As the Fall 2024 Academia Hernando lecture series ends, the community reflects on the remarkable lineup of speakers and topics that have engaged and educated audiences throughout the season. Since its start on September 13, the series has brought an exciting variety of lectures, covering topics from history and music to culture and art.
Academia Hernando, a nonprofit organization dedicated to lifelong learning, aims to inspire and inform adult learners across Hernando County through weekly lectures. These lectures, held at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Spring Hill, offer attendees the chance to dive into thought-provoking subjects, with each session running for two hours, including a brief intermission.
The final lecture, set for Friday, November 1, at 10:00 a.m., will delve into the life and legacy of television pioneer Ed Sullivan. Titled “Ed Sullivan: American Master,” the talk will explore Sullivan’s rise from journalist to host of the iconic “Ed Sullivan Show,” which became a cultural force in America. The longest-running variety show in TV history, Sullivan’s program introduced American audiences to some of the most legendary performers, from Elvis Presley to The Beatles.
Returning for his tenth appearance with Academia Hernando, Rick Kistner will deliver this engaging final lecture. A Vietnam-era Air Force veteran and a seasoned public speaker with over 500 lectures to his credit, Kistner brings his passion for history, government and performance to the series. His theatrical background and his deep knowledge of American history promise to make this a memorable close to the season.
Rick’s journey into the performing arts started in the early 1960s at his local library, where he was introduced to Broadway cast albums in the library’s newly installed music room. “They had two of the newly developed ‘Hi-Fi’ record players where you could sit and listen to a collection of albums,” Rick recalls. “Many of them were Broadway cast albums like ‘West Side Story,’ ‘Oliver!’ and ‘Camelot.’ I listened to them over and over, and when I got the chance, I first played a Jet in a production of ‘West Side Story.’”
Since then, Rick has performed in countless stage productions, with the only breaks coming during military service and while raising his children. He eventually took formal training at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center and the Colonial Theater in New England. Now, he channels his love for performance into educational programs for lifelong learning groups like O.L.L.I. and Academia Hernando, creating presentations on topics that resonate with fellow baby boomers. “For example, my upcoming program in Spring Hill is on Ed Sullivan. We baby boomers grew up with the Sullivan Show, which lasted nearly a quarter century and introduced us to the Beatles, Elvis, and other era artists.”
By drawing on shared memories and scouring the web for audio-visual materials, Rick ensures each program is informative and deeply nostalgic for his audience.
As Academia Hernando looks ahead to its Spring 2025 lecture series, subscriptions for the eight-lecture season are available for $90, with individual lectures priced at $15. Walk-ins are welcome, though space may be limited. To register or for more information, contact Academia Hernando at 352-345-8345 or 352-515-0300 or:
Mail your check for $90, payable to Academia Hernando, Inc., to:
Linda Young
8409 Charleston Drive
Weeki Wachee, FL 34613
Your canceled check is your receipt.
