocked by all of these. Despite earlier attempts, it took the rise of Otto von Bismarck, with his cunning, wisdom and political acuity, to overcome all these obstacles and establish the German Empire.
The Year That Was 1968 – A Very Troubled
Year $27 / $32
November 13 at 1:30 – 3pm, Wednesday SL7125 – Siena Lakes (Northeast Naples)
Speaker: Stephen Valdespino
You won’t want to miss this remarkable audio-visual program of one of the most tumultuous years of the 20th century. It would define an entire generation. Vietnam: Khe Sanh, Tet Offensive, USS Pueblo, MLK & RFK, Politics, Democratic National Committee, Sports, Cinema, Culture, Technology, protests, Olympics and Music! Apollo 8 and so much more.
Unraveling
Iran $27 / $32
November 18 at 10 – 11:30am, Monday
MP7126 – Moorings Park Original Campus (Naples)
Speaker: Jeffrey Steinberg
Modern Iran emerged out of the Persian Empire, the decades of rule by the Shah, the brief anti-colonial period under Prime Minister Mosadegh, the Islamic Revolution and the rise of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Join a 40-year national security affairs analyst as he examines the current situation in Iran and the changing regional environment, Iran’s increasing engagement with Russia and China, and the evolving U.S. policy toward the Islamic Republic.
A
Republic If You Can Keep It: America at a Crossroads $27 / $32
November 18 at 1:30 – 3pm, Monday
BV7127 – Bentley Village (North Naples)
Speaker: Jeffrey Steinberg
With so much attention and angst focused on the 2024 presidential election and concerns about the continued viability of our system of government, this lecture looks back on the Constitutional convention, the ratification debate, and the amendments to give historical context to the current situation.
The
Roots of the Israel-Palestine Conflict $27 / $32
November 19 at 10 – 11:30am, Tuesday
NC7128 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7129 Online via Zoom
Speaker: Jeffrey Steinberg
The Israel-Palestine conflict is complex and defies simple explanations. It has Biblical dimensions that most other conflicts do not have. The immediate roots of the conflict go back to the post-World War II period and the partitioning of Palestine. Later it became part of the Cold War contest between the West and the Soviet Union and was nearly resolved when the Oslo Accords came close to creating a long-sought twostate solution. With the 1995 assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin by a Jewish extremist, the brief window of opportunity shut and gave way to further conflict. This lecture touches upon all these critical moments and offers some prospects of what may follow.
The Last of the Romanovs $27 / $32
November 20 at 10 – 11:30am, Wednesday NC7131 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7132 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Nancy Maxwell
The 300-year-old Romanov dynasty, all powerful rulers of the Russian empire, came to a shocking end in 1917 as the Russian Revolution swept across the country. For some time, their story was lost, swallowed by bigger events. How did Czar Nicholas II, a gentle, family man, end up in a remote prison? What happened to his five children, all on the brink of bright futures? What was the fate of the extended Romanov family? Let’s trace their story and resolve some of the mystery!
The Year That Was 1957 – A Time for Change
$27 / $32
November 25 at 1:30 – 3pm, Monday CL7133 – The Carlisle Naples (North Naples)
Speaker: Stephen Valdespino
1957 was a year which encapsulates the entire decade of the 1950s. We begin our retrospective in January, end in December and relive, along the memory way, seminal events in our national history: Cold War, Civil Rights, Politics, TV, Film, Music, Popular Culture, Science, Automobiles and more. Relive1957, a surprisingly vibrant and important year.
World’s Greatest Army: The War Machine of Rome $27 / $32
December 2 at 1:30 – 3pm, Monday
BV7134 – Bentley Village (North Naples)
Speaker: Gabriella Miyamoto
This lecture offers a brief introduction to the army of the Roman Empire and the type of warfare it waged
during the High and Late Imperial periods. The infantry legions were always the predominant Roman troops, responsible for the Empire’s conquests at its height and for the ongoing protection of its borders, and we will review the evolution of their weapons and armor, as well as the development of Roman cavalry, artillery and siege craft. The lecture concludes with an overview of the increasing “Germanic barbarization” of the Roman Army in the late 4th and 5th centuries that preceded the fall of the Empire in the west.
