We want to thank our wonderful alumni again for your generous support during our Mariner Day of Giving. Your contribution reflects the deep commitment our alumni community continues to show for the mission, values, and future of the College of Coastal Georgia.
Some of our alumni decided to also participate in our Naming Day opportunity and renamed different locations across campus. Check out the spaces our alumni renamed.
Alfred Jones Hall renamed by Heather Tucker ‘23
Nunnally Hall Third Floor renamed by Kristen Darley ‘25
Parking Lot A renamed by Libby Staab ‘08
Blue Adirondack Chairs Patio renamed by Teakla Jackson ‘05
We are truly grateful for your partnership and belief in our work. Thank you for being an essential part of our community—and for making a meaningful difference.
The Helm renamed by Erica Mitchell ‘21
Academic Commons North renamed by Daren Pietsch in dedication to his wife Angela Pietsch ‘88
Correll Center for Teacher Education and Learning renamed by Peyton Garris
DEPT. OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES LANUNCHES NEW AMERICAN STUDIES STUDENT ORGANIZATION
Discussing the rhetoric of cover letters, résumés and storytelling was the focus of last week’s meeting for the new American Studies Student Organization. The new club is designed to bring together students majoring in American studies or interdisciplinary studies, along with students minoring in writing or civics and society. Members of the organization want to create a lively, intellectual community where students can explore American culture, history, communication and literature, discuss contemporary issues, and more.
Dr. Lainie Pomerleau, assistant professor of English and club adviser, said that faculty in the department wanted to create more avenues for student success on multiple levels and saw the organization as a great way to bring students together. So far, the club has 12 members, and she anticipates growth.
The creation of the organization aligns with the academic goals of the department, which include critical thinking, intercultural understanding, real-world application of knowledge, leadership development, communication, and career-ready skills.
During their recent meeting, students separated into pairs to discuss what may stand out to employers reviewing job applications. Dr. Savannah Downing, assistant professor of communication and the guest speaker for the meeting, discussed the importance of storytelling through cover letters and how to effectively communicate skills for a potential job.
The club plans to host a variety of events throughout the academic year, including workshops, guest speakers, film screenings, discussions, and a game night.
College of Coastal Georgia junior Chloe Brom enjoys being creative and studying writing and history. She joined the organization to meet other students with similar interests, share ideas, and explore different forms of writing and thinking.
Junior Kaitlin Higginbotham enjoys being in clubs and meeting new people. Like Brom, she also wanted to meet people who shared the same interests.
“We were talking about it in class, and I heard about the degree preparation aspect of it. That is something that
interests me because that is something I plan on pursuing,” Higginbotham said. “I really enjoy being in American studies and getting to discuss the passions I have with other people. It’s a means of strengthening my skills also my social skills.”
Last year, Higginbotham participated in a panel discussion with other undergraduate students at the 95th Annual Convention of the Southern States Communication Association. She talked about Banksy’s graffiti art as a rhetorical tool in public and private spaces in post-Katrina New Orleans. Discussing rhetoric is one of her favorite things, and she is looking forward to talking more about that and other topics with her peers.
Junior Jacob Budd joined the club to have more of a voice in the program and advocate for different areas of learning, such as having more history courses.
Senior Val Hodell wanted to help promote the major and highlight all the opportunities it offers.
Sophomore Harmony Starr changed her major to American studies and joined the club to be more attuned with the field. Starr also wants to help promote the major.
“I feel that there are fewer people involved with American studies. I want to expand that to others while learning more about American studies,” Starr said. “One thing I like about American studies is that it’s so broad.”
With more than 40 active student organizations on campus and new ones emerging each year, the College continues to expand opportunities for students to connect, collaborate, and deepen their educational experience. The American Studies Student Organization adds a fresh avenue for engagement, especially for students interested in writing, literature, history, communication, and career readiness.
The club currently meets once a month on Wednesdays. For more information about the American Studies Student Organization, contact Dr. Lainie Pomerleau at lpomerleau@ccga.edu.
