Engage with YOUR University and Understanding Positive Aging Theory & Strategies
Thursday, November 19 | 7:00–8:30 pm | Miromar Lakes Clubhouse
Join Hearts of Miromar for an engaging and informative evening as we connect with Florida Gulf Coast University and explore practical ideas for living well as we age. This special event is open to members, men, and guests.
About the Evening
We’ll hear from two distinguished speakers from Florida Gulf Coast University who will share insights on community partnership and positive aging. The program is designed to be conversational and useful, followed by time for questions and conversation. Dessert and coffee are included with your ticket, and a cash bar will be available.
Our Speakers
Aimee McLaughlin
Director of University Relations, Florida Gulf Coast University
Aimee McLaughlin leads university relations at FGCU, where her work focuses on connecting the university with the surrounding community in support of student success and lifelong engagement. She brings a wealth of experience in community advocacy and nonprofit leadership. After moving to Florida from Philadelphia in 2000, she served as Communications & Development Director for the Children’s Network of SWFL, advocating for more than 2,000 children in foster care. She later led Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lee, Hendry, and Collier Counties as Regional Director, growing mentoring programs that served over 500 children. Before joining FGCU, she was Development & Events Director at the Gulf Coast Humane Society, where she oversaw more than 250 annual events and helped raise nearly half a million dollars to support abused animals.
Aimee continues to serve her community on nonprofit boards, including the American Cancer Society and Foster Care Advisory Services. She enjoys spending time with her husband Chris (also an FGCU employee), their children Mikaila and Cooper, and their two dogs. Her passion for advocating for those who need a voice remains the driving force behind her work.
Dr. Tom Felke
Professor of Social Work and Founding Director of the Shady Rest Institute on Positive Aging, Florida Gulf Coast University
Dr. Tom Felke is a Professor of Social Work at FGCU and the founding Director of the Shady Rest Institute on Positive Aging. His teaching and research focus on systemic social issues that affect older adults and communities, including food insecurity, affordable housing, and the practical needs of seniors. A major emphasis of his work is the use of geographic information systems (GIS) mapping to better understand and address community needs.
Dr. Felke earned his bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education from Providence College. He completed his graduate education at the University of Connecticut School of Social Work, receiving a master’s degree with concentrations in administration, policy, and international issues, followed by his Ph.D. His dissertation research examined the experiences of refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh and Azerbaijan living in Armenia.
His 2014 needs assessment of older adults in Collier County received regional and national media coverage, including a feature by the PBS NewsHour, and contributed to the founding of three senior centers. In 2024, he received the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Association of Social Workers – Florida Chapter in recognition of his dedication to the social work profession and the well-being of older adults.
Event Details
- Date: Wednesday, November 19
- Time: 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
- Cost: $10 per person (includes dessert and coffee)
- Cash bar available
- Open to: Members, men, and guests
Reservations
Reservations are required and are accepted by check or cash only. There will be no online reservations or PayPal for this event.
Please send your reservation (with payment) to Peggy Lotz at:
9939 Isola Way
Space is limited, so we encourage you to reserve early. We look forward to an evening of connection, learning, and conversation with our neighbors and friends from Florida Gulf Coast University.