The Creation of Italy $27 / $32
December 10 at 10 – 11:30am, Tuesday
NC7136 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7137 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Nancy Maxwell
A visitor to Italy today travels freely through the magnificent cities of Florence, Naples, Rome and Venice; but it was not always so easy. Italy is a relatively new country, and the fabled cities may indeed be regarded as prizes, because they did not all join Italy willingly! It took a combination of the wily statesman Camillo Cavour, the political activism of the secret revolutionary Giuseppe Mazzini, and the romantic nationalism of Giuseppe Garibaldi – none of whom wanted to work together – to draw disparate “Italians” together. And even that wasn’t quite enough. Napoleon III and Bismarck had something to add. This lecture looks at the remarkable personalities and events that led to the emergence of a unified Italy in 1871.
America’s Great Book Giveaway – The Armed Services Editions $27 / $32
December 16 at 1:30 – 3pm, Monday
BV7138 – Bentley Village (North Naples)
Speaker: Jeffrey Margolis
During World War II, the U.S. government along with the publishing industry devised a monumental program to get millions of paperback books into the hands of GIs overseas. The Armed Services Editions were more than just best-selling books, they were companions, confidants and a means of escape from those facing the perils of combat. This lecture examines the efforts of Uncle Sam to provide information and entertainment for servicemen and women during the war. Attendees are invited to bring copies of Armed Services Editions they may have to share.
Who Really Discovered America? $27 / $32
Option #1 – October 8 at 2:30 – 4pm, Tuesday
GO7139 – Moorings Park Grey Oaks (South Naples)
Option #2 – December 16 at 1:30 – 3pm, Monday
CL7191 – The Carlisle Naples (North Naples)
Speaker: Dr. Marwan Wehbe
By traveling extensively throughout the Americas, Western Europe and the Middle East, you start wondering how we all got here. Perhaps you have heard stories about the Vikings living on our shores or was it Columbus who started the colonization of the Americas? This lecture tries to untangle the truth about the discovery of America and the colonization of this continent.
World War II America: 1940-1945 $27 / $32
December 20 at 1:30 – 3pm, Friday
GL7140 – Moorings Park Grande Lake (SE Naples)
Speaker: Stephen Valdespino
An audio-visual tribute celebrating “The Greatest Generation” on the Home Front during the war years 1940-1945. Experience the world of your parents and grandparents during one of the darkest periods of the modern era. Lots of wonderful memorabilia and history including Hollywood, music and dance, popular culture and, of course, war news. This program is at turns dramatic, humorous and poignant.
L ife E nrichment
No Timeouts: Leading and Overcoming Life’s Toughest Moments! $27 / $32
October 24 at 10 – 11:30am, Thursday
BV7141 – Bentley Village (North Naples)
Speaker: Coach Patrick Chambers
Life’s obstacles, setbacks, and challenges can occur at any moment. Whether it’s leading at home, in sports, or the business world, the ability to navigate these difficulties can define your life and success. This lecture examines real-life experiences, as well as the stress and pressure we endure and battle daily. Patrick Chambers, FGCU’s Head Basketball Coach, a husband, father and leader, discusses the stages we go through during adversity and the strategies he has implemented to succeed. When the game of life gets tough, and it most certainly will, remember there are no time outs, only opportunities to rise to the occasion!
