Religion, History, Technology, and So Much More Awaits You at FGCU Academy – Register Now!

Hundreds of lectures. Knowledgeable instructors. 
Join us in-person at one of over 20 locations
or participate online.

         

Winter / Spring January – May 2025
PROGRAM REGISTRATION IS NOW AVAILABLE
ONLINE OR VIA PHONE  

Keep your mind active and engaged!
Register for a lecture or special event with FGCU Academy!        

Discover a World of Learning and Exploration with FGCU Academy!  

Below is a brief overview of what’s happening next week. Take a look and see
what interests you!  

Irish monks preserved knowledge during the early medieval period, creating il-
luminated manuscripts like the Book of Kells and spreading Christianity across
Europe. Their monasteries became centers of learning, safeguarding classical
texts.  

Edward VIII abdicated the British throne in 1936 to marry Wallis Simpson, an
American divorcée, causing a constitutional crisis. The couple lived in exile, and
their relationship remains a subject of historical debate.  

For intermediate iPhone/iPad users, mastering features like managing notifica-
tions, syncing devices, and optimizing security settings can enhance the experi-
ence. Learning advanced functions such as Apple Intelligence, multitasking with
Stage Manager, and using Apple Pencil Pro can unlock new possibilities  

The Hound of the Baskervilles is a classic Sherlock Holmes mystery blending
gothic horror and detective fiction. Holmes and Watson investigate a supernatural
hound terrorizing the Baskerville family, uncovering a sinister plot.  

The Comanches, known as the “Lords of the Plains,” were fierce warriors and
expert horsemen who dominated the Southern Plains. Their adaptability and resist-
ance shaped the history of the American West.  

Catherine the Great modernized Russia, expanded its territory, and championed
the arts and education. Her reign saw significant reforms, promoting Enlightenment
ideals and strengthening Russia’s global influence.  

Science, Disinformation, and the COVID-19 pandemic were deeply intertwined.
Misinformation spread rapidly, affecting public perception and policy. Scientists
worked to combat false narratives while developing vaccines and treatments.  

Scroll below to view details of classes and see what interests you. Register today!    

VIEW WINTER/SPRING PROGRAM GUIDE HERE  

REGISTER FOR COURSES HERE  

Call our office for assistance with your registrations at 239.434.4737.


View 2025 Winter / Spring Program Guide  

View Here  

Feel free to print catalog at home, or just print the specific pages that interest you.  

View our Chronological Calendar by date beginning on page 8. 
Just look for your available dates and see everything being offered that day.  

View our LATE EDITIONS page at back of catalog on page 67.    

Feature Lectures


Wandering Scribes and Scholars: Legacy of
the Early Irish Monks  

April 16 | 1:30 – 3pm | Wednesday
Naples Center / Online via Zoom  

From ancient times, the Atlantic has been Ireland’s link with the wider world.
The arrival of Egyptian monks by sea in the early Christian era had a dramatic
impact. The influence of Egyptian monasticism sparked an intense interest a-
mong the early Irish for nature, self-sacrifice and exile. The austerity of the
desert appealed to their fearsome nature. Like the Egyptians they took to
‘Wandering’ over land and sea, embracing isolation and depravation for com-
munion with nature and its creator. The Irish then carried this form of spiritu-
ality into Europe. By saving civilization in a devastated Europe after the fall
of Rome, the Irish had an immense impact on the world that later emerged,
leaving a lasting legacy far beyond their native shore. This is a story of cour-
age bordering on the insane, of boundless passion for scholarship and learn-
ing and of reverence for nature, the earth and all creation.  


Love and Treachery – Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson  

April 16 | 2 – 3:30pm | Wednesday
Pelican Bay Community Center  

April 17 | 4:30 – 6pm | Thursday
Wyndemere Country Club  

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.  

