| 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! Imagine exploring the history of beer—unearthing stories of ancient brews enjoyed by civilizations long before us, and learning about the pivotal role beer played in shaping social and cultural norms. Then, shift gears to the science behind brewing: the fascinating processes that turn basic ingredients into this beloved beverage. It’s chemistry and artistry combined! On to travel. Picture yourself at an open house dedicated to international travel, brim- ming with experts sharing their insights, tips, and recommendations. You’d leave with a wealth of knowledge, ready to embark on your next adventure. Yoga Nidra offers a different kind of journey—a deep dive into relaxation and medita- tion. It’s all about finding a state of profound rest while staying conscious, recharging your mind and body. Bridge lessons, on the other hand, bring strategic thinking to the forefront. It’s a game that challenges the mind and fosters connections with others, making each session both intellectually stimulating and socially engaging. Daily lectures could take you on a journey through diverse topics. One day you might explore the mysteries of the universe, and the next, delve into historical events that shaped our world. It’s an endless source of knowledge and inspiration. Day trips to Miami’s Design District would immerse you in a hub of creativity and style, while a visit to the St. Petersburg Dali Museum promises an encounter with surreal art that challenges perception and sparks the imagination. Which of these experiences are you most drawn to? Scroll below to view what interests you and 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. Lectures at Moorings Park Grand Lake – 7410 Little Lane, Naples  Watch for lectures being held at our new location: Moran Wealth Management Education Center 5801 Pelican Bay Blvd, Suite 110, Naples TRAVEL OPEN HOUSE  FGCU Academy 2025 Travel Open Houses February 5 | 10 – 11:30am | Wednesday Naples Center / Online via Zoom Pre-registration is required. Join FGCU Academy in-person or online as we formally unveil our 2025 travel excursions including Northern Italy: From the Alps to the Adri- atic; Journey Through Central Europe; Insider’s Japan; Paradores and Pousadas: Port- ugal & Spain; Machu Pichu to the Galapagos; Egypt and the Eternal Nile; Moroccan Discovery: From the Imperial Cities to the Sahara. This year we are also featuring two remarkable river cruises, Portugal and the Douro River Cruise; and Gems of Eas- tern Europe River Cruise – Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania. We also are featuring a Private Yacht Cruise – Natural Treasures of Indonesia, Borneo & Taiwan Yacht Cruise. Ten exciting and luxurious tours are planned for the upcoming travel season starting in April 2025, and we invite you to learn about them all. Through uni- que and interesting itineraries, participants experience life outside the classroom, visit historic sites with local guides, experience another culture – its customs, cuisine, lang- uage and history – and delight in conversation and laughter with fellow explorers who share a love of travel and a sense of adventure. ALL ABOUT BEER  Beer 101 – History, Mystery and Science February 10 | 10 – 11:30am | Monday Collaboratory (Ft. Myers) _________________________________________ February 25 | 1:30 – 3pm | Tuesday Naples Center Brewing is an ancient practice with historical data showing beer being brewed and con- sumed over 10,000 years ago. This overview lecture will lead participants through the history of beer and how science impacts the styles of beer. What beer industry innova- tions changed the world around us and what is still to come in the science of beer. This lecture explores the science of ingredients, and the history and chemistry of beer styles, including a tasting of some beer styles to differentiate the impact of ingredients. YOGA  Yoga Nidra Meditation: Become Relaxed and Serene (3-part monthly series) February 11, 18, 25 | 9 – 10am | Tuesdays Online via Zoom From the comfort and peace of your own home, calm and reset your body and mind through the practice of Yoga Nidra Meditation. Yoga Nidra is the easiest form of med- itation. We may begin with some gentle stretching and breathing, then ease into an ancient sleep-based meditation that is very relaxing. People feel refreshed and their energy is recharged afterwards. Each session is equivalent to 3 hours of deep sleep. Participants can sit in a chair, lie down on a sofa or yoga mat with a blanket. BRIDGE LESSONS  Bridge for Advanced Beginners/Intermediates February 20, 27, March 6, 13, 20, 27 | 10 – 12pm | Thursdays Naples Center 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 intend- ed 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 12 advanced conventions AND 10 guidance “rules” to aid player’s bidding are analyzed for use in achieving the best contracts and scores.  