Is College Worthwhile? The Skills Gap and How Colleges Can Bridge It $27 / $32
December 5 at 10 – 11:30am, Thursday BV7142 – Bentley Village (North Naples)
Speaker: Dr. Glenn Whitehouse
Lately, employment researchers and journalists have been writing about a “Skills Gap” - a mismatch between the skills that employers need in new hires, and the skills applicants show up with. This theme has become caught up with a related hot topic of our time: “Is college worth it?” If a college degree is a poor signal of the skill set of a graduate, the argument goes, maybe we need other, better signals. To take things farther, perhaps college itself is dispensable for most jobs and could be replaced with skills-based hiring. In this lecture we explore this question and look at some of the ways that colleges are responding to the challenge of the skills gap. This lecture takes a fresh look at college education, from the filter of skills rather than majors. We consider major trends in higher education that aim to address the value proposition of college by connecting skills and degrees with an “and” rather than an “or.” Finally, we look at some local innovations at FGCU, which is emerging as a leader in one of those trends, skill badging.
L iterature & L anguage
Myths, Legends and Fairy Tales $27 / $32
November 4 at 1:30 – 3pm, Monday
BV7143 – Bentley Village (North Naples)
Speaker: Dr. Marwan Wehbe
Humans have lived with the unknown since they appeared on earth. They have employed myths, legends and fairy tales to explain the world around them or to celebrate events. Many of these stories and beliefs have survived for centuries. We discuss the differences among them and use examples of each to illustrate the richness of human imagination and inventiveness, and its perpetuation in various cultures.
M ah J ongg
Mah Jongg for Beginners (3-part series) $62 / $74
November 4, 6, 8 at 10 – 11:30am, Monday / Wednesday / Friday
NC7144 – Naples Center (Naples)
Speaker: Gayle Dorio
Please bring your 2024 Mah Jongg Rule Card (from
the National Mah Jongg League; call 212-246-3052) and your own Mah Jongg set. Learn the fundamentals of Mah Jongg. Learn how this exciting game makes you think every minute. Learn play strategies and how to put your tiles together to make a hand.
Advanced Mah Jongg Strategies (3-part series) $62 / $74
November 18, 20, 22 at 10 – 11:30am, Mon / Wed / Fri NC7145 – Naples Center (Naples)
Speaker: Gayle Dorio
Please bring your 2024 Mah Jongg Rule Card (from the National Mah Jongg League; call 212-246-3052) and your own Mah Jongg set. Take your Mah Jongg to a higher level. Be prepared to play hands with defensive strategies and faster decision making. Learn when to call and when to wait. Why is this game more about looking and listening than just studying your hand?
M edia & N ews
Can You Trust the Media? $27 / $32
Option #1 – October 10 at 10 – 11:30am, Thursday BV7146 – Bentley Village (North Naples)
Option #2 – November 12 at 10 – 11:30am, Tuesday NC7147 – Naples Center (Naples) OL7148 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Dr. Stefanie Kempton
You have probably heard the terms, “fake news,” “deep fakes,” and “artificial intelligence,” but what do
they mean and how do they affect you? This cuttingedge lecture will answer those questions plus much more. Learn about and discuss the importance of good journalism, how to spot fake news, and the impacts of artificial intelligence on the information you receive every day. Information is the key to democracy and good journalism is the cornerstone of a government that works for its people.
M usic & O pera
From the Delta to the Internet: A History of American Popular Music $27 / $32
October 15 at 1 – 2:30pm, Tuesday
SL7149 – Siena Lakes (Northeast Naples)
Speaker: Dr. Christopher Endrinal
Do you ever wonder how music evolved from Elvis to Beyoncé? This lecture provides insight into that process, starting not in the 1950s, but a century prior in the mid-1800s, and progressing through to the present day. We examine how the music of the enslaved people of the Mississippi Delta formed the foundation of the music that started it all: the Blues. The dawn of the twentieth century also gave rise to the jazz. Together, these two styles (along with several others) would eventually form the basis of rock ’n’ roll and pop. Other genres included are rap and hip hop, disco, grunge, and EDM (electronic dance music).
