CHARTING THE COURSE SINCE 1961
Celebrating excellence, leadership, and the enduring Mariner Spirit.
The Alumni Awards honors alumni who embody the values of the institution lifelong learning, professional achievement, and service to others. Each of the honorees reminds us that being a Mariner doesn’t end at graduation it’s a lifelong connection, one the continues to make waves in our community and beyond. Congratulations to our 2025 honorees.
Mariners on the Horizon Award recognizes recent graduates who exemplify Mariner pride through leadership, lifelong learning, and service. These individuals are already making a lasting mark in their professions and communities while proudly representing the College.
Pryce May’ 23 has emerged as a visionary leader in the Southeast Georgia arts and culture scene—particularly in independent film.
As the founder and driving force behind the Golden Isles Film Society, Pryce has built innovative programming for underserved communities and created new opportunities for filmmakers, local businesses, and film enthusiasts.
From open filmmaker forums and MovieintheParknights to the annual Golden Isles Film Festival, Pryce has redefined the region’s cultural offerings. He’s currently working to open a permanent independent cinema in downtown Brunswick promoting accessibility, community engagement, and local economic growth.
Since graduating, Pryce has remained a passionate advocate for the College, collaborating with students, faculty, and alumni to create meaningful, hands-on learning experiences.
Through his creativity, leadership, and enduring Coastal pride, Pryce May continues to shine as a model Mariner on the Horizon.
Derek Michael Jackson ’17 earned his Bachelor of Arts in American Studies. As a student, Derek distinguished himself as a leader earning numerous awards, including induction into the CCGA Student Hall of Fame — and participated in the 2016 Costa Rica Study Abroad Program, where he helped produce a documentary on the country’s wildlife.
Today, Derek serves as assistant historic site manager at the Jarrell Plantation Historic Site in Juliette, Georgia, where he began as an interpretive park ranger in 2018.
In 2023, he received the Most Innovative Program on a Historic Site Award from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources for his creativity in public history.
Derek’s dedication to education, storytelling, and community engagement exemplifies the values of this College and the Mariner legacy runs deep in his family, with both his brother and sister also Coastal Georgia graduates.
Andrea Addison Spivey, graduated in 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies and has remained deeply committed to students, faculty, and alumni.
Andrea serves as the dual department coordinator for both social sciences and arts and humanities, as well as the IRB coordinator, and is a dedicated member of the Alumni Association Board.
Her insight and organization are invaluable to campus operations, and her colleagues describe her as “the person who makes everything work.” She supports advising, scheduling, budgeting, and every process that helps our programs and our students thrive.
In addition to her service to the College, Andrea contributes to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Glynn County Schools, and her local community in Wayne County. She is a tireless advocate for Coastal Georgia, always finding ways to connect, serve, and support others — a true Mariner on the Horizon.
Alumni Mariner Spirit Award recognizes alumni who embody Coastal pride both on and off campus those who bring people together, cheer others on, and make the College shine through their energy and enthusiasm.
A proud graduate from the days when the College of Coastal Georgia was a technical school, Niki Schmauch has remained a vital part of campus life ever since.
As director of academic support, Niki’s influence reaches every corner of the College. She is a joyful, positive presence at countless events from Orientation and Mariner Fest to homecoming and Late Night Breakfast always lending her energy, support, and signature smile.
Niki’s enthusiasm and unwavering school spirit make her an outstanding ambassador for Coastal Georgia. She proudly represents the Mariner family both on and off campus — often sporting her impressive collection of Coastal gear!
Through her leadership, service, and boundless energy, Niki Schmauch exemplifies the very best of what it means to be a Mariner.
Distinguished Alumni Award is one of the highest honors bestowed by the College of Coastal Georgia Alumni Association. It recognizes graduates or former students who have achieved significant accomplishments in their professional lives and demonstrated distinguished service to their university, community, and beyond. It celebrates excellence in leadership, philanthropy, and purpose.
After earning her Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree from the College of Coastal Georgia, Bianca Rae Pope went on to complete her BSN, MSN, and became a Nurse Practitioner.
She began her career at a local clinic before realizing her dream of opening her own practice—Golden Isles Family Healthcare—in Brunswick, Georgia in 2020.
Since then, Bianca has expanded her clinic to a larger facility and grown her team to include three additional nurse practitioners, reflecting an impressive 400% increase in staff in just five years.
Her clinic serves as both a vital healthcare provider and a clinical partner for the College’s nursing program offering mentorship, training, and employment to our students and graduates. Bianca even hired one of our former faculty members, Brandy Chambers, after she became a nurse practitioner.
As a compassionate, knowledgeable provider and successful female business owner, Bianca exemplifies the leadership, excellence, and community focus that define the College of Coastal Georgia. Her story is a powerful reminder of what Coastal alumni can accomplish and the profound impact they continue to make across our region.
Be the Ripple
It isn’t just a fundraising campaign –it’s a movement fueled by generosity and community.
We invite alumni, friends, and neighbors to join us in sparking ripples that begin here on campus and extend into the world. Your support provides scholarships, mentorship, and wellness resources. It ensures students feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive – and when they do, they carry that ripple forward –into their careers, their communities, and their lives.
This December 2 – College of Coastal Georgia’s Mariner Day of Giving – and every day leading up to it, we invite you to take part.
Make a gift. Volunteer. Share a moment of kindness, because when you do, you’re not just helping a student – you’re starting a ripple that never stops moving.
Claim It to Name It
Ever dreamed of seeing your name on something big? Or, maybe something…delightfully random…like a water fountain or a vending machine? This Mariner Day of Giving, your donation can make that happen!
Give on Dec. 2, and when students return for the first day of spring classes on Jan. 12, 2026, for one day only, your name could be proudly displayed across campus. From buildings to benches – and yes, even that favorite snack machine – every naming makes a splash.
It’s your chance to Be the Ripple in a creative way that supports scholarships, mentorship, and student success. Big or small, every gift makes waves. Your generosity helps transform lives – Every Mariner, Every Time.
