REMEMBERING DR. MARY ELEANOR WICKERSHAM
By Tiffany King
“We remember her for her academic contributions and they were many and the mark that she left on this campus,” said Dr. Heather Farley, chair of the Department of Business and Public Administration. “But I think many of us are here to honor the mentor and the friend that she was as well.
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Wickersham was the architect of the Bachelor of Science of Public Management program, then known as the Public Affairs program, which launched the program in 2013. She did so with an eye toward developing well-equipped, efficient, dedicated public servants.
“She was tough on her students and she expected a lot from them. But her personality and approach were such that they obliged happily,” Farley said.
Dr. Melissa Trussell, associate professor of economics, shared that she and Wickersham had a unique connection. Trussell’s uncle and Wickersham were born on the same day, in the same hospital, in the town that they call home— Sandersville, Georgia. Although they had a lot in common, it
wasn’t until they became colleagues at Coastal Georgia that Trussell truly got to know her.
“She befriended me and took me under her wing, and because of her, my life and career are forever changed for the better. Mary Eleanor balanced being a caring educator and prolific scholar better than anyone I’ve ever known,” Trussell said. “She managed her courses with excellence and also managed somehow to publish like crazy. She was a machine. While her efficiency was machine-like there was nothing artificial about Mary Eleanor. A common thread through everything she did was her deep care for students, colleagues, her family members, and friends, and ultimately for humankind and the earth we inhabit.”
Interim College President Dr. Johnny Evans and Dr. Skip Mounts, dean of the School of Business and Public Management, also talked about Wickersham’s dedication, her sense of justice, and her love of nature. Evans remarked that the memorial bench will provide the campus and local community a place to sit, reflect, plan, and enjoy the surrounding nature something which Wickersham greatly appreciated.
Alumnus Justus Davis ‘15 was one of the first graduates of the program under Wickersham’s leadership.
“Under the mentorship of Professor Wickersham, she pushed me to do great things,” Davis said. “I remember some of the things she had us do it was rigorous, even for a college like the College of Coastal Georgia.”
Davis shared how he’s encountered people in his field, from other institutions, who didn’t have the same level of preparation that students in the program at Coastal received with Wickersham.
“She had us out in the community, had us doing projects, and had us networking in our junior and senior years. I think she had you do about 15 internships because she knew that’s what it would take for some of us to become the professionals that we are,” Davis said. “I’m just so grateful to have had her as a mentor and professor in my life. I just credit a lot my experiences and accomplishments to her.”
“Mary Eleanor, I love you and will forever miss you. I work hard every day to be more like you and make you proud.”
- Melissa Trussell
CLASS NOTES
Jessica Calcut (‘24) is pursing job opportunities as a registered nurse.
Julia Cockfield (‘24) is a teacher at James E. Bacon Elementary School. Julia recently graduated and will become a 5th grade English/language arts and social studies teacher.
Tammy Fields (‘20) is the branch chief budget analyst at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center.
Antonia Bashir (‘23) is a marketing coordinator for GAGE.
Calen Campbell (‘16) is the manager of Patient Safety at Southeast Georgia Health System.
Billinel Cook (‘20) recently received her M.A.T in elementary education at August University, and will be a first-year teacher in 4th grade.
Akia Banks (‘13) is an IT security GRC analyst.
Shamara Thomas (‘15) is a career and academic advisor at the College of Coastal Georgia.
Joan Holder (’88) is a production manager at Aerodox. Joan is an empty nester and one of her kids has decided to attend Coastal. She couldn’t be more thrilled.
LET’S CONNECT T-SHIRT
GIVEAWAY
The first 19 alumni who haven’t already filled out the Let’s Connect form, and do complete it, will get a free mystery College of Coastal Georgia shirt. Let’s Connect Here!
We have limited sizes, so please list your shirt size in the “Tell Us About What is Happening in Your Life” section of the form.