By Tiffany King
’
“Remembering the Anne Braw Zell Memorial Bell Tower
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. I hope you all had a lovely holiday season! To start off the new year, for this edition of “Archivist’s Log” I thought I would share the history and the individuals behind a beloved landmark of the College that is sadly no longer standing but is still discussed on campus: The Anne Braw Zell Memorial Bell Tower
The Anne Braw Zell Memorial Bell Tower stood as a campus landmark for nearly 32 was donated by Carley Zell in memory of his late wife Anne Braw Zell to whom he was
Carley Zell was born in 1899 to Abraham and Millie Zelmenovitz in New York City, New York. His family moved to Brunswick, Georgia when he was a child and he became a lifelong resident. During World War I he served in the Navy. For his career, he was active in various businesses, including real estate and insurance. also considered very sociable and generous, becoming involved with many groups and institutions in the area, including the College. Foundation and in honor of his 100th birthday, his friends created an endowed scholarship at the college in his name. He himself also donated money to several scholarship funds over the years. Zell passed away on February 26, 2006.
Anne Braw was born in 1904, to Israel Braw and Jennie Braw in Newburg, New York. Anne married Carley in 1926, and they had four children together Harold, and Ronald. She died on March 31, 1973, in Brunswick, Georgia.
Special Collections Librarian and College Archivist
The dedication ceremony for the Anne Braw Zell Memorial Bell Tower was held on December 2, 1979, with 150 to 200 people attending.
The clock tower became a well-known symbol of our institution, and there are many pictures of this clock tower at all angles in the photograph collection in the archives. Many photos include students sitting below it at nearby chairs and tables.
I cannot help but wonder what conversations were had and what memories were formed under this towering landmark. It has been said that during the holiday season, Christmas music would play instead of its normal chimes, and some claim you could hear the bell beyond campus and into the surrounding neighborhoods. The tower stood for nearly 32 years while the original construction plans thought it would only last for 25 years. However, in 2010, it came down due to safety concerns with the family's blessing.
The history and information provided within this article was found from records in the College Archives, records found in the Ancestry Library Edition database, along with some local newspaper articles.
While the tower is now gone, the bell has been preserved and can still be seen on campus today. I wonder how many people who once walked by the tower and those who now walk past the bell are aware that they were created in memory of a lost love.
I hope you all enjoyed learning more about the history of the Anne Braw Zell Memorial Bell Tower. If you have memories of this landmark or photos you would like to share with the college archives, please send an email to archives@ccga.edu. Until next time Mariners, Hail the Sail!
We Are HIRING
Staff Positions:
Events Technical Coordinator
Residence Life and Housing Department Coordinator
Assistant Director of Facilities
Faculty Positions:
Academic Service Coordinator—Nursing and Health Sciences
Radiologic Sciences Lecturer
Lecturer & Clinical Coordinator for Radiologic Science
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
MARK YOUR CALENDAR: FEB. 2026
8TH ANNUAL COASTAL SCHOLARS CONFERENCE, FROM 9 A.M. TO 4:15 P.M. EACH DAY, IN VARIOUS LOCATIONS AT THE BRUNSWICK CAMPUS.
CLICK HERE FOR CONFERENCE SCHEDULE AND INFO.
FEBRUARY FIRST FRIDAY, STARTING AT 5 P.M., IN DOWNTOWN BRUNSWICK.
MARINER SOFTBALL VS ABRAHAM BALDWIN AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE, BRUNSWICK AT 1 P.M. AND 3 P.M.
ANDREWS HALL RENOVATIONS RIBBON CUTTING, STARTING AT 2 P.M., IN ANDREWS HALL. 6
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL VS. NEW COLLEGE OF FLORIDA, IN COFFIN GYM AT 2 P.M.
MEN’S BASKETBALL VS. NEW COLLEGE OF FLORIDA, IN COFFIN GYM AT 4 P.M.
9-10
MEN’S GOLF AT THE COASTAL GEORGIA’S MEN’S WINTER INVITATIONAL, ON JEKYLL ISLAND.
WOMEN’S TENNIS VS. XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA, IN BRUNSWICK.
MEN’S TENNIS VS. XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA, IN BRUNSWICK.
SALTY’S SHRIMP BOIL AND SHANTIES ON THE ROOF, STARTING AT 5 P.M.
BUY TICKETS HERE
APR. 27
INAUGURATION OF DR. JOHNNY L. EVANS JR. AS THE 7TH PRESIDENT OF THE COLLEGE OF COASTAL GEORGIA. MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS TO FOLLOW. 5-6 20 7 5
Check out the College of Coastal Georgia Calendar for more events.
We’re always hiring. For employment opportunities, go to www.ccga.edu, scroll to the bottom, click on “Employment.”
STAY IN TOUCH
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