Learn From the Experts - Master the Possibilities chooses Visiting Speakers with proven experience—whether they're seasoned professionals, retired specialists, passionate educators, or field-based experts joining us remotely. Our instructors bring valuable insight, deep subject knowledge, and a love of teaching to every session. Click on any course to meet your expert and learn what makes their perspective unique. PREVIOUS PAGEADVANCED SEARCH
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Join Kenneth Colen, President of On Top of the World Communities, LLC to hear the history of On Top of the World. Learn how the company got its start, its growth, the corporate philosophy, and where OTOW is headed in the future.
Instructor:Ken ColenMembers: Free; General Public: Free Course #: SPE150 Available 24/7 Beginning: 1/6/2025 Until: 6/30/2025
Glider pilots were towed in flimsy, noisy, unarmed, fabric-covered gliders at about 130 mph at the end of a 300-foot, 1-inch nylon rope in air made turbulent by the tow planes. They sometimes crash-landed at night in small fields behind enemy lines, carrying troops and/or cargo. Glider pilots received training in infantry combat tactics since after landing, they often fought as infantry. This session will share stories and insights about these members of "the greatest generation."
About Edith Gandy - Click Here
Edith “Edie” Gandy is a lifelong educator, leadership consultant, and equestrian expert whose career has been defined by a deep passion for teaching and empowering others. She holds a Master’s Degree in Education and formerly served as President of a consulting firm that provided leadership workshops throughout the United States and Latin America, working in partnership with the University of Florida’s Executive Education Program. Through these programs, she helped shape the leadership capabilities of professionals from diverse industries, blending academic rigor with practical insights to foster personal and professional growth.
Her passion for teaching extends beyond the corporate world. Whether mentoring individuals, developing curriculum, or facilitating group discussions, Edie is known for her engaging, thoughtful approach that encourages curiosity and meaningful learning. She believes in creating inclusive spaces where learners can explore ideas, build confidence, and connect with others.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Edie is a respected breeder and judge of Champion Peruvian Horses. Her breeding program has produced numerous award-winning horses, and she is widely recognized for her expertise in the unique gait and conformation of this elegant breed. As First Vice President of the North American Peruvian Horse Association (NAPHA), she continues to serve the equestrian community, offering her experience and insight to promote excellence and education in the field.
Throughout all her endeavors, Edie’s commitment to teaching—whether in leadership, horsemanship, or life—remains at the core of everything she does.
Instructor:Edith GandyMembers: $5; General Public: $10
Course #: SPE290 | Room:Live Oak Hall Day of Week | Date | Time:Th | 7/17/2025 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Seats Available:56
This presentation is aimed at sharing information about a population of men who engaged in military service to this country with duties involving aviation. The era that this book addresses is one during which there was considerable racial turmoil in America. So, these were stalwart men who entered into a career field dominated by white males who did not readily embrace them. More specifically, the book is about black helicopter pilots who experienced combat duty in Vietnam (among the first were Tuskegee Airmen), some making the ultimate sacrifice of giving their lives, and who certainly have a place in U.S. history. It is also a story of the uncommon fortitude, perseverance, and triumph of black men who were often compelled to fight multiple battles against multiple enemies simultaneously (the enemy overseas and racial discrimination at home).
About Dr. Joe Ponds - Click Here
Dr. Joe Ponds is a distinguished educator, author, and military veteran based in Beverly Hills, Florida. He served as a U.S. Army combat helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War and, following his honorable discharge in 1975, made history by becoming the first Black Direct Commissioned Aviator in U.S. Coast Guard history.
Dr. Ponds is the author of The 600 m.o.l. – Black Helicopter Pilots in Vietnam: Tuskegee Glory, a book that chronicles the experiences of Black helicopter pilots in Vietnam, highlighting their courage and the racial challenges they faced.
Beyond his military and literary contributions, Dr. Ponds is the founder and President of Memory College, LLC, where he offers memory enhancement training to various organizations, including the University of Central Florida and The Villages Lifelong Learning College . He is also the founder of Ponds Consulting, providing human resource consulting, facilitation, and training services to clients such as the American Lung Association and the Florida Department of Children and Families.
In his community, Dr. Ponds serves as the Pastor of Beverly Hills Bible Church . He is also the President of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association of Florida . Additionally, he is the Executive Director of Remember Vets Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering veterans and their families.
Dr. Ponds has been recognized as an outstanding educator, facilitator, and trainer by organizations such as the American Lung Association, the American Association for Respiratory Care, and the Florida Attorney General's Office. He has delivered keynote speeches for numerous organizations, including the Citrus County School Board, Florida Women in Government, and the Tuskegee Airmen National Convention. His contributions have also been acknowledged through his induction into Morgan State University's ROTC Hall of Fame.
Dr. Ponds continues to inspire through his multifaceted career, combining military service, education, authorship, and community leadership.
Instructor:Dr. JoeMembers: $13; General Public: $18
Course #: SPE286 | Room:Live Oak Hall Day of Week | Date | Time:Th | 9/18/2025 | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Seats Available:71
In the past ten years, countless pieces of fiction have been published that take place in France during the Second World War (The Nightingale, The Alice Network, All the Light We Cannot See, The Paris Library, and so on). Many of these books focus on the heroic efforts of the French Resistance to rid the country of the Nazis. But the story of the Resistance is so much more complex than these books can convey.
Join this discussion to talk about the different forms of resistance, who resisted and why, what kinds of struggles they faced, and how the extreme-right played a surprising role in some of France's largest resistance networks. This presenter will be teaching from a remote location.
About Dr. Valerie Deacon - Click Here
Dr. Valerie Deacon is the Manager of Academic Support and Curriculum Innovation in the Faculty of Arts at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). In this role, she leads a team of Academic Support Coaches who provide individualized writing assistance and academic skills development to students .
Before returning to Canada, Dr. Deacon served as a faculty member at New York University (NYU) and NYU Shanghai, where she held positions including Visiting Clinical Assistant Professor of History. During her tenure at NYU Shanghai, she delivered lectures such as “Imagining France: Evasion Training and National Identity During the Second World War”
Dr. Deacon holds a Master of Arts from the University of Victoria and a Ph.D. from York University. Her scholarly work centers on the experiences of the Second World War in Europe and the United States, with a particular focus on the French Resistance and the involvement of extreme-right individuals and groups.
Her first book, The Extreme Right in the French Resistance: Members of the Cagoule and Corvignolles in the Second World War, published by Louisiana State University Press in 2016, examines the participation of men and women from the extreme right in the French Resistance and explores postwar narratives about resisters and the meaning of resistance . In addition to her book, Dr. Deacon has authored several articles, including:
“Fitting in to the French Resistance: Georges Loustaunau-Lacau and Marie-Madeleine Fourcade at the intersection of politics and gender” (2015)
“From 'femme d'officier, mère de famille' to 'grand dame de la Résistance': Marie-Madeleine Fourcade during the Second World War” (2017)
Her current research investigates the experiences of downed Anglo-American aircrew in Occupied France and the assistance they received from French civilians. She has published works on this topic, including:
“‘A jolly romp we were always destined to win': The BBC's 'Allo 'Allo! and British memories of downed aircrew in Occupied France during the Second World War” (2017)
“International cooperation, transnational circulation: Escape, evasion, and resistance in France, 1940–1945” (2019)
Dr. Deacon's contributions to historical scholarship provide nuanced insights into the complexities of resistance movements and the varied experiences of individuals during the Second World War.
Instructor:Valerie DeaconMembers: $10; General Public: $15
Course #: SPE287 | Room:Live Oak Hall Day of Week | Date | Time:Th | 9/25/2025 | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Seats Available:73
The Eldred World War II Museum, founded in 1996, has for almost three decades strived to educate the youths of today on the subject of the Second World War. Based in the small town of Eldred, Pennsylvania, the museum was created in honor of the National Munitions Corporation, which manufactured ordnance for the United States and its allies. The presentation, hosted by Curator Kyle Dunn, will discuss the origins of the plant, the museum, and its mission. Dunn will be presenting remotely from the museum.
Since 1949, generations of Germans have reflected on the rise, rule, and remnants of Nazism. The people of East, West, and now-unified Germany have sought to come to terms with their nation's Nazi past through many avenues. This presentation will introduce some of the approaches taken to reckon with this past, including the judicial system, youth protests, and public exhibitions. The presenter will be speaking remotely.
About Amy Carney - Click Here
Dr. Amy Carney is an Associate Professor of History at Pennsylvania State University, the Behrend College, where she also serves as department chair and Assistant Director of the Honors Programs. She teaches courses on modern European and modern German history, including The Second World War, Fascism and National Socialism, and The Holocaust. Her research focuses on family history during the Third Reich, particularly the Nazi SS.
Her acclaimed book, Marriage and Fatherhood in the Nazi SS (University of Toronto Press, 2018), offers the first in-depth study of the roles SS men played as husbands and fathers, and how these roles were instrumental in shaping a racially elite community within the organization. Her work explores the intersection of gender, family, and ideology under National Socialism.
Dr. Carney holds a B.A. in English and History from Jacksonville University and both an M.A. and Ph.D. in Modern European and German History from Florida State University. She has previously taught at institutions such as Florida State University and Ohio University.
She is also active in public history initiatives. At Penn State Behrend, she led the college’s participation in the international “Long Night of the Digital Memorial” project, which helped digitize Holocaust-era documents related to Dachau concentration camp. In recognition of her scholarship, Dr. Carney was awarded a prestigious Fulbright Scholar Award for the 2024–25 academic year to conduct research in Austria.
Instructor:Amy CarneyMembers: $10; General Public: $15
Course #: SPE288 | Room:Live Oak Hall Day of Week | Date | Time:Th | 10/16/2025 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Seats Available:95
The Ocala Metro is growing but how it is growing may surprise you. Hear from the CEO of the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership (CEP), the entity charged with driving our growth, what is really happening in our community, what it means, and what is in store for the future.
About Heather Shubirg - Click Here
Heather Shubirg is a seasoned economic development professional currently serving as the Chief Growth Officer at the Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership (CEP). In this role, she leads initiatives to attract and retain businesses in the Ocala region, fostering job creation and economic growth.
Prior to joining the CEP in April 2022, Shubirg was the Executive Vice President of Team Volusia Economic Development Corporation, where she focused on strategic economic development activities and business recruitment initiatives for Volusia County, Florida. Her earlier roles include serving as Senior Director of Business Development in the Advanced Manufacturing and Technology sectors at the Orlando Economic Partnership and as Vice President of Business Development at Enterprise Florida, the state's primary economic development organization.
In recognition of her expertise, Governor Ron DeSantis appointed Shubirg to the Board of Directors of the Florida Development Finance Corporation (FDFC) in May 2021, where she served a one-year term. The FDFC assists businesses and organizations in accessing capital to promote economic development across Florida.
Shubirg holds both bachelor's and master's degrees in economics from the University of Central Florida. She also earned the Master Economic Development Practitioner (MEDP) Certification through the Advanced Economic Development Leadership Program.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Shubirg is actively involved in community organizations. She serves on the boards of the United Way of Volusia-Flagler and the SMA Healthcare Foundation. Originally from Attica, New York, she now resides in Ocala, Florida, with her husband, two daughters, and three dogs.
In addition to her role at the CEP, Shubirg contributes to the broader economic development community as the Vice Co-Chair of Professional Development for the Florida Economic Development Council (FEDC).
Honorable Mention recipient for the American Journalism Historians Association Book of the Year Award, Carolyn Edy's book, The Woman War Correspondent, the U.S. Military, and the Press:1846-1947, outlines the rich history of more than 250 women who worked as war correspondents up through World War II, while demonstrating the ways in which the press and the military both promoted and prevented their access to war.
Author Edy will be presenting remotely to participants here to discuss these Women In Journalism and give accounts of their lives and the impacts they made on the military and press. She will touch upon the concepts of "woman war correspondent" and "war correspondent" and how these concepts helped and hindered the work of all war correspondents even as they challenged and ultimately expanded the public's understanding of war and of women.
About Dr. Carolyn M. Edy - Click Here
Dr. Carolyn M. Edy - Professor of Digital Journalism & Faculty Director of University Accreditation Compliance
Appalachian State University
Dr. Carolyn M. Edy is a distinguished media historian, journalism educator, and faculty leader at Appalachian State University, where she serves as Professor of Digital Journalism and Faculty Director of University Accreditation Compliance. A recipient of the university's Outstanding Professor Award in 2015–2016, Dr. Edy is widely recognized for her scholarship on women war correspondents, having earned competitive grants and honors from institutions such as Harvard University’s Schlesinger Library, the American Journalism Historians Association, and the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication.
Before entering academia, Dr. Edy built an accomplished career as a journalist, contributing to leading national and regional outlets including Newsweek, Good Housekeeping, U.S. News & World Report, Fortune, and Yoga Journal. Her academic work builds upon that real-world experience and includes influential publications such as The Woman War Correspondent, the U.S. Military, and the Press: 1846–1947 and The Weekly War: How the Saturday Evening Post Reported World War I. She is also a frequent contributor to edited volumes and scholarly journals in journalism history and gender studies.
Dr. Edy earned her Ph.D. and M.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and her B.A. in English from St. Lawrence University. In addition to her teaching and research, she is actively involved in professional organizations, including the American Journalism Historians Association, the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication, and the International Association for Literary Journalism Studies.
Instructor:Carolyn EdyMembers: $10; General Public: $15
Course #: SPE291 | Room:Live Oak Hall Day of Week | Date | Time:W | 11/5/2025 | 2:00 PM - 3:15 PM Seats Available:97
Florida had many military camps, fields and bases during WWII. One of the largest at 165,000 acres was Camp Gordon Johnston, a US Army camp for training infantry for amphibious assault located in Franklin County. This camp in its three phases hosted a quarter of a million servicemembers from 1942 to 1946. Soldiers that trained at CGJ served in both theaters of the war, from the beaches of Normandy to the jungles of New Guinea, from the liberated European ports to the landings at Iwo Jima.
Attend this presentation by Lisa Keith-Lucas, a volunteer at the Camp Gordon Johnston Museum, and learn how Florida’s forgotten coastline helped win World War II.
About Lisa Keith-Lucas - Click Here
Lisa Keith-Lucas is the dedicated archivist and president of the board at the Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum in Carrabelle, Florida. With a background in science education and degrees in chemistry and geosciences, she brings an analytical approach to preserving and interpreting the museum's extensive collection of over 1,500 artifacts. Her meticulous research has been instrumental in identifying and documenting the names, hometowns, and final resting places of soldiers who trained at the camp, often overcoming challenges posed by incomplete historical records.
Lisa's passion for WWII history is deeply personal. Her mother's experiences growing up in Nazi-occupied Norway and her husband's grandfather's service and death in World War I have profoundly influenced her commitment to preserving these stories. She has been a driving force in uncovering the contributions of African American service members who trained at Camp Gordon Johnston, including the 473rd, 471st, and 476th Amphibious Truck Companies, which played pivotal roles in the Iwo Jima campaign.
Under her leadership, the museum has expanded its facilities to better showcase its collection, including a new building to house vintage military vehicles and a permanent exhibit space . Lisa continues to share the rich history of Camp Gordon Johnston through public lectures, collaborations with local organizations, and educational outreach, ensuring that the sacrifices and stories of these soldiers are preserved for future generations.
On the eve of Pearl Harbor, Florida was the smallest state in the South (smaller than Arkansas or South Carolina). Today, Florida is the third largest state in the nation.
World War II represents a watershed and a revolution. Florida was home to hundreds of World War II military bases. The war left a legacy of a commitment to higher education (the GI Bill) and the beginning of the Sunbelt revolution powered by air conditioning, Interstate highways, and a flood of senior citizens who flocked to the Sunshine State. Professor Mormino is writing a book on Florida and World War II and will be presenting remotely.
About Gary Mormino - Click Here
Gary R. Mormino, Ph.D. | Historian | Author | Professor Emeritus | Florida Humanities Scholar
Dr. Gary R. Mormino is one of Florida’s most respected historians and a leading voice on the state’s social and cultural evolution. He is the Frank E. Duckwall Professor of History Emeritus and former director of the Florida Studies Program at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg, where he taught from 1977 until his retirement. He currently continues to educate the public as a frequent columnist for the Tampa Bay Times and through numerous public talks and writings.
A graduate of Millikin University (B.A.) and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Ph.D.), Dr. Mormino has dedicated his academic career to exploring the intersections of immigration, urban development, and Florida history. His acclaimed books include Land of Sunshine, State of Dreams: A Social History of Modern Florida (2005), widely regarded as a definitive work on the state’s postwar transformation. Michael Gannon, the noted “dean of Florida studies,” praised the book as “the standard against which all future such efforts in Florida will be measured.”
Dr. Mormino's early scholarly contributions include Immigrants on the Hill: Italian-Americans in St. Louis, 1882–1982, winner of the Howard R. Marraro Prize for outstanding writing in Italian history, and The Immigrant World of Ybor City (co-authored with George Pozzetta), which received the Theodore Saloutos Prize for excellence in ethnic and immigration history.
In addition to his historical scholarship, Dr. Mormino has written and co-authored works exploring Florida’s environment and conservation legacy, including The Everglades: An Environmental History, Waters Less Traveled, and Death in the Everglades: The Murder of Guy Bradley.
A prolific writer and public historian, Dr. Mormino contributes regularly to Florida newspapers, including The Tampa Tribune, Orlando Sentinel, and Miami Herald, and was named the first Humanist of the Year by the Florida Humanities Council in 2003. In 2014, he received the Florida Lifetime Achievement Award for Writing, honoring a career devoted to chronicling the complex, diverse, and ever-changing story of the Sunshine State.
Dr. Mormino is currently completing a long-anticipated book on Florida during World War II, continuing his lifelong mission to deepen our understanding of the state’s place in American history.
Join Len Ferman, The Sports Time Traveler™, for a fascinating look at professional sports during World War II. Many famous athletes were drafted, including baseball legend Hank Greenberg, who served four years and saw combat. Others, with medical deferments, continued to compete—encouraged by President Roosevelt to help lift national morale. This engaging presentation tells the powerful stories of these athletes as they served and played during the pivotal 1945 season. Through vivid storytelling and historical insight, Len reveals how sports became a source of hope and resilience during one of America’s darkest times.
About Len Ferman - Click Here
Len Ferman: Innovator, Educator, and Sports Time Traveler
Len Ferman is a multi-faceted professional with a distinguished career in innovation, education, and sports history. While he is known for his groundbreaking work in the field of business innovation, Ferman's passion for sports, particularly the history of athletics, has also significantly influenced his career and teaching endeavors. As the founder of Ferman Innovation, he helps organizations navigate customer needs and foster creativity through cutting-edge innovation practices. But it's his unique perspective as The Sports Time Traveler™ that truly sets him apart.
The Sports Time Traveler™
As The Sports Time Traveler™, Len Ferman brings the magic of past sports eras to life through immersive storytelling and historical analysis. His exploration of sports history takes audiences on virtual journeys back in time to witness iconic moments and influential athletes. Ferman’s depth of knowledge and captivating presentations bridge the gap between sports history and contemporary relevance, making his talks both entertaining and educational.
Professional Background
Beyond his role as The Sports Time Traveler™, Len Ferman is a respected leader in the field of business creativity and innovation. With over 35 years of experience, he has held leadership positions at major organizations such as Bank of America, AT&T, and Barnett Bank, where he was instrumental in driving innovation in customer experience. Len founded Ferman Innovation in 2013, offering consulting services focused on generating breakthrough ideas and improving customer experience.
Len is also an educator, serving as an adjunct professor at the University of North Florida, where he developed courses on business creativity and innovation. He has received numerous accolades for his teaching, including the Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award in 2022. Additionally, Len is a faculty member of the American Management Association and a global educator for Duke Corporate Education.
Published Works
In 2019, Len authored Business Creativity and Innovation: Perspectives and Best Practices, a textbook that provides a comprehensive foundation in innovation principles, exploring how to generate, evaluate, and design ideas to solve business challenges. This work is widely used in academic settings for courses in business innovation, product development, and strategic management.