The History and Evolution of the Symphony $27 / $32
Option #1 – October 17 at 10 – 11:30am, Thursday
BV7150 – Bentley Village (North Naples)
Option #2 – November 4 at 3:30 – 5pm, Monday
TE7151 – TwinEagles (Northeast Naples)
Speaker: Dr. Christopher Endrinal
From Baroque religious commissions to big screen space battles, the importance of symphonic music in the Western musical landscape cannot be overstated. This lecture begins in the early 17th century and discusses how symphonic compositions from the likes of Handel and Vivaldi influenced Haydn and Mozart, who in turn made their mark on Beethoven. Wagner and Tchaikovsky had their ideas about what a symphony could and should be, paving the proverbial path for modernists like Stravinsky and Penderecki. We conclude by discussing contemporary symphonic works from Pulitzer Prize winners Ellen Taffe Zwilich and Jennifer Higdon, as well as Academy Award winner John Williams.
History of the American Musical Theatre from the Late 19th Until the 21st Century $27 / $32
Option #1 – November 11 at 1:30 – 3pm, Monday BV7152 – Bentley Village (North Naples)
Option #2 – November 25 at 2 – 3:30pm, Monday AG7153 – Aston Gardens (North Naples)
Option #3 – December 10 at 2:30 – 4pm, Tuesday GO7154 – Moorings Park Grey Oaks (South Naples)
Speaker: Dr. Helen Tintes-Schuermann
This lecture offers an overview of the history of the American Musical Theatre, with its roots in European operetta and Early American Vaudeville. Historical periods from the late 19th century (French and Viennese operetta, American Vaudeville and early American Operetta), followed by the early the 20th century (the 1920s and 30s, including “Showboat”, the first truly American musical) and Broadway’s “Golden Age” (“Kiss me Kate”, “Oklahoma”, “My Fair Lady”, etc.) will be covered. Works of the last half of the 20th century (including major works such as “West Side Story” and “A Little Night Music”) will be presented, along with musical examples. Composers include Victor Herbert, Jerome Kern, George Gershwin, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Cole Porter, Lerner and Loewe, Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim.
A Day at the Opera: Puccini’s Tosca, Met HD and More $27 / $32
Option #1 – November 13 at 10 – 11:30am, Wed MP7155 – Moorings Park Original Campus (Naples)
Option #2 – November 21 at 10 – 11:30am, Thur BV7156– Bentley Village (North Naples)
Speaker: Neil Adelman
The Metropolitan Opera in HD series will be presenting Puccini’s Tosca in local theaters on November 23 and November 27. This dramatic masterpiece is a mainstay of the operatic repertory. This program uses video excerpts to discuss the music, story, composer, performance history and more. This lecture is designed for all, whether you are an experienced operagoer or new to the medium and whether or not you plan to attend the Met Opera HD performance. Discover the magic of Tosca!
R eligion & F aith
Misquoted – How Bible Passages Often Get Taken Out of Context $27 / $32
October 28 at 10 – 11:30am, Monday
MP7157 – Moorings Park Original Campus (Naples)
Speaker: Dr. John Roth
Using the New Testament and Hebrew Bible, Dr. Roth has studied and taught hermeneutics, or Biblical interpretation. In this lecture, he shares examples of passages misused or misapplied as well as ways to establish an integrated approach to interpretation that combines aspects of author centered, text centered and reader centered approaches. The texts of the Bible were not written for 21st century Americans but rather to the first hearers and readers, yet it was still written for us. You will learn the different steps one takes to fully appreciate any text in Scripture.
Having Healthy Conversations about Religion
$27 / $32
November 15 at 1:30 – 3pm, Friday
GL7158 – Moorings Park Grande Lake (SE Naples)
Speaker: Dr. John Roth
Though there is a growing segment of America becoming “nones,” that is, no particular faith identification, the vast majority of America still believes in God and is at least spiritual. Yet, with the polarization in our society, religious conversations are fraught with tension and potential pitfalls. How does one have a good conversation on religion? Dr. Roth will share two types of conversations - aggressive engagement to pluralistic relativism - both with a downside, while giving a third alternative that attempts to respect religious differences of all those involved.