Three Crucial and Useful Bridge Conventions All Players Should Know February 24 | 9:30 – 12:30pm | Monday Naples Center Join this program which features instruction followed by play of the hand as we explore three vital bridge conventions all players should know. You should not step up to the bridge table without knowing the powerful ideas behind Modern Losing Trick Count. This will help you get to more successful games and partial contracts than almost any other convention. Second, learn Combined Bergen, arguably the best convention for describing major suit fits and preventing oppo- nents from entering the bidding. Finally, one of the most effective and descriptive slam bidding conventions following a 2-Club opener is called Controls. You will instantly know how many aces and kings your partner has, likely be able to tell specifically which ones they are, and clearly see whether slam is possible or not. Elevate your bridge game to the next level and find more games and slams than most others who sit at the bridge table.  Intermediate Bridge – Slam Bidding March 17 | 9:30 – 12:30pm | Monday Naples Center How many slams do you miss at the bridge table? Join us as we tackle the most import- ant systems and conventions you should know in order to find and make every biddable slam. Topics will include Italian Cue Bids, Kickback, 1430, Queen Ask, Exclusion Black- wood and more. Instruction will be followed by “play of the hand.” Bring your partner so you can both hone your skills on all these powerful bridge conventions and start bidding more slams. February 5 – 11 Click on any class below to see more information and to register Wednesday February 5 – America in the 1920’s – Monastic Ireland: A Gift of the Nile Thursday February 6 – What Happened to the Parties of Lincoln and FDR? – Who Really Discovered America? – iPhone/iPad Apps: Master Safari Web Browsing & Calendar Scheduling – Spies & Espionage: Fact vs. Fiction – U.S. POW Camps: World War II Axis Prisoners – “A Match Made in Heaven…or not?” – In Search of Aristocracy Friday February 7 – iPhone/iPad: iOS 18 Tips, Tricks and Secrets All Users Should Know Monday February 10 – Artificial Intelligence (AI): Friend or Foe? – On the Front Line: What is at Stake in Afghanistan – Ireland: Finding Divinity in Nature – The Artistic Inspiration of Francis of Assisi – Voyage to Mars Tuesday February 11 – Getting Started with Android Smartphones: A Beginner’s Guide – The History and Evolution of the Symphony – The Evolution of Medieval European Castles and Siege Warfare – House of Hanover: The German Kings Who Ruled Britain (4-part series) – The Regency and King George IV Day Trips and Special Events  Miami Design District Art and Food Tour March 11 | 8 – 6pm | Tuesday Miami Tour Host: Valerie Bostrom Join us as we experience the cultural, artistic and culinary delights of Miami’s Design district. Embark on a delicious journey into the world of cutting-edge design, monu- mental art installations, and a diverse selection of cuisine that celebrates the Design District’s fusion of creativity and flavor. Enjoy mouthwatering dishes from some of the top restaurants in the neighborhood. Explore a large, modern chef-driven food hall that is considered a culinary mecca and savor a variety of global cuisines, with bites from Vietnam, Israel, the American South and more. Sample the unique fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine at one of Miami’s most celebrated sushi destinations and indulge in Chef Andrew G.’s famous cookie creations. Between food tastings, we make several stops to learn and admire public art installations, including the famous “Fly’s Eye Dome” by Buckminster Fuller. Departure information will be emailed 3 days prior to the trip. Itineraries are subject to change. No refunds within 10 business days of departure.  The Dali Museum in St. Petersburg March 27 | 8 – 6pm | Thursday St. Petersburg Tour Host: Valerie Bostrom Our private, docent-led tour takes us through the highlights of the permanent collection as well as a brand-new exhibition, The Shape of Dreams. The Shape of Dreams explores 500 years of dream-inspired paintings from the 16th to 20th century, demonstrating how artists throughout time have depicted a profound yet common phenomenon of human experience – the dream. The exhibition examines how Western artists have depicted dreams for different audiences throughout time, exploring the continuity and disconnections between the past and present. Our tour includes round-trip motor coach transportation, driver gratuity, entrance fees, a private docent-led tour and audio guides. Lunch is on your own. Departure information will be emailed 3 days prior to the trip. Itineraries are subject to change. No refunds within 10 business days of departure. These day trips and Special Events are a fantastic way to enhance your learning journey with FGCU Academy. Be sure to register early, as spots can fill up quickly! Click Here to View all of Our Upcoming Day Trips and Special Events If you would like to discuss any of our trips, please feel free to call our office anytime as well as for assistance with your registrations at 239.434.4737.   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 Call our office 239.434.4737 for assistance with registration or Click to View our Website     FGCU Academy FGCU ACADEMY NAPLES CENTER 704 Goodlette-Frank Rd N Suite 330 Naples, FL 34102 239.434.4737 [email protected] |
