FGCU Academy in Collier County - Upcoming Classes, Day Trips, and Discussion Groups

FGCU Academy: Lifelong Learning for the Joy of Learning

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Dear Collier County Friends of FGCU Academy,

Great news — FGCU Academy now has an official Facebook page where we’ll share class schedules, event announcements, photos, and more.

Link for Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fgcuacademy/

We’d love for you to follow us — and there’s one extra step to make sure our posts actually show up in your feed. It takes less than 30 seconds! Click on the "Following" button and click "add to favorites".

We have classes ranging from art history, technology, heath & wellness, history, photography to a happy hour short story and poetry society. Below you will find upcoming classes, day trips, and discussion programs. We are excited to be able to bring these classes to the community.

FGCU Academy does not have a traditional advertising or marketing budget. Our most powerful tool is you. Please forward this email or the link to our website (https://fgcuacademy.asapconnected.com) to friends, family members, neighbors and acquaintances who might enjoy high-quality lifelong learning in Southwest Florida. A personal recommendation from you is the single best way for new people to discover us.

Thank you, as always, for learning with us and for helping us reach those who haven’t yet discovered FGCU Academy.

Warm regards,

John J. Guerra

Director, FGCU Academy

Lifelong Learning Starts Here – Explore What FGCU Academy Has to Offer

Scroll below to view details of upcoming classes and see what interests you.

Call our office for assistance with your registrations at 239.434.4737.

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

Mah Jongg for Beginners (3-part series)

October 12th,14th and 16th | M/W/F 10:00 - 11:30
Naples Center

Discover the timeless appeal of Mah Jongg, the fascinating game of tiles, strategy, and skill that has captivated players for generations. In this beginner series, you learn the fundamentals, understanding the tiles, reading the card, and recognizing winning hands while gaining confidence in playing. Each class combines step-by-step instruction, so you quickly move from learning the rules to enjoying friendly games. Along the way, you explore tips for strategy, speed, and good table etiquette. Whether you are brand new to the game or have only watched others play, this is your opportunity to master the basics, meet new friends, and join in one of today’s most popular social games. No prior experience needed. Please bring the new 2026 card (available from the National Mah Jongg League at 212-246-3052). The instructor does not recommend purchasing the card from Amazon. Also, bring your own Mah Jongg set (American tiles).

Glory, Power, and Protocol: Versailles and the Making of the Sun King

October 12th | Monday 1:30 - 3:00
Bentley Village

October 19th | Monday 2:00 - 3:30
Aston Garden

Crowned king at the age of four, Louis grew to become the ruler who defined absolute monarchy in 17th-century Europe. Louis transformed the French court into a dazzling spectacle of fashion, theater, and art, as well as one of discipline, hierarchy, and political power. This lecture explores the world Louis created at Versailles, where every aspect of life, from morning mass to evening ballet, from architecture to fashion, all served one purpose: to magnify the authority of the king. Behind the glitter and rigid protocol stood a firm ruler with a relentless schedule, a sharp political mind, and a determination to control nobles, government, religion, and war. We examine Louis’s triumphs, ambitions, personal weaknesses, and costly decisions, as well as the lasting effects of his reign on France, Europe, and the image of monarchy itself.

iPhone and iPad Fundamentals for All Users

October 13th | Tuesday 10:00 - 11:30
Naples Center and Online

Build confidence with core skills for everyday use. This class demonstrates setup, updates, and essential settings so your iPhone or iPad runs smoothly. Learn Apple ID and iCloud basics, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, passcodes, Face ID or Touch ID, and privacy controls. Practice gestures, the keyboard, Control Center, and Notifications. Explore the App Store, Safari, Mail, Messages, and FaceTime, plus Camera and Photos for quick shots, simple edits, and sharing with AirDrop. Manage storage, battery health, and backups to iCloud or a computer. Try helpful accessibility tools such as larger text, Zoom, and VoiceOver. We also cover finding a lost device, avoiding scams, and a simple checklist for daily care. This lecture focuses on clear demonstrations and practical tips that help all users, from beginners to experienced owners who want a solid refresh.

Wine Tasting: The Romantic Reds

October 13th | Tuesday 3:00 - 4:30
Naples Center

Throughout the world's winemaking regions, there are literally hundreds of unique red wine varieties, each shaped by its own soil, climate, and centuries-old tradition. In this class, we'll concentrate on the most popular and charming reds, selected from the foremost wine-producing countries and regions across the globe. From delicate Pinot Noir, prized for its elegance and grown in some of the world's coolest wine regions, to rich Zinfandel, known for its bold fruit character, we'll discover a broad scope of red wines to enjoy. Along the way, we'll explore what gives each variety its distinctive personality, and how climate, grape, and winemaking style come together in the glass.

