Taking Care of You, Healthy Living, History, Technology & So Much More- Register Now!

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!  

🌟 New This Week at FGCU Academy  

Taking Time for You
Discover our latest lineup of lectures focused on personal well-being and self-care.
Whether you’re looking to boost your health, mindfulness, or overall lifestyle, there’s
something for everyone.  

Featured Lecture
Don’t miss our newest addition in the Featured Lecture series—a captivating history
presentation that brings the past to life.  

Your Weekly Guide
Stay informed with our Weekly Guide, highlighting upcoming events, special pro-
grams, and more.

👉 Be sure to explore all three sections to make the most of what FGCU Academy
has to offer!    

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.    

Taking Care of You  


The Science of Balance  

July 14 | 2 – 3:30pm | Monday
Aston Gardens  

This presentation explains the systems our body uses to keep us upright and erect. It uses
three systems to help us keep our balance and avoid falls. The vestibular system, mechan-
oreceptors and proprioceptors along with leg strength are the keys to living strong, mobile
and independent for the rest of our lives. Falls are not a natural part of aging! Understand-
ing the way our body uses these systems to keep us balanced will help all of us avoid un-
intended falls and stay healthy and vibrant.  


Should I Stay or Should I Move? Understanding
the Senior Housing Options in SWFL  

July 17 | 10 – 11:30am | Thursday
FGCU Main Campus / BLDG AB9 Room 106  

September 30 | 10 – 11:30am | Tuesday
Naples Center / Online via Zoom  

Join this interactive discussion about senior housing-related topics. When is the right time
to consider a senior living community? What are the different types and costs of the senior
living options in SWFL? What are the future trends in our area? What are the pros/cons of
hiring home health care instead of moving? What are ways to pay for senior housing inclu-
ding VA Benefits, Medicare and Medicaid? What is the role of a senior housing advisor?
What questions should people ask when touring?  


Mind Matters: How Lifestyle Shapes Your Mental Health  

August 22 | 1:30 – 3pm | Friday
Moorings Park Grande Lake  

Mental health is the foundation of a fulfilling life, and the choices we make every day can
strengthen that foundation. From movement and nutrition to sleep, stress management, and
social connection, lifestyle plays a powerful role in how we feel, think, and cope. Join two
family nurse practitioner professors from Florida Gulf Coast University as they explore the
science behind mental well-being and share realistic strategies to improve your mood, resil-
ience, and overall mental health through small, sustainable changes. This inspiring talk of-
fers practical tools for anyone ready to take charge of their mental wellness, one healthy
habit at a time. 


Sleep Smarts: Unlocking the Power of Rest for Better Health  

September 23 | 2:30 – 4pm | Tuesday
Moorings Park Grey Oaks  

Sleep isn’t just rest; it’s a prescription for better health. From sharper thinking and stronger
immunity to emotional balance and disease prevention, quality sleep is essential to wellbe-
ing. Yet good sleep hygiene often gets overlooked in our busy lives. Join two family nurse
practitioner professors from Florida Gulf Coast University as they dive into the science of
sleep and share practical, evidence-based tips to help you build healthier sleep habits. This
engaging talk is perfect for anyone looking to boost their energy, focus, and overall health,
starting with a better night’s sleep.  

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 launch-
ed 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 al-
so explore the Russian Space Shuttle Buran and why it wasn’t a success. Finally, we investi-
gate 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.

iPhone/iPad Fundamentals for All Users  

June 5 | 10 – 11:30am | Thursday
Bentley Village  

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 pre-
sentation 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 Li-
brary; use Spotlight; undo your mistakes; use Siri; and so much more. Stop asking your
grandchildren for help and master your iPhone and iPad today.    

  NEW LECTURE  

American Overseas Cemeteries from WWI and WWII:
From Normandy to the Rest of the World  

June 5 | 3:30 – 5pm | Thursday
Siena Lakes  

Join professional photographer and former Navy Officer for a visit to the 23 overseas WWI and
WWII military cemeteries and hear the stories of the men and women who have never returned.
Mr. Sherman recently published, “Never Home: Remembering the Military Heroes Who Never
Returned,” which includes more than 225 photographs from all our overseas cemeteries and 54
biographies of our fallen heroes. Learn about the cemeteries, their associated battles, and learn
the names and life stories of a few of the more than 207,000 individuals buried overseas. And
never forget.      

Advanced Mah Jongg Strategies (3-part series)  

June 9, 11, 13 | 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. 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?  

Weekly Guide
(click on any lecture below for more detailed information)  

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  

Friday June 6 – NEW SESSION
Balance University: Improve Balance, Posture and Flexibility (3-part series)  

Monday June 9
ChatGPT: Personal Guide to AI
Against All Odds: The Ordeal of Ernest Shackleton and The Crew of the Endurance
The Regency and King George IV    

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    


     

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

 
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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]