Four Inducted into Student Hall of Fame
Four students at the College of Coastal Georgia were recently honored for their contributions to improving the college experience for other students and themselves. Students Mary Alley, Ashley Britt, Kynder Ganoe, and Foster Hayes were inducted into the College’s Student Hall of Fame at the 7th Annual Student Affairs Leadership Awards ceremony on April 24.
The four students were recognized for demonstrating strong leadership skills and having a positive impact at the College during their collegiate career. Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Jason Umfress called the induction the “single highest honor” that can be bestowed on a student. Students were selected through an application and interview process.
Foster Hayes earned the Mariner’s Pride Award and was inducted into the Student Hall of Fame.
“Inductees must have demonstrated exceptional leadership in at least two of the following areas: contributions to campus life, academic achievement/scholarly contribution, athletic accomplishment, service to the community, and/or overcoming adversity,” said Umfress, who called the inductees an “elite group of students.”
Alley has been involved with the Coastal Georgia Association of Nursing Students since her junior year and served as president her senior year. Her activities during her time at the College include raising funds for the prevention of human trafficking in the Brunswick-Golden Isles community through House of Hope, being inducted into the Golden Key Honour Society, coordinating a blood drive at the College, and serving as a volunteer tutor in nursing. She will graduate with a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing.
“My leadership experience has shaped my experience at the College of Coastal Georgia because it has brought me into contact with many other people around campus besides just nursing students. I have met with other clubs to collaborate on an event as well as Health Services and Student Life,” Alley said. “It has taught me how collaboration and teamwork are the essence of a community because it brings into account many different perspectives that allow you to better serve the community.”
Britt, who will receive her bachelor’s degree in health informatics on Sunday, is the founder and president of the Pearl Society, which empowers young women and encourages the building of positive, supportive relationships. She has been a resident assistant for two years, served on the Student Government Association, was a peer educator, member of the dance team and Health Informatics Club.
“Overall, the College of Coastal Georgia has been an immense blessing from attending my first orientation to graduation,” Britt said. “I have developed into a strong, well-rounded woman who will always have a love for building a positive, impactful community around me. I am honored I had the opportunity to attend this school and be an example of what a Mariner truly is. Not only has the College of Coastal Georgia impacted me as an individual, but I have had the chance to give back to my community and impact someone else, which will forever be priceless for me.”
Ganoe, a marketing major, will be the student speaker at the College’s 53rd Spring Commencement ceremony on May 13. She is president of the Roteract Club, is a CCGA Serves volunteer, and worked as the social media assistant for the College’s Office of Advancement. Ganoe is also an entrepreneur. She started her own business, the Nabi Effect, which provides environmentally friendly beauty and hygene products. Her business donates one item to someone in need for every product sold. Ganoe developed her company through an entrepreneurship class at the College. Her other activities include being a member of the Presidential Student Ambassador program and serving as a Blue Crew Leader in fall 2017 and spring 2018.
“My aspirations in life wouldn’t be the same if I never transferred to the College of Coastal Georgia,” Ganoe said. “I’ve learned so much about myself through the experience here, the organizations I’ve been so fortunate to be a part of, and the people I have met.”
Hayes, also a marketing major, served as the Student Government Association President from 2016-2017 and has been heavily involved on campus. He served on the Converge Leadership Team since his freshman year in 2014; is a published photographer in Seaswells Magazine, the College’s literary art magazine; was homecoming king in 2015; received the Rising Star Leader of the Year Award as a freshman; and created the BEHOPE team through Converge, which raises awareness about modern day slavery.
“Being a Mariner is something that is irreplaceable to me. I know that I am a better person because of the opportunities that the College of Coastal Georgia has presented me with over the last four years,” Hayes said. “My goal when coming on this campus was that I would leave it better than I found it. Through hard work and a creative mindset, I have had the honor of being a part of some of the greatest clubs, organizations, and offices that Coastal Georgia has to offer. I can proudly walk across the stage at graduation knowing that I did my part to serve this great College and to improve the experience of every Mariner.”
Inductees received a plaque and Student Hall of Fame pin, presented by Interim President Meg Amstutz. This was the third class inducted into the hall of fame.
Here are some photos from the 7th Annual Student Affairs Leadership Awards:
