Kristin Shockley, M.A. is a senior instructor in the FAU department of political science since 2007. With a background in both history and political science, she teaches a broad array of courses in the sub-fields of American government and politics, comparative politics, and international relations. Her research examines the intersections of religion and politics and politics and popular culture.

Michael Silver is a graduate of the University of Alabama. Michael graduated with a concentration in financial planning, investments, and insurance. He started his career in 1994 with a major insurance company. In 1997, he left his position with the insurance company in order to pursue his dream of providing comprehensive wealth management to high net worth investors seeking independent, objective and impartial guidance. With his team, Michael consults with clients to help architect and implement their financial plans and investment portfolios. Michael is passionate about educating and guiding his clients through all of the complexities of personal finance including investments, taxes, cash flow generation, insurance and estate planning to create a truly comprehensive and well thought-out financial plan. He currently holds a number of industry certifications including: CFP® (Certified Financial Planner) from the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP® Board), AEP® (Accredited Estate Planner) awarded by the National Association of Estate Planners and Councils, and CLU (Chartered Life Underwriter) from the American College. Michael is a panelist on the Wealth Management.com Advisor Confidence Index (ACI). The Advisor Confidence Index (ACI) is an exclusive panel of RIA professionals that help determine the monthly Advisor Benchmarking Advisor Confidence Index (ACI). Michael has been named to Barron's list of America's Top 1,200 Advisors, Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors, and to Financial Times 400 Top Financial Advisors. Michael is a sought after speaker that has presented on a variety of topics including: portfolio management, financial planning, charitable planning, tax planning, and estate planning. He has taught CPA® continuing education courses and is currently an adjunct professor at Florida Atlantic University. In addition, Michael has also been an instructor for the Certificate in Financial Planning - CFP® Board Registered Program at Florida Atlantic University. He is a current member of the Boca Raton Estate Planning Council and is a member of the National Advisory Board of his broker dealer, Royal Alliance Associates, Inc.

Born in New York, René Silvin, MBA grew up in Swiss boarding schools. After earning his bachelor's degree from Georgetown University in 1970 and two master's degrees in business from Cornell University in 1972, he spent 25 years in the investor-owned hospital industry. Since retiring, Silvin has published five books, including a memoir about his friendship with the late Duchess of Windsor, as well as a history of Palm Beach, Florida seen through the eyes of the famous society architect, Addison Mizner, and a coffee table book titled “Normandie: The Tragic Story of the Most Majestic Ocean Liner," which is a historical novel that brings to life the magnificent flagship of the French line, Normandie, which met its tragic end during WWII. He continues to add lecture topics, through offering well-researched, glamorous stories with historical significance, infused with personal experiences, including a history of transatlantic ocean liner travel, the history of Mar-a-Lago, and a series of presentations about the pitfalls of being too rich. Silvin serves as the chairman on the Palm Beach Landmarks Preservation Commission.

Marlene Solender is former executive in microbiology and laboratory science and chief project executive for the development of major health care information systems. As an adjunct professor in information systems she developed exceptional public speaking skills with a knack for unique presentations. In her "retirement" Solender is a music historian who shares her love of musical theater, the movies and the American Songbook with audiences on land and to cruise ship audiences around the globe. Using her unique entertainment skills, the life stories of composers, lyricists and other famous personalities are punctuated by the music of the time. She fills the room with story and song and the audience leaves the theater humming and singing!

Matt Stabile is a writer, director, actor and educator who found his home in the Theatre at an early age. He proudly serves as the Producing Artistic Director of Theatre Lab, the professional resident company of Florida Atlantic University, where he has directed multiple World, US, and Regional Premiere productions and more than 100 readings of new plays hosted by The Lab. A proud member of AEA, Matt has performed on stages across South Florida, written and produced material for the stage and screen, and is a passionate advocate for arts and education.

Cyndi Stein-Rubin is an award-winning tenured professor at Brooklyn College, certified speech/language pathologist, author of two graduate-level textbooks, one personal development book, professional life coach, speech coach, public and keynote speaker. She also has been leading a successful book club at the Boca Raton Resort, for the past five years, and at various organizations in south Florida. Given her rich professional backdrop, which also includes a theater background, her lectures are dynamic and alive with ingenuity and sparkle.