College of Coastal Georgia freshmen, their families and some student volunteers lugged and carted seemingly tons of personal effects to the two dormitories on movein day.
The goods included pictures, stuffed animals, minifridges, microwaves and a lot of clothes.
One loaded pickup was towing a U-Haul trailer similarly loaded. Some put everything they needed in the trunk of a car, but it wasn’t like the old days when students arrived on campus with a couple of suitcases and a desk lamp.
Wendell Clark moved his daughter Mya’s items in a UHaul trailer. They were helped by his other daughter Amber, who no longer lives at home.
“It’s going to be an empty nest. It’s going to be a day at a time,’’ Clark said of his coming adjustment.
Those moving in had long waits at elevators because in some cases there was only room for one student, her family and her belongings. Those who got help from the volunteer students had it easier. A male student carrying a mini-fridge glanced at the elevator line in Mariners Village and simply climbed the stairs without breaking stride.
Mya load her belongings into a cart to push it to student housing on move-in day.
below: Mom Wendey Mace leads the way as she and David Mace walk burdened as they move their son Zane into Mariner Village.
Photo
ALUMNI PROFILE: THOMAS E. PERSONS SR. BRUNSWICK COLLEGE ‘66
“Success, Rewritten”
By Tiffany King
T
homas E. Persons Sr. served as the first president of student government for Brunswick College, now known as the College of Coastal Georgia. Although he had the distinction of being president, he admits he wasn’t a strong academic student during his time at Brunswick College. Despite that, he credits his experiences there with shaping his future. Being challenged by his professors and supported by friends gave him a great start to a long, successful, and enriching career.
Persons attended Brunswick College from 1965 into part of 1966 before leaving. Before making his mark as the institution’s first student government president now referred to as the Student Government Association had long been interested in student government organizations. While at Jane Macon Middle School, and later Glynn Academy, he participated in student council and played football. His football days ended after an injury during a championship game, but his passion for student government followed him to Brunswick College.
Describing himself as outgoing and friendly, he decided to take a chance. He recently found one of his campaign posters, designed by Betty Oliver, a local artist and native of St. Simons Island.
Persons said it felt like the right time to run for president.
“The campaign poster that hung up said, ‘Vote for Tommy
if you want things to change.’ I didn’t know what we were going to change we were a brand-new college,” Persons said with a laugh.
Along with his campaign poster, Persons also found his old Brunswick College notebook with the crest on the cover, and inside was his student I.D. card. He plans to donate his items to the College’s archives.
He and his friends, Helen Whittle and Jonathan McDonald, won their elections, and Persons became the College’s first student government president.
Under his leadership, they held meetings and hosted a variety of events—the highlight being the Christmas formal, with the theme “Twilight Under the Stars.” Students Brenda Ward and Billy Shoemaker were crowned Christmas queen and escort.
Persons said the most important contribution he made as president was helping to write the student government constitution. He and Whittle asked fellow student, Larry Woolley, to assist in drafting the document and establishing rules for the student body.
“There was no doubt that I could make some things happen,” Persons said. “I just was not a good student. Having that difficulty probably set up my life, because I knew I would have to do something.”
An Unexpected Opportunity
During the summer, Persons worked as a lifeguard on Jekyll Island, but while school was in session, he worked at a men’s retail store. One day, a young man dove up in a brand-new Oldsmobile 442. That encounter changed his life. “He looked like he stepped out of Gentleman’s Quarterly, and I said, ‘My gosh man! What do you do? I see it’s an out of town tag. Are you from Atlanta?’ He said, ‘Yes. I’m with the Yellow Pages. I’m in sales and marketing with the Yellow Pages for Southern Bell.’ We talked for a while, and I think I ended up selling him two suits. I called him a couple of days later and asked him to tell me about his job,” Persons said.
Persons faced a decision either stay in college or pursue a new job opportunity.
Learn more about Tom’s journey here.
Photo above: Brenda Ward is crowned queen of the Christmas Formal by Student Government President Tommy Persons.
Photo below: Tommy Persons with members of the Student Government executive board.
ARCHIVIST’S LOG: CHARTING THE COLLEGE’S HISTORY
“
The History of the Man
Behind a Building’s
Name: James L. Andrews
Hello everyone! My name is Mylynda Gill, and I serve as the Special Collections Librarian and College Archivist for the Clara Wood Gould Memorial Library at the College of Coastal Georgia. Due to the reopening of the James L. Andrews Student Center Building, now the home of the Student Solution Center for this month’s edition of “Archivist’s Log: Charting the College's History” I wanted to highlight the history of the man behind the building’s name: James L. Andrews.
James Luke Andrews (1883-1958) was a well-known and beloved member of the Brunswick community. Andrews was born in Woodbury, Georgia, and his parents were William Andrews and Mary Powell Andrews.
””
By Mylynda Gill, Special Collections Librarian and College Archivist
Dedication ceremony of the Andrews Center
He arrived in Brunswick in 1903 when he was twenty years old and remained a dedicated resident for the rest of his life. He married his wife Maud Lott of Brunswick on June 15, 1915, and they had three children together.
