Events

Location: Wasmer Art Gallery
Dates: October 9–November 5, 2026

Opening Reception and Artist Talk: Thursday, October 8, 2026, 5–7pm

Reflections in Clay brings together alumni artists Jordan Blankenship (‘17, Art), Kel Campbell (‘13, Art), and Maria Emilia Steiner (‘15, Art) in an exhibition that considers reflection through use, memory, and presence. Working with clay, the artists explore how objects and forms hold and register experience over time.

Blankenship’s work centers on functional ceramics and domestic structures, examining how vessels, furniture, and wall-mounted elements shape daily routines. Campbell presents a wall-mounted ceramic quilt that draws from personal memory and connections to others, using repetition and assembly to map relationships and shared histories. Steiner’s sculptural forms engage spatial awareness, restraint, and light, creating moments of pause and attention within a room.

Across the exhibition, clay operates as a shared material language while taking on distinct roles. The works move between hand, wall, and space, shifting from intimate interaction to collective reflection. Together, Reflections in Clay positions clay as a medium capable of holding memory, shaping behavior, and marking presence over time.

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In business, we are often told that technical expertise and strategic execution are all that matter. Yet research consistently reveals a simpler truth: people prefer to do business with, hire, buy from, and work with people they like. Despite its profound impact on career trajectory and team performance, the desire to be liked is frequently minimized or dismissed in corporate environments.

When you are liked, your ideas are heard, your authority is recognized, and you are viewed as inherently trustworthy and credible. High achievement isn't just about what you know; it happens at the intersection of deep expertise and authentic relational influence.

In this actionable webinar, executive coach and bestselling author Michelle Tillis Lederman breaks down how to leverage the Laws of Likability and cultivate the mindset of a true Connector. Moving past superficial networking tactics, Michelle reveals how infusing authenticity into daily interactions and adopting a giving approach builds an unshakeable foundation of trust. Whether you are leading a hybrid team, navigating complex workplace politics, or striving to expand your professional reach, this session provides a battle-tested blueprint to increase your influence, foster deeper engagement, and drive real business results.

Key Takeaways How to Leverage the Laws of Likability:

• Discover how combining technical expertise with relational authenticity increases your credibility, authority, and influence.
• Master the Four Pillars of Trust: Learn actionable strategies to build deep organizational trust, identify behaviors that quietly erode it, and repair broken workplace connections.
• Find Common Ground with Anyone: Practical techniques to connect authentically across matrixed teams, diverse working styles, and multi-generational dynamics.
• Adopt the Connector Mindset: How to utilize simple digital tools, social media, and a giving approach to consistently deliver value to your professional network.

About the Speaker

Michelle Tillis Lederman is an executive coach, keynote speaker, and the CEO of Executive Essentials, dedicated to helping organizations and leaders build real relationships that deliver real results. An expert on workplace communications, Michelle was named one of the Top 25 Networking Experts by Forbes, one of the Top 30 Communications Professionals in the World by Global Gurus, and ranked among the Top 25 Thinkers360 Global Thought Leaders on Diversity & Inclusion. She is an MG100 Executive Coach and the author of four books, including the international bestsellers The 11 Laws of Likability and The Connector's Advantage. A former finance executive, Michelle is a regular media contributor appearing on NBC, CBS, Fox, NPR, CNBC, and in The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times.

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The AI revolution is exciting, but terrifying. Especially for professionals in creative and client-facing fields, the question is no longer whether to engage with it, but how to do so without losing what makes your work distinctly yours.

In this webinar, Amy Shoenthal, USA TODAY bestselling author of The Setback Cycle and one of the top TEDx speakers of 2025, will draw on her framework for navigating uncertainty to help you move through the discomfort of a rapidly shifting landscape -- and come out sharper on the other side. You'll leave with practical tools to start using AI today, a clear sense of what it can and cannot replace, and the confidence to stay ahead of a change that's already compounding.

Key Takeaways:

Identify where you are in your AI adoption right now and the specific next step to move forward without overwhelm

Discover how to use AI as a daily force multiplier for your most time-consuming work, from research to communication to workflow design

Understand what AI cannot replicate -- and why your expertise, relationships, and judgment are more valuable now than ever

About the Speaker:

Amy Shoenthal is a keynote speaker, workshop facilitator, and USA TODAY bestselling author of The Setback Cycle. Her TEDx talk, How to Turn Setbacks Into Success, was one of the highest-performing TEDx talks of 2025, with more than 500,000 views. She has worked with teams at Google, LinkedIn, Meta, Samsung, Royal Bank of Canada and more, and is a top contributor to ForbesWomen. Amy helps leaders navigate uncertainty, change, and disruption -- and build the resilience to turn both into momentum.

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Join us for an exclusive evening as we close down Palm City Brewing just for our group and enjoy live jazz from talented musicians of the Gulf Coast Symphony.

Your ticket includes:

• Private, exclusive access to the venue

• Live jazz performance by Gulf Coast Symphony musicians 

• Opportunity for Q&A with the Symphony Director

• One complimentary drink ticket (includes beer, cider and wine)

• Alumni-owned food truck, Beau's BBQ, on site with items available for purchase

Don’t miss this unique blend of craft brews, delicious eats, and world-class music!

Tickets are $15 and include one complimentary drink. 

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Join the FGCU Charlotte Alumni Chapter for an exciting trip to Bank of America Stadium as the Carolina Panthers take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
A limited number of discounted tickets are available for this exclusive game-day experience.

Your $60 registration includes a game ticket and meal voucher for one hot dog and unlimited fountain soda.

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Calling all creatives! Join FGCU Alumni for a casual morning of coffee, conversation, and networking with creative professionals across Southwest Florida.

Whether you’re a photographer, graphic designer, PR professional, marketer, social media pro, writer, or someone who hires creative talent, this is an opportunity to meet new people, make connections, and learn more about what others are creating in our community.

Thursday, October 29 | 9–10:30 a.m.

Take Two Coffee | Fort Myers

Free to attend Bring your business cards and come ready to network! Space is limited, so registration is encouraged.

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Quarterly meeting of the Alumni Association Board of Directors.

Quarterly meeting of the Alumni Association Board of Directors.