From Seoul to Singapore: Exploring Asia’s Pacific Rim and Beyond

October 13th | Tuesday 2:30 - 4:00
Aston Gardens

Embark on a sweeping journey across the Pacific Rim of Asia, where ancient cultures and cutting-edge cities exist side by side. This travelogue explores an extraordinary range of countries including Thailand, Taiwan, South Korea, Malaysia, Japan, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand. Travel by ship, rickshaw, and tuk-tuk through bustling markets, serene temples, and dramatic landscapes. From the neon lights of Tokyo and the street food of Bangkok to the temples of Angkor and the coastal beauty of New Zealand, this is a panoramic look at some of the most dynamic and diverse regions on Earth.

Medieval Castles: Fortresses, Sieges, and the Art of Defense

October 14th | Wednesday 10:00 - 11:30
Moorings Park Original Campus

After the year 1000, stone castles rise across Europe as symbols of noble authority, centers of government, and powerful military strongholds. This lecture traces their development from early motte-and-bailey fortifications to massive stone keeps, curtain walls, towers, gatehouses, and concentric castles. Discover how advances in weapons and siege technology force castle builders to continually redesign their defenses. The class examines the strategies used by attacking and defending armies, including blockades, mining, battering rams, siege towers, catapults, and early gunpowder weapons. It also separates fact from popular legend by exploring what castles were truly designed to accomplish and what daily life was like for the nobles, soldiers, servants, and families who lived within their walls.

Six Queens: Love, Power, and Survival in Henry VIII’s Court

October 14th | Wednesday 1:30 - 3:00
Naples Botanical Garden

Henry VIII’s six marriages are among the most famous episodes in English history, remembered for their passion, politics, and peril. While securing a male heir was the king’s goal, each union also served the shifting religious and diplomatic ambitions of others. This lecture explores the fascinating lives of Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Catherine Howard, and Catherine Parr; women who were far more than footnotes to a king’s story. Were they helpless pawns, scheming manipulators, or both? Through their triumphs and tragedies, we gain insight into the turbulent world of the Tudor court and the women who dared to navigate it.

Current Events Conversations: Insight, Ideas, and Dialogue (2-part monthly series)

October 15th,29th | Thursdays 10:00 - 11:30
Online Webinar

This interactive two-part monthly series offers an open and respectful space for exploring the major news stories shaping our community, country, and world. Participants discuss timely topics drawn from headlines, informed by a range of articles and videos provided in advance. The group encourages thoughtful conversation across the political spectrum, where conservatives, liberals, and independents can share ideas and listen with respect and curiosity. Whether the focus is international conflict, U.S. policy, local affairs, or cultural trends, the aim is to foster understanding, unity, and practical solutions. Bring your insights, your questions, and your willingness to engage with others in meaningful discussion. All viewpoints are welcome.

Apple’s New iOS 27: Features, Tips, Tricks & Secrets Every User Should Know

October 15th | Thursday 1:30 - 3:00
Moorings Park Grande Lake

Your iPhone is about to get smarter, safer and more personal. This lecture explores Apple’s iOS 27 and shows participants how to make the most of its newest tools, features and settings. Learn how Siri, Apple Intelligence, photo tools, privacy protections, security features, Maps, Messages, Photos, Settings and other built-in apps can help simplify daily life. The class highlights practical tips for organizing information, improving communication, protecting personal data, customizing the iPhone/iPad and discovering features many users overlook. Whether you use your device for calls, photos, travel, reminders, email, safety or entertainment, this lecture helps you feel more confident, capable and in control of Apple’s newest mobile operating system.

Outsmart Scammers and Stay Safe Online: Security for Windows, Mac, Android, and iPhone

October 16th | Thursday 1:00 - 2:30
Colonial Country Club

Protect your devices and identity with simple, proven steps. This class explains today’s threats such as viruses, spyware, malware, keyloggers, ransomware, phishing, and account takeovers, and shows how to prevent them on Windows, macOS, Android, and iPhone/iPad. Learn strong password and passkey habits, two-factor authentication, password managers, software updates, and safe browsing and email practices. See how to spot scam calls, fake tech-support popups, and dangerous links. Configure Wi-Fi safely at home, use public networks wisely, and decide when a VPN helps. Understand backups, device encryption, privacy settings, and how to shop and bank online securely. This lecture also covers credit freezes, breach alerts, and exactly what to do if something goes wrong.

There Is Still Tomorrow

October 18th | Sunday 2:00 - 3:30
Naples Center

Drama, Not Rated, 118 minutes, In Italian with English subtitles

Join fellow film lovers as we watch and discuss films from around the world. Experience award-winning, thought-provoking, heart-pounding, and life-changing cinema.

This record-breaking Italian hit follows Delia, a wife and mother in bombed-out postwar Rome who absorbs her husband’s cruelty in silence until a mysterious letter arrives and she begins quietly planning something no one around her sees coming.