How the Modern Bible Came to Be $27 / $32
December 2 at 2 – 3:30pm, Monday
AG7159 – Aston Gardens (North Naples)
Speaker: Kent Commons
In 2007, Time magazine asserted that the Bible “has done more to shape literature, history, entertainment and culture than any book ever written.” It’s a bold claim, but one that’s hard to refute. But if the Bible’s standing as a cultural behemoth is beyond doubt, its history is anything but. For centuries, some of the world’s greatest thinkers have puzzled over the origins and evolution of this remarkable document. Who wrote it? When? Why? These are the thorniest of questions, made even more tangled by the Bible’s great age.
What has Religion to do with Politics?
$27 / $32
December 4 at 1:30 – 3pm, Wednesday
SL7160 – Siena Lakes (Northeast Naples)
Speaker: Dr. John Roth
This question of the relationship between religion and politics has been asked since at least the time of Tertullian in 198 AD. Dr. Roth will present five different types of interaction, or postures, that people may have with how religion and politics interact, offering the pros and cons of each one and how America’s current climate of polarization and the politicization of almost everything can be modified to a more civil and constructive way to engage in these two aspects of life. A special focus will be on research that has been conducted on American views of what some call Christian Nationalism.
Understanding Christian Nationalism $27 / $32
December 16 at 1:30 – 3pm, Monday
NC7161 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7171 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Dr. John Roth
Explore the origins, the tenets and the critique of Christian Nationalism both in the United States and elsewhere. How Christian is Christian Nationalism? What are alternative ways for people of faith to engage with their culture and in political life?
The Book of Revelation: Apocalypse Now? $27 / $32
December 30 at 1:30 – 3pm, Monday
BV7162 – Bentley Village (North Naples)
Speaker: Dr. John Roth
Why the popular interpretation of the book of Revelation is a distortion of the main themes of the book and what historic, exegetical alternative understandings of this book may be better utilized to understand it. In other words, why it’s probably best to leave behind the “Left Behind” ideas.
S cience
Darwin’s Theory of Evolution and Hitler’s Concept of a “Master Race” $27 / $32
December 6 at 1:30 – 3pm, Friday
GL7135 – Moorings Park Grande Lake (SE Naples)
Speaker: Dr. Robert Humphries
This lecture explores the basics of Darwin’s theory of how life may have evolved by means of Natural Selection with some of the key evidence in its support, including current scientific analysis. Also, how Darwin’s ideas along with American support may have helped Hitler envision his “Master Race” concept.
T ravel O pen H ouses
FGCU Travel Open House Free
Option #1 – October 14 at 10:30 – 12pm, Monday
NC7163 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7164 – Online via Zoom
Option #2 – November 19 at 10:30 – 12pm, Tue
NC7165 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7166 – Online via Zoom
Option #3 – December 18 at 10:30 – 12pm, Wed
NC7177 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7178 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: John Guerra
Join FGCU Academy as we formally unveil our 2025 travel excursions including Cuba; Natural Treasures of Indonesia, Borneo & Taiwan; Northern Italy: From the Alps to the Adriatic; Journey through Central Europe; Insider’s Japan; Paradores and Pousadas: Portugal & Spain; Machu Picchu to the Galapagos; Egypt and the Eternal Nile; Moroccan Discovery: From the Imperial Cities to the Sahara; Portugal and the Douro River Cruise; and Gems of Eastern Europe River Cruise including Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania. Eleven exciting and luxurious tours are planned for our upcoming travel season starting in March 2025, and we invite you to learn about them all. Through unique and interesting itineraries, participants have the opportunity to experience life
outside the classroom, visit historic sites with local guides, experience another culture – its customs, cuisine, language and history – and delight in conversation and laughter with fellow explorers who share a love of travel and a sense of adventure.