Len also shares his love of sports history through his book The 1973 Mets: You’ve Got to Believe, which takes readers on a journey through the iconic Mets season that ended with their unexpected appearance in the World Series.
Legacy of Innovation and Education
Len’s contributions to both the fields of business and sports history continue to resonate with audiences around the world. His dynamic presentations, whether on the topics of business innovation or the golden eras of sports, make him a sought-after speaker at major conferences. Whether it's helping companies innovate or transporting audiences back in time to witness sports history, Len Ferman’s work continues to inspire and educate.
Instructor:Len FermanMembers: $13; General Public: $18
Course #: SPE285 | Room:Live Oak Hall Day of Week | Date | Time:M | 12/8/2025 | 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM Seats Available:79
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Glider pilots were towed in flimsy, noisy, unarmed, fabric-covered gliders at about 130 mph at the end of a 300-foot, 1-inch nylon rope in air made turbulent by the tow planes. They sometimes crash-landed at night in small fields behind enemy lines, carrying troops and/or cargo. Glider pilots received training in infantry combat tactics since after landing, they often fought as infantry. This session will share stories and insights about these members of "the greatest generation."
This presentation is aimed at sharing information about a population of men who engaged in military service to this country with duties involving aviation. The era that this book addresses is one during which there was considerable racial turmoil in America. So, these were stalwart men who entered into a career field dominated by white males who did not readily embrace them. More specifically, the book is about black helicopter pilots who experienced combat duty in Vietnam (among the first were Tuskegee Airmen), some making the ultimate sacrifice of giving their lives, and who certainly have a place in U.S. history. It is also a story of the uncommon fortitude, perseverance, and triumph of black men who were often compelled to fight multiple battles against multiple enemies simultaneously (the enemy overseas and racial discrimination at home).
The Eldred World War II Museum, founded in 1996, has for almost three decades strived to educate the youths of today on the subject of the Second World War. Based in the small town of Eldred, Pennsylvania, the museum was created in honor of the National Munitions Corporation, which manufactured ordnance for the United States and its allies. The presentation, hosted by Curator Kyle Dunn, will discuss the origins of the plant, the museum, and its mission. Dunn will be presenting remotely from the museum.
Since 1949, generations of Germans have reflected on the rise, rule, and remnants of Nazism. The people of East, West, and now-unified Germany have sought to come to terms with their nation's Nazi past through many avenues. This presentation will introduce some of the approaches taken to reckon with this past, including the judicial system, youth protests, and public exhibitions. The presenter will be speaking remotely.
The Ocala Metro is growing but how it is growing may surprise you. Hear from the CEO of the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership (CEP), the entity charged with driving our growth, what is really happening in our community, what it means, and what is in store for the future.
Honorable Mention recipient for the American Journalism Historians Association Book of the Year Award, Carolyn Edy's book, The Woman War Correspondent, the U.S. Military, and the Press:1846-1947, outlines the rich history of more than 250 women who worked as war correspondents up through World War II, while demonstrating the ways in which the press and the military both promoted and prevented their access to war.
Florida had many military camps, fields and bases during WWII. One of the largest at 165,000 acres was Camp Gordon Johnston, a US Army camp for training infantry for amphibious assault located in Franklin County. This camp in its three phases hosted a quarter of a million servicemembers from 1942 to 1946. Soldiers that trained at CGJ served in both theaters of the war, from the beaches of Normandy to the jungles of New Guinea, from the liberated European ports to the landings at Iwo Jima.
On the eve of Pearl Harbor, Florida was the smallest state in the South (smaller than Arkansas or South Carolina). Today, Florida is the third largest state in the nation.
Join Len Ferman, The Sports Time Traveler™, for a fascinating look at professional sports during World War II. Many famous athletes were drafted, including baseball legend Hank Greenberg, who served four years and saw combat. Others, with medical deferments, continued to compete—encouraged by President Roosevelt to help lift national morale. This engaging presentation tells the powerful stories of these athletes as they served and played during the pivotal 1945 season. Through vivid storytelling and historical insight, Len reveals how sports became a source of hope and resilience during one of America’s darkest times.