We’re gearing up for Giving Tuesday on December 3rd, and this year, we’re inviting YOU to be part of something incredible! The College of Coastal Georgia is rallying our community to support the Coastal Georgia Alumni Association Endowed Scholarship—and we need your help to make it happen!
Here’s why this is BIG: Whether you’re an alum, a friend of the College, or simply someone who believes in the power of education, your contribution will have a direct impact on students. You’ll help provide the financial support they need to chase their dreams, finish their degrees, and go on to make a difference in the world.
Why should you get involved?
Change lives: 100% of every dollar you give goes directly to students helping them thrive academically without the burden of financial stress. Your support fuels their success and creates lasting opportunities!
Leave a legacy: The endowed scholarship fund will benefit students for years to come, meaning your gift this Giving Tuesday will continue to make a difference long after today is over. You’ll be building a legacy of support that grows year after year.
It’s not just for alumni: Whether you graduated from Coastal Georgia or not, everyone is invited to join in! Your support helps create a stronger community, and we’re all better when we lift each other up.
Ready to make a difference?
Join us this Giving Tuesday by visiting www.ccga.edu/ givingtuesday to make your gift. No donation is too small together, we can reach new heights and transform the lives of Coastal Georgia students!
Let’s show what we can do when we come together. Get excited your generosity has the power to change lives, and it all starts on December 3rd!
Thank you for being part of this inspiring movement.
Support the Coastal Georgia Alumni Association Endowed Scholarship this Giving Tuesday, December 3, to make a lasting impact in the lives of future students at the College.
SCAN TO GIVE
As we approach another milestone in our institution's history, we invite you to join us in celebrating the achievements of our newest graduates.
Volunteering at graduation is a wonderful opportunity to give back to the campus community that helped shape your journey. Whether it's assisting with event logistics, sharing your experiences, or simply cheering on the graduates, your involvement will make the day even more special.
Let's come together to honor the hard work and dedication of our graduates. Your participation will not only enrich the ceremony but also reinforce the bonds that make our Mariner Family so unique.
Graduation is Friday, December 13 on campus at the Southeast Georgia Conference Center. Ceremonies are as follows: Morning
9:00 a.m. School of Business and Public Management
11:30 a.m. School of Arts and Sciences/School of Business and Public Management
Afternoon
2:00 p.m.—School of Arts and Sciences
4:30 p.m.—School of Arts and Sciences/School of Nursing and Health Sciences
who you always go to for help?
Is there someone on campus who positively impacted your life or your college experience? Go to bit.ly/TYCoastal to take this opportunity to send them a thank you note!
MARK YOUR CALENDAR: NOV. 2024
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COASTAL GEORGIA’S GIVING TUESDAY
Coastal Georgia Alumni Association Endowed Scholarship
Click here to give
COASTAL SCIENCE SYMPOSIUM 2024, FROM 8:30 A.M. TO 12 P.M. IN THE CAMPUS CENTER LOBBY AND STEMBLER THEATRE.
For more information visit www.ccga.edu/coastalscience
DECEMBER FIRST FRIDAY IN DOWNTOWN BRUNSWICK STARTING AT 5 P.M. LOCATION TO BE ANNOUNCED.
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WOMEN’S BASKETBALL VS ABRAHAM BALDWIN AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE AT 2 P.M. IN TIFTON, GA.
MEN’S BASKETBALL VS ABRAHAM BALDWIN AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE AT 4 P.M IN TIFTON, GA.
FALL COMMENCEMENT AT THE SOUTHEAST GEORGIA CONFERENCE CENTER
Sign up to volunteer for the morning and/or afternoon ceremonies. Contact us at alumni@ccga.edu.
DEC 23-JAN 1 HOLIDAY BREAK. CAMPUS CLOSED/NO CLASSES
CAMPUS CLOSED: 23-28 AND JAN. 1 NO CLASSES: 30-31
Check out the College of Coastal Georgia Calendar for all events.
STAY IN TOUCH
We would love to stay in touch with you. Please tell us about yourself and what you’ve been up to after college. Update your contact information here. Questions? Contact alumni@ccga.edu.