FGCU Academy Cruise Open House Free
Option #1 – October 23 at 10:30 – 12pm, Wed NC7179 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7180 – Online via Zoom
Option #2 – November 14 at 10:30 – 12pm, Thur NC7181 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7182 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: Lainie Wolfe
FGCU Academy has partnered with Mayflower Cruises & Tours, a division of the Scenic Group, to offer three voyages that sail some of the most iconic rivers and waterways of the world. Our 2025 lineup includes Natural Treasures of Indonesia, Borneo & Taiwan Yacht Cruise, Portugal and the Douro River Cruise, and Gems of Eastern Europe River Cruise including Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania. Our itineraries include the most memorable attractions, touring opportunities, and highlights of each destination. We believe that planning travel is more than just a simple journey to exceptional destinations, it is about creating life-enriching experiences and memories that will last a lifetime. Join these cruise open houses to learn more about these remarkable travel opportunities.
W orld V oyage: S ights , S ound s, T raditions & C ulture
Australia and New Zealand: A Thousand Miles Apart, A World of Difference $27 / $32
December 9 at 1:30 – 3pm, Monday
BV7183 – Bentley Village (North Naples)
Speaker: James Sernovitz
The “Down Under” countries of Australia and New Zealand are in a league of their own. From the sandy tropical beaches of Cairns to the snowy mountains of Queenstown in the Southern Alps, these two countries are often similar yet quite different. We experience majestic fjords, bubbling geysers, jungles, glaciers, rainforests, empty deserts and bustling cities. We visit the world class cities of Auckland, Sydney and Melbourne, experience the emptiness of the Outback, dive the Great Barrier Reef, see the sunrise at Uluru the world’s largest rock monolith, and visit the boiling springs and geysers of Rotorua.
Cuba: A Nation Frozen in Time $27 / $32
December 19 at 1:30 – 3pm, Thursday
CC7184 – Cypress Cove (Fort Myers)
Speaker: James Sernovitz
The Cuban Revolution was over 50 years ago, but for most of its citizens, nothing much has changed. From the vintage cars to swinging Latin rhythms, the beautiful countryside and even bunkers remaining from the Bay of Pigs days, we visit it all. Come along as we experience a land stuck in the 1950’s and 1960’s.
W riting W orkshops
Writers’ Collaborative Workshop
(4-part series) $100 / $120
Option #1 – October, at TBD, TBD
(Please call us for dates / times)
NC7185 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7186 – Online via Zoom
Option #2 – November, at TBD, TBD
(Please call us for dates / times)
NC7187 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7188 – Online via Zoom
Option #3 – December, at TBD, TBD
(Please call us for dates / times)
NC7189 – Naples Center (Naples)
OL7190 – Online via Zoom
Speaker: TBD
In this hands-on workshop, participants will share writing for feedback and engage in discussion of the writing craft and profession at all levels, including the writing process, developing ideas, audience, and reader engagement. Each week every participant reads an excerpt of work-in-progress for constructive critique and collaborative learning. Learn through works-in-progress and discuss the writing process, effective revision techniques, and targeting specific genres and markets. Time and length limit to excerpts are dependent on group size.
OUR SPEAKERS
Neil Adelman, J.D., is a retired attorney who practiced law in Chicago for 41 years. He has lectured and coordinated courses on legal and related historical subjects and on opera.
Peter Bergerson, Ph.D., has taught Political Science and Public Policy for over 40 years at the university level.
Val Bostrom previously worked for Delta Airlines and as a travel agent. She will be our trusted and capable guide for many of our day trips.
Patrick Chambers is the Florida Gulf Coast University’s Men’s Head Basketball Coach.
Bhisnauth Churaman, DNP, is an Assistant Professor in both the Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice Program.
Kent Commons, M.A., is a graduate from Whittier College and Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary and has worked with several ministries.
Gayle Dorio is a registered interior designer and highly decorated orchid society member. She is an avid mah-jongg teacher and player.
Amy Jo Dudley, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC is an Assistant Professor at FGCU’s Marieb College of Health & Human Services.
Thomas Eastwood had careers with the ATF and DOD where he conducted and led counterintelligence and criminal investigations.
Christopher Endrinal, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Music in the Bower School of Music and the Arts at FGCU.
Edward Grace graduated from M.I.T. and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for work on the Apollo 13 Mission.