By trade, Andrews was a pharmacist and had received his education from The School of Pharmacy in Atlanta, Georgia. When he first arrived in Brunswick, he worked at the Morgans Drug Store, but after a few years he opened his own establishment called the Andrews Drug Store. He kept his business successfully operational for several years before he retired.
However, Andrews wanted to serve his community. He expanded his duties and responsibilities beyond pharmaceuticals and went on to serve in many roles and various positions within the local area. He served in Brunswick’s government as a city councilman and even became Brunswick’s mayor for a little while. He assisted with the establishment of Sea Island, the Brunswick Pulp and Paper Company, Glynn Federal Savings and Loan Association and the Brunswick Country Club. Andrews also became involved with various businesses, organizations and boards throughout the community such as the Brunswick Housing Authority, Elks Club, and the First National Bank of Brunswick. Furthermore, Andrews was known as a good friend and mentor to several individuals within the Brunswick community. Many of them have said they owe their personal successes to Andrews because of his support and belief in them.
Andrews also had a strong belief in receiving a good education. He himself was awarded a gold pin for being the
most outstanding student in his high school class.
Another example of this is that he not only made sure his children received good educations, but he also brought a young man named Jimmie Harpe into his home and provided him with a college education. Harpe followed in Andrews's footsteps and became a pharmacist. It is believed that if Andrews had still been alive, he would have been a supporter of the establishment of a college in Brunswick. It was because of all his services listed above and his numerous other acts of kindness, generosity and service that it was requested to have the student center at Brunswick Junior College named after him.
Andrews passed on June 16, 1958, after several years of battling cancer. However, he refused to let it slow him down and he continued to serve his community until a month before his death. In tribute, the then current
James L. Andrews
Brunswick mayor ordered all businesses in the city to shut down during his funeral so the entire community could attend. The City Commissioners also proclaimed the land west of the Brunswick River as “Andrews Island”.
The dedication ceremony for the James L. Andrews Student Center Building took place on May 6, 1975. His wife, family members and friends were in attendance.
All this information about James L. Andrews was learned by reading the speeches given and programs handed out during the dedication ceremony. These materials had been deposited within the college archives for safekeeping. It was wonderful to learn about this caring and active member of the Brunswick community and the impact he made during his lifetime.
Until next month, Hail the Sail, Mariners!
Dedication ceremony of the Andrews Center
Nominations close September 1st—don’t wait! Click here to learn more and submit your nomination
Let’s honor the legacy of excellence that begins right here at Coastal Georgia.
We Are HIRING
Staff Positions:
Coordinator of Programming
Director of Events and Auxiliary Services
Director of Athletic Communications
Campus Police Officer
Faculty Positions:
Temporary Lecturer of Education
Assistant Professor of History
Lecturer of Health Sciences
Part Time Instructor of Biology
Alumni,
We are excited to invite you to consider joining our team at your alma mater! As a valued member of our alumni community, you bring a unique perspective and deep understanding of the College’s values and culture. By returning to work here, you have the opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of the place that helped shape your future. Your experience and insights can inspire current students and help drive innovative initiatives. We believe that your passion for our Coastal Georgia, combined with your professional skills, will make a significant impact.
Come back and be a part of our journey towards excellence once again! FOR MORE JOB OPENINGS, GO TO CCGA.EDU, SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM,
MARK YOUR CALENDAR: SEPT. 2025
LAST DAY FOR 2025 ALUMNI AWARDS NOMINATIONS. SUBMIT HERE.
LABOR DAY OBSERVANCE. NO CLASSES. CAMPUS CLOSED 5 27
SEPTEMBER FIRST FRIDAY, STARTING AT 5 P.M., IN DOWNTOWN BRUNSWICK, LOCATIONS: ALONG NEWCASTLE ST. AND AT THE TERRY THOMAS TEACHING KITCHEN, 1407 UNION ST. FREE DRINKS AVAILABLE FOR 21+
MEN’S GOLF: 15TH ANNUAL COASTAL GEORGIA FALL INVITATIONAL AT SANCTUARY COVE GOLF CLUB, IN WAVERLY, GA 8-9
FALL FESTIVAL AT BLYTHE ISLAND, FROM 3 P.M.—6P.M., LOCATED AT 5140
BLYTHE HIGHWAY, HOSTED BY SAVED BY GRACE. FREE ENTRY. ENJOY FREE HOT DOGS, FUN GAMES, AND HAY RIDES
OCT.
10
INAUGURAL COASTAL GEORGIA ATHLETICS CLAY SHOOT. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
24-25
ALUMNI WEEKEND: CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
OCT. 24: 2ND ANNUAL SALTY’S SPOOKTACULAR GLOW RUN
OCT. 25: HOMECOMING TAILGATE ALUMNI AWARDS
Check out the College of Coastal Georgia Calendar for more events.
STAY IN TOUCH
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