| 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! Embark on a New Week of Learning Adventures at FGCU Academy! We’re thrilled to bring you an exciting lineup of activities and classes that cater to a wide range of interests. Whether you’re eager to explore new hobbies, en- hance your skills, or expand your knowledge, we have something for every- one. Highlights of the Week Beer and Wine Tastings: Engage in a delightful comparison of beers or wines. Learn about different varietals, brewing processes, and tasting techniques while enjoying the company of fellow enthusiasts. This interactive session is perfect for anyone looking to expand their palate and knowledge of beverages. Technology Classes: Stay ahead in the digital age with our technology-focused courses. From mastering the latest features of iPhone/iPad Apps: Master Texting with Messages, exploring iPhone-ography, or iPhone/iPad Apps: Master Safari Web Browsing & Calendar Scheduling designed to enhance your tech skills and boost your productivity. Bridge Lessons: Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, our bridge lessons offer the perfect opportunity to refine your strategies and enjoy the game. Join us for a series of lessons that cover everything from the basics to advanced tactics, ensuring a fun and challenging experience. Daily Lectures: Our daily lectures cover a diverse array of topics, ensuring there’s always something new to learn. Whether you’re interested in history, science, art, or personal development, our expert-led sessions are designed to enrich your un- derstanding and spark your curiosity. Day Trips: Take advantage of our fascinating day trips to explore new places, taste delicious foods, and soak up the local culture. These excursions are a great way to combine education with adventure, offering unique learning experiences outside the classroom. 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 BEER vs. WINE  Beer 101 – History, Mystery and Science February 25 | 1:30 – 3pm | Tuesday Naples Center Brewing is an ancient practice with historical data showing beer being brewed and consumed over 10,000 years ago. This overview lecture will lead partici- pants through the history of beer and how science impacts the styles of beer. What beer industry innovations 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.  Wine Tasting Event: Four California Varietals February 25 | 4 – 6pm | Tuesday Naples Center California produces over 80% of American wines, and this lecture will introduce you to the major winegrowing regions, plus samples of four major grape variet- ies grown throughout the state. As we sample, we’ll enjoy small bites that will help you understand the basics of food and wine pairing. We’ll learn how to read a wine label, and also learn the professional “5-S” approach to sampling wine. This process will help you appreciate the wines you enjoy even more. TECHNOLOGY  iPhone/iPad Apps: Master Texting with Messages February 12 | 10 – 11:30am | Wednesday Naples Center / Online via Zoom 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 communi- cate more effectively. 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, ar- guably the best convention for describing major suit fits and preventing opponents 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 instant- ly 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 important 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 Blackwood 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. Coming Soon  The Creation of Germany February 19 | 1 – 2:30pm | Monday The Collaboratory – (Fort Myers) 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 myriad 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. February 10 – 14 Click on any class below to see more information and to register Monday February 10 – Artificial Intelligence (AI): Friend or Foe? – Ireland: Finding Divinity in Nature – The Artistic Inspiration of Francis of Assisi – Voyage to Mars Tuesday February 11 – 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 Wednesday February 12 – Arthritis: Why Me? – Operation Werwolf – World War II Nazi Insurgency Thursday February 13 – iPhone-ography – Against All Odds: The Ordeal of Ernest Shackleton and The Crew of the Endurance – The Chicago 8 Conspiracy Trial – Current Events Discussion Group (Monthly 2-part series) – Pierre-Auguste Renoir: Impressionist Painter of Beauty – iPhone/iPad Apps: Master Safari Web Browsing & Calendar Scheduling Day Trips and Special Events Your Trip to the Miami Design District The Design District is a haven for those who appreciate sleek modern architecture and upscale design. This vibrant area is home to chic interior design stores and art galleries that showcase a blend of contemporary and classic styles. You’ll find lux- ury fashion and jewelry boutiques, as well as inviting cafes and restaurants helmed by celebrity chefs, attracting a sophisticated crowd. Public art installations, such as the Fly’s Eye Dome, a fascinating geodesic dome designed by the inventive Buck- minster Fuller, add to the district’s unique charm. The Institute of Contemporary Art, housed in an ultra-modern building, features cutting-edge works that challenge and inspire. It’s a perfect place for a day of exploration and inspiration.  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 destina- tions 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. Your trip to Miami Millionaire’s Row™ Boat Cruise & Bayside Marketplace Whether you’re looking for a day of shopping and eating, a relaxing boat cruise, or a combination of both, Miami’s Millionaire’s Row Boat Cruise and Bayside Market- place offer an unforgettable experience.  Only 5 spots left Miami Millionaire’s Row™ Boat Cruise & Bayside Marketplace March 20 | 8 – 6pm | Thursday 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 Million- aire’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 air-conditioned 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 show- ers. After the cruise, enjoy time for some lunch and shopping at the Bayside Mar- ketplace, one of Miami’s most popular destinations. Departure information will be emailed 3 days prior to trip. Itineraries are subject to change. No refunds within 10 business days of departure. Your trip to The Dali Museum If you’ve never experienced the Salvador Dalí Museum, you’re truly missing out on a feast for the senses. Dalí’s surrealism is more than just art; it’s a journey through the bizarre and magnificent. With hands-on activities that allow you to interact with his creative process, a delightful café serving Spanish-inspired dishes, and a gift shop brimming with unique souvenirs, there’s something for everyone. One day simply isn’t enough to take in all the wonders this museum has to offer.  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, entra- nce fees, a private docent-led tour and audio guides. Lunch is on your own. Departure info- rmation 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] |