Advanced Mah Jongg Strategies (3-part series)

October 19th | Monday 10:00 - 11:30
Naples Center

This program presumes you have been playing regularly for at least one year and have mastered the mechanics of play or have taken the beginner class above. Take your Mah Jongg skills to the next level with a deep dive into advanced strategies that sharpen your play and boost your winning potential. This three-part series focuses on faster decision-making, effective defensive play, and the art of reading your opponents. Learn when to call and when to wait and discover why keen observation and attentive listening can be more powerful than simply studying your own tiles. Through expert tips, you develop the confidence to adapt your strategy mid-game, protect your hand, and anticipate others’ moves. Please bring the new 2026 card (available from the National Mah Jongg League at 212-246-3052). The instructor does not recommend purchasing the card from Amazon. Also, bring your own Mah Jongg set (American tiles).

Luciano’s War: The Mafia’s Secret World War II Mission

October 19th | Monday 10:30 - 12:00
The Carlisle of Naples

In a little-known chapter of World War II, the U.S. Navy turned to an unlikely ally, the Mafia. Facing threats of espionage, sabotage, and crippling labor unrest along the East Coast docks, military intelligence struck a covert deal with notorious crime bosses including Charles “Lucky” Luciano, Meyer Lansky, and Albert Anastasia. This lecture reveals how and why the alliance was formed, what it accomplished, and how the partnership shaped postwar organized crime. Discover the secret mission known as Operation Underworld and the shadowy collaboration that helped protect the American war effort.

Orchestral Power: A Guided Tour of the Symphony

October 19th | Monday 1:30 - 3:00
Bentley Village

From Baroque overtures by Handel and Vivaldi to John Williams, the symphonic sound shapes our world. This lecture traces how opera overtures and church sonatas evolve into the Classical symphony codified by Haydn and Mozart, then magnified by Beethoven. We follow Romantic visions from Berlioz and Brahms to Tchaikovsky, Bruckner, and Mahler, and see how national styles emerge with Dvorak and Sibelius. The twentieth century brings bold reinvention with Stravinsky, Shostakovich, and the textures of Penderecki. Contemporary voices such as Ellen Taaffe Zwilich and Jennifer Higdon renew the form, while film composers like John Williams carry the symphonic tradition into popular culture. Along the way, we connect landmark movements to the ideas and events that inspire them, listen for signature orchestral colors, and learn how the symphony keeps evolving.

Online classes available!

iPhone and iPad Fundamentals for All Users

October 13th | Tuesday 10:00 - 11:30

Apollo Space Missions: Triumph, Disaster and the Final Journey to the Moon

October 19th | Monday 10:00 - 11:30

Online classes available!

Miami’s Little Havana Culinary, Artistic and Cultural Tour

November 10th | Tuesday 7:30 - 6:00

Join us as we explore the rich history and culinary delights of a vibrant neighborhood. Little Havana was recently listed as an official “national treasure” of the U.S. by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The neighborhood is well-known for its many historical, political, culinary, and artistic contributions to Miami’s culture. Nestled in the heart of the city’s downtown area and only a short drive from Miami’s famed South Beach, the neighborhood is full of interesting cultural landmarks, including a cigar factory, Domino Park, Cuban Memorial Blvd., the Tower Theater, artist workshops, and the Damas de Blanco Mural. Enjoy delicious cuisine, including empanadas, Cuban sandwiches, guayaba, croquetas, churros, and more, at a diverse range of establishments, from five-star gourmet restaurants to hole-in-the-wall ethnic eateries.

Miami Millionaire’s Row™ Boat Cruise & Bayside Marketplace

November 18th | Wednesday 8:00 - 6:30

Enjoy a fully narrated 90-minute cruise and spectacular views of Biscayne Bay, the Miami skyline, the Port of Miami, Miami Beach, and Millionaire’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 by picture windows, as well as an upper deck where you can enjoy the fresh ocean breeze beneath an awning that provides protection from direct sunlight and light seasonal showers. Before the cruise, enjoy time for lunch and shopping at the Bayside Marketplace, a popular Miami destination.

On Demand available!
Recording of Classes that can be played back for 2 weeks

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Introduction to Facebook & Instagram: Connecting with Friends and Family

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Master The Apple Notes: Organize, Capture, Search, and Keep Your Most Important Information Secure

Mastering Email on Your iPhone and iPad: iOS 26 Email Essentials

Mastering iOS 26: Tips, Tricks, and Hidden Features for iPhone and iPad Users

Mastering Today’s Streaming Services

Organizing, Editing, and Sharing Photos on iPhone and iPad with iOS 26

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:

Visit our website at Academy | Online Giving (fgcu.edu).
Send a check payable to FGCU Academy with “Friend of the Academy Donation” in the memo line.

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.

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