The Alumni Association honored five outstanding graduates during an awards ceremony that was part of its annual Alumni Weekend festivities.
Lee County Commissioner Brian Hamman was recognized as the 2015 Alumnus of Distinction. The association’s most prestigious award honors individuals who have distinguished themselves professionally and personally and have demonstrated dedication to serving their alma mater.
A Cape Coral resident, Hamman graduated from FGCU in 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in communication. In October 2013, Gov. Rick Scott selected him to fill a vacancy on the Board of Commissioners; last November Hamman was elected to a full term. Previously, the Southwest Florida native worked in broadcasting, financial advising and government relations. He also serves on the board of directors of the United Way of Lee, Hendry, Glades and Okeechobee counties.
The association also presented its Soaring Eagle Award to four accomplished alumni who earned degrees within the last decade. They are:
Roy A. Brown of Naples, who graduated in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in marketing. He is a firefighter and paramedic with the Bonita Springs Fire Control and Rescue District and serves as secretary of Local 3444 of the Professional Firefighters Association. He also is a managing partner in an online vitamin supplement company.
Casey Moorman of Bonita Springs, who earned a bachelor’s degree in special education in 2009 and a master’s in reading education in 2013. She teaches English for Speakers of Other Languages at Bonita Springs Middle Center for the Arts and previously taught at Immokalee High School and the PACE Center for Girls in Immokalee. She mentors other teachers and is a finalist for the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools’ 2015 Golden Apple Awards for outstanding teaching.
Jessica Carter Peer of Fort Myers, who graduated in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in human performance. A Realtor with Miloff Aubuchon Realty and a self-employed health and wellness coach, Peer was elected to the Lee Memorial Health Systems Board of Directors in 2012. She also serves on the Advisory Board of Dr. Piper Center for Social Services in Fort Myers, which promotes the social and economic well-being of older citizens, at-risk youth and special needs children.
Shane Young of Memphis, Tenn., who graduated in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in political science. He teaches English as a Second Language at a Memphis elementary school and leads Memphis Inner City Rugby, a competitive league he created for middle and high school students. Young also founded Empower Memphis, a consumer-advocacy group that teaches money management and planning skills to individuals and organizations.
“All of our honorees represent sterling examples of FGCU alumni achieving great things in a variety of endeavors,” said Director of Alumni Relations Kimberly Wallace. “They are committed to serving and improving their communities and to maintaining strong connections with their alma mater.”