At Governors State University there’s a good chance you’ll meet classmates who look a lot like you – or completely different. The diversity of our learning community is one of the things that makes us stand out – everybody fits in here. Our diversity is just one of the reasons GSU changes lives. We have programs that honor our diversity – and they’re just waiting for you to get involved in - special events, workshops, meetings and organizations. No matter which you choose, each recognizes the ethnic and cultural diversity of the campus as a community strength.


Celebrating Diversity & Social Justice

Let's celebrate diversity with our observance of history and heritage months. Throughout each designated month, Governors State University features a variety of programs and events highlighting the culture, traditions and contributions to society which these groups have made. During these months we host a variety of special events - you are bound to find one (or more) that you won't want to miss.

  • 2024 April Food Day

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    COMING SOON

  • 2024 Women's History Month

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    WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH EVENTS CALENDAR
    MARCH 1 - MARCH 31

    March is Women’s History Month, the national recognition of the impact that women have made throughout history.


    Calendar of Events   

    Women’s History Month Display  

    All Month 
    B Building  

     

    Saturday, March 2 Center for Performing Arts, 7:30pm 

    She the People 

    Tickets can be purchased here: www.govst.edu/shethepeople  

    A high-octane show entirely created, designed, and performed by the fearlessly funny women of world-famous comedy mecca The Second City, She the People is a mimosas-and-madness-fueled foray that proudly roasts the patriarchy in a mashup of sketches and songs that reclaims comedy for everyone!  

    RECOMMENDED FOR AUDIENCES17 and OLDER. MAY CONTAIN ADULT OR MATURE CONTENT. 

     

    Monday, March 4 Engbretson Hall, 1– 2pm 

    Her Legacy, Your Voice.

    Meet the local chapter of the League of Women Voter members, learn the history of the organization, hear about its involvement in today's political arena and receive information on how to become civically engaged. 

     

    Tuesday, March 5 Engbretson Hall, 4 -5pm  

    Love Bombing: Romantic or Red Flag?

    Let’s discuss this trend in society that promotes whirlwind, love at first sight relationships. The overwhelming message to women is that being in a relationship is the goal and being single is a condition to be avoided. But when is a relationship healthy, and what are the red flags you should be aware of?

     

    March 18 – March 29 – Campus Wide 

    EmpowerHer Donation Campaign.

    Make a difference by supporting Sarah's Circle Women’s Shelter and the women it serves with a donation drive at Governors State University. Requested items: new underwear, cough drops, nail polish, nail polish remover, nail clippers, deodorant, and detergent. Look for collection boxes placed around campus to support this cause. 

      

    Tuesday, March 19, Hall of Governors 1 – 4 pm 

    #ThankYouWomen 

    Celebrate Women's History month with Office of International Services and International Culture Organization with a series of events which include the Paint and Sip, Henna Tattoo Sessions, Multicultural Fashion Contests and many more! 

      

    Thursday, March 21, E-lounge, Noon-2pm 

    Women’s History Month Tea 

    Join the DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) Council for noon tea in celebration of Women’s History Month. Enjoy a wonderful meal and delightful conversation on Embracing Equity with Dr. Joi Patterson and invited guests. 

     

    Thursday, March 28, Engbretson Hall 1 - 3pm 

    Women’s Self Defense  

    Learn about situational awareness and how to handle a confrontation both physically and mentally. Practice realistic self-defense tactics. Have fun, learn some skills, and feel empowered! Please dress in comfortable clothes and sneakers. 

     

    Friday, March 29, Hall of Honors 6:30 – 9:00 pm   

    My Now, My Next.  

    A dynamic panel of visionary women from various industries share how they accomplished their goals, overcame diversity, and reveal what is next in the future. Have dinner and delve into dynamic discussions on strategy, innovation, and professional growth. Registration is required. 

    For questions, please email diversity@govst.edu.

  • 2024 Black History Month

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    BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2024

    FEBRUARY 1st - FEBRUARY 29th 

     February marks the start of GovState’s celebration of Black History Month. Please join members of the GovState community in celebrating and honoring African American heritage and history with a wide range of events and activities hosted by the Center for Student Engagement and Intercultural Programs.


     

      Black History Month Visual Display, B-Wing Display Case, All Month long 

    Celebrate Black History Month with a visual exhibition highlighting the 2024 theme "African Americans and the Arts" which spans the many impacts Black Americans have had on visual arts, music, cultural movements and more. 