Technology Lectures


iPhone/iPad for Intermediates: All the Things
You Never Knew  

April 25 | 10 – 11:30am | Friday
Moorings Park Original Campus  

Join this lecture-style presentation as we explore some of the more advanced
topics and functions of the iPhone and iPad. Many think they know how to use
their devices, but this lecture will open your eyes to the many useful and power-
ful features and capabilities they never knew existed. We explore iCloud, Settings,
Printing, Multitasking, Gestures, Siri, Voice Control, Maps, Email, Texting and so
much more. Take your smart devices to the next level with this informative inter-
mediate-level program.  

Weekly Guide – April 14 – April 21  
Click on any class below to see more information and to register  

Thursday April 17
The Hound of the Baskervilles, And All That is Sherlock Holmes
Spain, Portugal & Morocco – Jewels of the Western Mediterranean
iPhone/iPad Apps: Master Texting with Messages  

Monday April 21
The Perception of Time: Understanding Chronos
Comanches: Lords of the PlainsCatherine the Great of Russia  

Wednesday April 23
Digital Currencies: The Future of Money  

Thursday April 24
Science, Disinformation and the Covid Pandemic
Ireland: A Sacred Island, Before Christianity  

Friday April 25
The Chicago 8 Conspiracy Trial


 
 
CONSIDER BECOMING A FRIEND OF THE
ACADEMY WITH A $100 DONATION  


AS A NON-CREDIT PROGRAM WE RECEIVE NO FUNDING FROM FGCU.
WE NEED YOUR HELP TO CONTINUE OUR IMPORTANT COMMUNITY
OUTREACH MISSION.  

To donate, simply:
1. Visit our website at Academy | Online Giving (fgcu.edu).
2. Send a check payable to FGCU Academy with “Friend of the Academy Donation” in the memo line.     
3. Or, contact us at 239-434-4737 to arrange a donation over the phone.  

Thank you for considering this opportunity to contribute to a program that celebrates lifelong
growth. Together, we’re enriching lives, one class at a time.      

2025 TRAVEL PROGRAMS  

Travel with FGCU Academy


 
 
Northern Italy: From the Alps
to the Adriatic
Departure August 20, 2025  

View Brochure

 
Journey Through Central Europe
Departure: August 30, 2025  

View Brochure

 
Insider’s Japan
Departure September 8, 2025  

View Brochure

 
Paradores and Pousadas:
Portugal & Spain

Departure: September 15, 2025  

View Brochure

 
Machu Picchu to the Galapagos
Departure October 28, 2025  

View Brochure

 
Egypt and the Eternal Nile
Departure: November 17, 2025  

View Brochure

 
Moroccan Discovery: From the
Imperial Cities to the Sahara
Departure November 18, 2025  

View Brochure

   
Portugal and the Douro
River Cruise
Departure: September 17, 2025  

View Brochure  

View Video Presentation

   
Gems of Eastern Europe River
Cruise Hungary, Croatia, Serbia,
Bulgaria, Romania,
Departure September 24, 2025  

View Brochure  

View Video Presentation        

Travel Abroad with FGCU Academy in 2026  

Travel Brochures will be available shortly

 
Splendors of Europe River Cruise –
Netherlands, Germany, Slovakia,
Hungary, Austria
Departure: May 1, 2026

 
Norwegian Splendor
Departure: September 5, 2026  

View Brochure

 
Colorful Canyons & Beautiful Balloons –
America’s Greatest National Parks
Departure: September 24, 2026

 
Journey Through Britain
Departure September 28, 2026  

View Brochure

Call our office 239.434.4737  for assistance with
registration or Click to View our Website


 
Greek Islands & Turkish Coast-
line Yacht Cruise
Departure August 28, 2026

 
Portugal and the Douro
River Cruise
Departure September 16, 2026

 
Enchanting Ireland
Departure September 27, 2026  

View Brochure

 
Sicily in Depth
Departure October 1, 2026  

View Brochure

 
Pearls of Dalmatia
Departure October 12, 2026

View Brochure
                   


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FGCU Academy

FGCU ACADEMY NAPLES CENTER
704 Goodlette-Frank Rd N Suite 330
Naples, FL 34102  

239.434.4737   [email protected]