Two Outstanding Graduates Win the 2025 Distinguished Young Alumni Awards
Since graduating from the Wilson College of Textiles, Cameron Cooper '09 and Germanee Gerald '13 have gone above and beyond to distinguish themselves through their professional achievements and alignment with the college’s core values.
No matter what industry they enter, graduates of the Wilson College of Textiles always find a way to turn their passions into thriving careers.
Cameron Cooper ’09 and Germanee Gerald ’13 are two alumni who exemplify the diverse impact of a world-class textiles education. Whether advancing maritime safety through engineering education or transforming personal style into a tool for confidence and empowerment, these two are using their skills to elevate their industries.
In recognition of their professional achievements, dedication to service and alignment with the college’s core values, Cooper and Gerald were named the esteemed recipients of the 2025 Distinguished Young Alumni Awards.
Established by the Dean’s Young Alumni Leadership Council (DYALC) in 2021, the Distinguished Young Alumni Awards program recognizes graduates under the age of 40 who have made significant contributions to the textile industry and their communities.
“We were incredibly impressed by Cameron Cooper’s contributions to maritime safety and leadership and Germanee Gerald’s impact on the fashion industry and personal styling,” says Matthew Iezzi ’18, ’19, chair of the DYALC’s awards committee. “Their achievements showcase the diverse paths Wilson College of Textiles graduates can take and the lasting influence they have in their fields.”
The DYALC works to promote the Wilson College of Textiles and the college’s fundraising arm, the North Carolina Textile Foundation, and foster engagement among young alumni.
Meet the recipients of the 2025 Wilson College of Textiles Distinguished Young Alumni Awards
Cameron Cooper ’09
B.S. Textile Engineering
Cameron Cooper’s engineering expertise and passion for the maritime industry have shaped his career as an officer and educator in the U.S. Coast Guard. A graduate of the Wilson College of Textiles’ textile engineering program, Cooper leveraged his background in composites and problem-solving to excel in various active-duty roles, including marine inspector and prevention department head at U.S. Coast Guard Sector Key West. Now an instructor at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, he mentors cadets in naval architecture and ship design. Cooper’s time at NC State was instrumental in his journey, from participating in the Summer Textile Exploration Program to securing international internships in carbon fiber research. A former Park and Centennial Scholar, he remains connected to the college and continues to inspire future engineers.
Germanee Gerald ’13
B.S. Fashion and Textile Management
Germanee Gerald’s passion for styling and entrepreneurship has made her a leader in the fashion industry. As the founder and CEO of GG & Co. Styling Firm, she has built a thriving business dedicated to helping individuals refine their personal style and gain confidence through fashion. Before launching her firm in 2016, Gerald gained valuable experience in the corporate world, starting her career in Gap’s retail management program and advancing to a merchandising role. Her time at the Wilson College of Textiles shaped her path, from switching majors after an inspiring student fashion show to securing pivotal internships with the help of faculty mentors. A former member of the Dean’s Young Alumni Leadership Council, Gerald remains engaged with the college, using her insights to support alumni engagement and philanthropy.
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