     

      Neo Soul Yoga, Hall of Honors, 2/1, 3 - 5pm 

    Neo-Soul Yoga blends soothing neo-soul music with invigorating yoga practices, creating a harmonious atmosphere that engages both body and soul. Free yoga mats for the first 20 students. Sponsored by Black Student Union

     

      Muntu + Deeply Rooted, Center for Performing Arts, 2/3, 7:30pm 

    Two thrilling Chicago-based companies: Muntu Dance Theatre and Deeply Rooted Dance Theater showcase authentic and progressive interpretations of contemporary and ancient African and African American dance, music and storytelling. Visit www.centertickets.net for tickets. 

     

      A Legacy of Excellence: The National Pan-Hellenic Council: 2/7, All Day 

    Black Greek-letter sororities and fraternities have been a pivotal part of African American history and culture since the early 20th century. Members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council or Divine Nine are encouraged to represent their organizations by wearing pins, colors or other forms of Greek paraphernalia.

     

      Soulful Fusion: Taste of African and Soul Food, Hall of Governors, 2/7, 1 - 2pm  

    Taste the flavors of traditional African cuisine and American Soul Food while playing a round of Black History Trivia. Students, faculty and staff are also encouraged to wear African inspired attire in celebration of Black History Month.

     

      On My Block Candy Fundraiser, Hall of Governors, 2/15, 12 - 2pm 

    Come support Black Student Union’s fundraiser in a fun environment! Students will enjoy old school games, live Double Dutch lessons and treats. Cash only please. 

     

      Black Excellence: A Celebration of Black Inventions, Hall of Governors, 2/20, 1 - 3pm 

    Kaleidoscope Service Council extends a warm invitation to the GovState community to celebrate the ingenuity and contributions of Black inventors. Let's collectively honor the creativity, resilience and brilliance of Black visionaries who have left an indelible mark on our world.

     

      African American Alumni Mixer, E Lounge, 2/21, 5:30pm 

    The Alumni Association invites the campus to network, foster connections, share experiences, and promote a sense of community among alumni. The event will include discussions, guest speakers and opportunities for professional and social networking. 

     

      34th Annual African American Read-In, Engbretson Hall, 2/26, 5:30 – 9:30pm 

    The National African American Read-In initiative was established in 1990 by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) to increase the awareness of African American authors, encourage communities to read, while diversifying literature. The GovState community is invited to share poems, short stories, memoirs, novels and other pieces written by Black authors.

     

      Power of the Vote: Get Out the Vote Text Banking, Virtual, 2/27, 7pm 

    Engage in the democratic process by participating in this powerful opportunity to become civically engaged. Participants will text message potential voters in areas with historically low turnout. Sign up through Jaguar Connection or email civicengagement@govst.edu to secure your spot! Sponsored by the Center for Student Engagement and Intercultural Programs in collaboration with Chicago Cares.

     

    Black Card Revoked, D1496, 2/29, 5:30 – 8pm 

    Join Black Student Union in a round of this fun and nostalgia-filled game that celebrates African American popular culture with Black Student Union.  

     

    Email civicengagement@govst.edu for inquiries.

     

    SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.


     

  • 2023 LGBTQ+ History Month

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    LGBTQ+ History Month
    October 1 - October 31

     

     LGBTQ+ History Month Visual Display

      Please join Center for Student Engagement & Intercultural Programs in celebrating the rich culture and history of the LGBTQ+ community by visiting the B wing display.  

     

     


     

     

    Wednesday, October 5 @ Time: 7 pm 

      Drag Bingo  

    Engbretson Hall 

    Drag Bingo is a wonderfully colorful mash-up of traditional bingo with the dazzling glitz and glamour of a Drag Queen production. In celebration of LGBTQ+ History Month, students are invited to play a few rounds of Bingo with Shaun Wilson, Yana S., Male Spice and DJ Ty Jones.


     RSVP HERE This show will feature the most entertaining Drag hosts or Bingo“ callers”. Prizes awarded and Light snacks provided. 

     



     

     

     Wednesday, October 11 @ Noon - 2pm 

      National Coming Out Day Social – Out & Proud 

    Hall of Governors 

    Commemorate National Coming Out Day with the Student Activities Council! We're celebrating LGBTQ+ identity with ally resources, giveaways, and more!

