Graduate Cap Design Winners, Jaguar Profiles, and More

June 2020 - Commencement Issue

Congratulations to the Grad Cap Design Contest Winners!

With 12 entries and 1,020 votes, the winning graduation cap designs reflected perseverance and heart.

Congratulations to all graduates and especially the designers who entered the contest.

Here are the four top vote getters:

First Place: Diana Chapa (354 votes)

Second Place: Angela Miller

Third Place: Rianna Thompson

Fourth Place: Kathy Keblusek

Dear Graduates

University and state leaders congratulate graduates who have overcome unprecedented challenges to meet their goals. Since they could not give voice to their sentiment during commencement, they wrote letters instead. Read their heartfelt letters here .

College Connections

College of Education

The College of Education graduates share two common goals: they wanted to change their lives and the lives of their students.

We spoke with three COE graduates.

Read their stories here.

College of Business

Whether they returned to GSU after a break, were a part of one of our first freshman classes, were fully online, or fully on campus, the graduates from the College of Business exemplify the perseverance of the GSU community.

Five COB graduates shared their stories with us. Read them here.

College of Arts and Sciences

From artists to politicians, College of Arts and Sciences graduates overcame obstacles to achieve their lifelong goals.

We talked with five CAS graduates. Read their stories here.

School of Extended Learning

Welcome, Dr. Terri Winfree

A member of Rotary International, former president of Prairie State College for 25 years, a long-time adjunct professor, and a curious student of what makes people tick, Dr. Terri Winfree’s passion is the classroom.

College of Health & Human Services

See how the College of Health and Human Services' graduates are determined to improve the quality of life of the communities they work in.

Read about the goals and dreams of four CHHS graduates here.

Mission:

Governors State University is committed to offering an exceptional and accessible education that prepares students with the knowledge, skills and confidence to succeed in a global society.

Arts & Athletics

GSU Athletics would like to recognize 10 present and past student-athletes who completed their degrees during the 2019-20 school year. Read more.

Despite classes moving to alternative platforms, the graduating Bachelor of Fine Arts students at Governors State University are still being celebrated. The students’ final projects are officially on display in the Visual Arts Gallery , and Director of the Gallery and the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park , Jeff Stevenson, has created a virtual tour so the students and their work can be viewed safely from home.

We Want to Hear from You

How to submit to the Agora

To submit a story idea to the Agora for consideration, please email no more than 100 words and a photo or graphic to the Agora.

Faculty and staff, click here to submit an event to 25Live.

Students, click here to submit a room request.

What is the Agora?

In ancient Greece, the Agora served as a public square for athletic, artistic, spiritual and political life in the city-states. Governors State University continues the tradition by serving as a public square for thought leadership and expression. We invite you to peruse in the public square with "The Agora": a showcase of faculty, staff, and student talent and achievement here at GSU.

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