John Guerra is a Columbia University graduate, former Wall Street merchant banker and is the Director of FGCU Academy.
Robert Humphries, M.D., Ph.D., teaches molecular biology at Florida Gulf Coast University.
Baharul Islam, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor, Software Engineering at FGCU.
Stefanie Kempton, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Journalism at FGCU.
John Lack, M.A., with 40 years of experience in the media and entertainment industry, is best known for creating MTV, his innovative thinking has been vital to the growth of music and television marketing.
Jeffrey Margolis is a lifelong educator, author and lecturer.
Edward Maxwell, Ph.D., has tweeted, blogged, and Facebooked since 2013. He spent 45 years studying languages, grammars and writing systems.
Nancy Maxwell grew up abroad and after studying at Cornell University, lived and taught for many years in Europe, where she developed a lifelong passion for history.
Gabriella Miyamoto, J.D., currently serves as an Adjunct Instructor at Ringling College of Art & Design in Sarasota, Florida, where she has taught courses in Art History and Medieval Warfare for the past 6 years.
Tricia Otto is a Master of Social Work Candidate at Florida Gulf Coast University and is certified in Intuitive Eating.
Levente Pap, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of toxicology, forensic chemistry and analytical chemistry at FGCU specializing in identifying environmental and anthropogenic toxins.
Sandy Parker, author of the popular Sparker’s Soapbox blog, is passionate about informed voting and civic engagement. She has lectured about Florida government since 2011.
John Roth is pastor of Thrive Community Church in Estero, FL, president of the United Campus Ministries at FGCU, and an adjunct instructor at FGCU since 2015 teaching World Religions, New Testament, Hebrew Bible, Religion and Politics in America and Leadership courses.
Jim Sernovitz is a prize-winning and published photographer. He has taken photos on six continents and in over 100 countries as well as all 50 states and most of Canada.
Larry Siegel, Ph.D., has been a professor of Criminal Justice for more than 40 years. He is the author of 15 books on justice related topics including criminology, juvenile delinquency and criminal procedure.
Jeffrey Steinberg, M.A., has been involved in private sector research, analysis, and education on national security affairs for 40 years.
Gary Stuhltrager is a retired state legislator, lawyer and author.
Helen Tintes - Schuermann, D.M., is an adjunct member at the Bower School of Music & the Arts at FGCU. She is a singer-actor and voice specialist who performs in opera, concert and musical theater.
Steve Valdespino, M.A., has 25 years of teaching experience at the University of Central Florida, Lely High School and Edison State College.
Chuck Valery is a retired aerospace engineer. He played bridge for many years and recently formed the Delasol Bridge Club.
Marwan A. Wehbe, M.D., is a retired Professor of Orthopedic Surgery from Philadelphia’s Jefferson Medical College. His expertise is the result of nearly 50 years of teaching, research and publishing.
Glenn Whitehouse, Ph.D., is Director of Core Skills and Associate Professor of Philosophy at FGCU. He directs two career-related initiatives: The Skills Advantage, which helps turn core skills into positive career outcomes for students; and PAGES, a career program designed for liberal arts students.
Chris Williams is the founder of Emeritus Health. He works as a Certified Personal Trainer in Naples.
Lainie Wolfe, M.A., is a Business Development Manager Mayflower Cruises & Tours.
Casey Wolff, J.D., is an Immigration and Naturalization attorney working in Naples, FL.
John Yasinsky, Ph.D., is a retired CEO, with a doctorate in nuclear science. His areas of experience and expertise include nuclear power, solar photovoltaic, wind turbine power generation, coal and natural gas.
SPECIAL SOCIAL EVENT
Italian Appetizers & Wine Pairing Event at Mare Terra
November 12 at 5 – 7:30pm, Tuesday
SP7167 – Bonita Springs
$85 / $95
Pre-registration is required. Make new friends and enjoy several delectable samplings of wonderful Italian appetizers at Mare Terra Restaurant in Bonita Springs. Your guide for this food and wine experience is with a sommelier who has personally chosen the wine pairings for each appetizer. Eat, laugh and be merry at the Academy’s Appetizers and Wine Pairing social event! No refunds within 5 business days of event.