    RSVP HERE

     



     

     

    Wednesday, October 25 @ 12:30 - 1:15 pm 

     LGBTQ Lunch and Learn 

     D34000

    Enjoy DEI's Lunch and Learn facilitated by Dr. Jason Zingsheim. Audiences will learn about queer identity and solidifying queer history, and Queer Americans' ongoing contributions to American society.  

    RSVP required 

     



     

     

     Thursday, October 26 @ 1 - 2:30pm 

    Safe Zone Training 

    B34005

    Safe Zone is a training program designed to raise awareness about the dynamics of gender and sexual orientation while exploring different ways to embody inclusive allyship for people of all orientations, genders, sexualities, identities and levels of being out.  This training is open to faculty and staff.  Please RSVP here by October 24, 2023.

     

     


      

       

     

    SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

  • 2023 Latinx Heritage Month

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    LATINX HERITAGE MONTH 2023

     
     
    SEPTEMBER 15 - OCTOBER 15
     

    Governors State University is proud to celebrate Latinx Heritage Month. Latinx Heritage Month recognizes and honors the enduring contributions and importance of Latinx Americans to the U.S. and celebrates the many heritages and cultures of Americans from or with ancestors from Mexico, the Caribbean, Spain, Central, and South America.

      September 15-September 29 

    B-Wing

    Visit the Latinx Heritage Month display in the ‘B’ wing to learn about the contributions, cuisine, and notable figures within the Latin culture. 

     

     

     
     

     

    Thursday Sept−21

    Bienvenda/Welcome Event

    12 - 1:00pm  |  Hall of Governors

    Latinx Heritage Month serves as a cultural celebration of Latin heritage. Join us as we begin the celebration with free food, music and trivia. All are welcome! 

     

     


     

    Saturday Sept−23

    Chicago Fire Soccer Match

    7:30pm  |  Soldier Field (Chicago, IL)

     

    Celebrate Latinx Heritage month by witnessing the Chicago Fire Soccer take on the Charlotte Football Club. Tickets are free of charge for students with limited availability. 1 ticket per student. Transportation is not provided.

     

    Please register here. Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis.

     

     


     

     

     

    Wednesday Sept−27

     

    How to Become a Better Ally to Latino and Undocumented Students | B34011

     

    12:30 - 1:15pm 

     

    Do you have questions about how to support Latinx and undocumented students? Join in on the conversation to discuss the importance of building relationships; advocacy, and receive useful resources. This session features inaugural GSU Latinx Resource Center Director, Emmanuel Lopez. Snacks provided.

    Click on topic for virtual link: (pw: dei) 

    Offered as part of the DEI Lunch & Learn series.

     

    Kahoot Game Day - Latin American Countries

     3 - 5pm  |  Hall of Honors

      

    Put your Latin American knowledge to the test with this interactive group Kahoot! activity

     RSVP on Jaguar Connection by September 25th.


    Saturday Sept−30

      Chicago White Sox vs. the San Diego Padres

     6:10 pm  | Guaranteed Rate Field, Chicago, IL

    Click here for Tickets

     

        Thursday Oct−5

      Loteria and Latin Music

    3 - 5 pm  | Hall of Honors

     

    Join us for a the traditional game of chance, Loteria (Spanish word meaning "lottery") which is similar to Bingo, but using images on a deck of cards instead of numbered ping pong balls. 

     

     


     

     

    Tuesday Oct−10

     Community Movie Night: Spider-Man Across the Spider Verse

     7 pm  |  F 1622

     

     

     Join the GSU Community in watching the next chapter of the Oscar-winning Spider-Verse. Free popcorn and beverages.  Registration required on Jaguar Connection. Limited spaces available.

     

     
     

     

     

     

     

     

     Wednesday Oct−11

     Avanazando through Career Services

    12-1pm  |  Career Services, C3311

     

     

    Meet Career Services staff and the Director of the Latinx Resource Center. For inquiries email career@govst.edu.

    Open to the GSU community.

     

     


     

     

     

    Friday Oct−13

     Sugar Skull! A Dia de Muertos Musical Adventure!

     7:30pm  |  Center for Performing Arts

    Tickets: $25 - $54

    GovState students receive up to 4 tickets at $20 each.

    Children 14 & Under: $20