Congratulations to Our 2026 Alumni Award Recipients!
The Alumni Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of FGCU alumni and showcase
the impact and value of an FGCU degree.
Meet the Award RecipientsMeet the Nominees
Meet Your 2026 Alumni Award Recipients!
Alumni of Distinction
James Evans ’99, ’11
Chief Executive Officer, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation
James Evans exemplifies the leadership, vision, and dedication needed to guide Southwest Florida and the FGCU community toward a sustainable future. A proud FGCU alumnus, James has built a career rooted in environmental stewardship, collaborative leadership, and community resilience.
Since returning to the region in 2002, he has advanced numerous environmental and community initiatives, including co-founding the Preserving Paradise Leadership Program and supporting recovery and restoration efforts following Hurricane Ian. He remains actively engaged across the region as a Rotarian and a frequent contributor to FGCU’s Water School.
James was named Gulfshore Life Magazine’s 2024 Man of the Year and was previously recognized as the 1995 Ohio National Guard Soldier of the Year. His career reflects the values of service, leadership, and excellence that define FGCU’s most distinguished alumni.
Alumni Business of the Year
Ian Schmoyer ’04
Christopher Alan Homes
Christopher Alan Homes was founded in 2017 by FGCU alumnus Ian Schmoyer ’04, a graduate
of the Lutgert College of Business. What began as a Southwest Florida startup has
grown into a recognized industry leader, delivering more than 3,000 quality, attainable
homes across Florida and generating over $200 million annually. Guided by a mission
centered on innovation, superior craftsmanship, and customer service, the company
remains committed to building better communities while creating opportunities and
fulfilling dreams. As a locally based, privately held homebuilder ranked among the
region’s top five for single-family permits for three consecutive years, Christopher
Alan Homes reflects FGCU’s values of entrepreneurship, community engagement, and sustainable
growth.
Soaring Eagle Recipients
College of Arts & Sciences
Kaitlin Danks '19, Business and Economic Development Specialist, City of Fort Myers
College of Education
Madison Franz '23, Third Grade Educator, Canterbury School
Lutgert College of Business
Chauntel Brown '13 '19, Senior Guest Experience Manager, Villatel Orlando Resort
Marieb College of Health & Human Services
Jasmine Pagano '20, Supervisor of Prevention Services, David Lawrence Center
U.A. Whitaker College of Engineering
Kyara Gutierrez '20, Advanced Cloud Engineer, Microsoft
The Water School
Sarah Harrington '24, Manager of Housing Policy and Economic Development, Collier County
Daveler & Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship
Olivia Grissinger '25, Product Marketing Manager, Arthrex
Congratulations to Our 2026 Alumni Award Nominees!
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Alumni of Distinction and Soaring Eagle Nominees
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Alumni Business of the Year Nominees
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"I don’t know that I would have had some of the skill sets and confidence to take on some of those roles had I not had that background and education that FGCU provided."
— Michael Wynn, '052018 Alumnus of
Distinction
Nomination Criteria
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Alumni of Distinction
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Soaring Eagle Awards
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Alumni Business of the Year
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Past Recipients
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2025 Alumni Awards Recipients