A TASTE OF ITALY
PROGRAM REGISTRATION FORM
Please complete SEPARATE registration forms for EACH PERSON taking a program. Mail this form to:
FGCU Academy, 704 Goodlette-Frank Rd. North, Suite 330, Naples FL 34102
Name:
Florida Street Address:
City / State / Zip:
Telephone: Email:
Florida residency (Choose one): q Full time q January - May q October - May
I want to join as an Annual Member / $85 (Valid one year from date of purchase) $
PROGRAM FEES: Please note that Program fees are different for members and non-members. Enter the CORRECT FEE AMOUNT for each program based upon your membership status.
Program #
Program #
Program #
Program #
Program # Program #
TOTAL: Membership dues (if any) plus program fees: $
q I want to make a donation and support lifelong learning in the SWFL community. $ If paying by check, please send a SEPARATE check for your donation.
I WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION ON THE ITEMS CHECKED, PLEASE CONTACT ME:
q I am interested in receiving information about the Academy’s travel programs (Brochures available online)
q I would like to volunteer
q I am interested in being a speaker
PAYMENT
q Check (Payable to FGCU Academy)
q Credit card:
q MasterCard
q Visa
q American Express
q Discover
Name on card:
Card number:
Expiration date: CVV:
Signature:
PROGRAM REGISTRATION FORM
Please complete SEPARATE registration forms for EACH PERSON taking a program. Mail this form to:
FGCU Academy, 704 Goodlette-Frank Rd. North, Suite 330, Naples FL 34102
Name:
Florida Street Address:
City / State / Zip:
Telephone: Email:
Florida residency (Choose one): q Full time q January - May q October - May
I want to join as an Annual Member / $85 (Valid one year from date of purchase) $
PROGRAM FEES: Please note that Program fees are different for members and non-members. Enter the CORRECT FEE AMOUNT for each program based upon your membership status.
Program #
Program #
Program #
Program #
Program #
Program #
TOTAL: Membership dues (if any) plus program fees: $
q I want to make a donation and support lifelong learning in the SWFL community. $ If paying by check, please send a SEPARATE check for your donation.
I WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION ON THE ITEMS CHECKED, PLEASE CONTACT ME:
q I am interested in receiving information about the Academy’s travel programs (Brochures available online)
q I would like to volunteer
q I am interested in being a speaker
PAYMENT
q Check (Payable to FGCU Academy)
q Credit card:
q MasterCard
q Visa
q American Express
q Discover
Name on card:
Card number:
Expiration date: CVV: Signature:
PROGRAM REGISTRATION FORM
Please complete SEPARATE registration forms for EACH PERSON taking a program. Mail this form to:
FGCU Academy, 704 Goodlette-Frank Rd. North, Suite 330, Naples FL 34102
Name:
Florida Street Address:
City / State / Zip:
Telephone: Email:
Florida residency (Choose one): q Full time q January - May q October - May
I want to join as an Annual Member / $85 (Valid one year from date of purchase) $
PROGRAM FEES: Please note that Program fees are different for members and non-members. Enter the CORRECT FEE AMOUNT for each program based upon your membership status.
Program #
Program #
Program #
Program #
Program # Program #
TOTAL: Membership dues (if any) plus program fees: $
q I want to make a donation and support lifelong learning in the SWFL community. $ If paying by check, please send a SEPARATE check for your donation.
I WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION ON THE ITEMS CHECKED, PLEASE CONTACT ME:
q I am interested in receiving information about the Academy’s travel programs (Brochures available online)
q I would like to volunteer
q I am interested in being a speaker
PAYMENT
q Check (Payable to FGCU Academy)
q Credit card:
q MasterCard
q Visa
q American Express
q Discover
Name on card:
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704 Goodlette-Frank Rd. N, Suite 330, Naples, 34102
