| Hundreds of lectures. Knowledgeable instructors. Join us in-person at one of over 20 locations or participate online. Summer Session – June 2 – September 30 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! Join FGCU Academy for an Enriching Summer Experience! The upcoming week at FGCU Academy is packed with a wide variety of intellectually stimulating lectures and events. One of the highlights includes a lecture on Space Shuttle History, focusing on the dynamic and competitive relationship between the United States and Russia in space exploration. In addition to this fascinating topic, participants can dive into hands-on learning experiences such as mastering the strategic game of Mah Jongg, crafting personal narratives in a memoir writing workshop, or exploring the rich biodiversity of Southwest Florida through a class on local flora and fauna. Whether you’re a history buff, aspiring writer, nature enthusiast, or just looking to try something new, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Stay curious. Stay connected. Stay ahead. Scroll below to view details of upcoming classes and see what interests you. Register today! Call our office for assistance with your registrations at 239.434.4737. 2025 Summer Program Guide Available Now (Classes begin June 2, 2025) View Summer Program Guide Here REGISTER FOR COURSES HERE Feel free to print catalog at home, or just print the specific pages that interest you. Featured Lectures History of the Space Shuttle: USA vs. Russia June 2 | 10 -11:30am | Monday Moorings Park Original Campus From the beginning, the Space Shuttle program was a bold idea. It was a spaceplane launched as a rocket, unpowered, with one chance to glide safely back to earth. After thirty years of service, the shuttles have come back to earth for good and found new homes in museums across the U.S. This lecture revisits the highs and lows of the Space Shuttle Program. We also explore the Russian Space Shuttle Buran and why it wasn’t a success. Finally, we investigate the latest developments in aircraft and ponder whether pilots be replaced by computers. Our speaker was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his work on the Apollo 13 mission which safely returned three astronauts to earth after an explosion occurred in their Service Module 200,000 miles from earth on its way to the moon. Mah Jongg for Beginners (3-part series) June 2, 4, 6 | 10 – 11:30am | M / W / F Naples Center Please bring the new 2025 card (cards are available from the National Mah Jongg League; 212-246-3052). Also, please bring 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. Spiritual Writing June 3, 10. 17, 24 | 10 -12pm| Tuesdays Naples Center / Online via Zoom All writing is spiritual in that it comes from your innermost thoughts, experiences and feelings. In this class we will explore creative nonfiction, fiction, and poetry as ways to show and tell our life stories through short works. We will write, share, and give feedback. Required: an open mind and heart, paper and pen. Treasures of South Florida – Flora & Fauna June 23 | 1:30 – 3pm | Monday Bentley Village A beautiful survey of the natural treasure in south Florida and the threats they face, with a special emphasis on the Everglades and Big Cypress Swamp. The lecture is full of stunning images of flora and fauna as well as a survey of the problems besetting our magnificent, wild heritage. A wonderful score accompanies the visuals, including wildlife sounds. Weekly Guide (click on any lecture below for more detailed information) Wednesday May 28 – King George III Thursday May 29 – Mt. Rainier National Park – From the Delta to the Internet: A History of American Popular Music Friday May 30 – Artemis: Return to the Moon by 2026 Monday June 2 – The Panama Canal – U.S. Military Defense – The Creation of Italy Tuesday June 3 – ChatGPT: Personal Guide to AI Wednesday June 4 – ChatGPT: Personal Guide to AI Day Trips & Special Events Click on any class below to see more information and to register June 24, July 1, 8, 15, 22 – Tuesdays 5-Week Spanish Crash Course for Beginners July 16 – Wednesday Italian Cuisine and Wine Pairing Social Event at Mare Terra July 22 – Tuesday The Dali Museum in St. Petersburg 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 / 2026 TRAVEL PROGRAMS Travel with FGCU Academy Machu Picchu to the Galapagos Departure October 28, 2025 View Brochure Egypt and the Eternal Nile Departure: November 17, 2025 View Brochure Norwegian Splendor Departure: September 5, 2026 View Brochure Colorful Canyons & Beautiful Balloons – America’s Greatest National Parks Departure: September 24, 2026 View Brochure Enchanting Ireland Departure: September 27, 2026 View Brochure Journey Through Britain Departure: September 28, 2026 View Brochure Sicily In Depth Departure: October 1, 2026 View Brochure Croatia: Pearls of Dalmatia Departure: October 12, 2026 View Brochure FGCU Academy Yacht & River Cruises Excursions Splendors of Europe River Cruise – Netherlands, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria Departure: May 1, 2026 View Brochure Greek Islands & Turkish Coastline Yacht Cruise Departure August 28, 2026 View Brochure Portugal and the Douro River Cruise Departure: September 16, 2026 View Brochure FGCU Academy FGCU ACADEMY NAPLES CENTER 704 Goodlette-Frank Rd N Suite 330 Naples, FL 34102 239.434.4737 [email protected] |
