Date: February 10, 2009
Contact: Lindsay Gladstone
Governors State University
Phone: (708) 534-7090
Fax: (708) 534-8399
Email: l-gladstone@govst.edu
For Immediate Release
University Park, IL, February 10, 2009 - Among the 650 graduates who earned degrees from Governors State University (GSU) in January are three students who represent a very special minority. These graduates are the first three students to earn their Bachelor of Arts degrees at the recently established Governors State University Naperville Education Center (NEC).
Tammy Raynor of Lockport, Alison Szymaniak of Joliet, and Carrie Barrera of Joliet were all pleased to take classes in Naperville because of the convenience.
“GSU in Naperville was a school I could afford and fit into my hectic schedule,” said Raynor who has a family and works 60 hours a week as an investigator in the Secretary of State’s Office of Internal Affairs.
Raynor’s successful work with federal investigation, Operation Safe Road, led to her appointment to internal affairs and increased her desire to earn her degree. “I came to my job as an amateur sleuth with institutional knowledge, but I wanted the degree qualification.”
With her degree, Raynor gains more than just a piece of paper. “I loved being a student and learning. I am so proud of myself. I am thinking of going for my master’s degree. I love the challenge.”
Szymaniak faced many of the same challenges as Raynor. Both women have full time jobs and children at home. “With my work schedule and the children, I was concerned about fitting in my education. The GSU Naperville Education Center is so convenient. I was so excited when the NEC opened.”
In addition to the convenience, Szymaniak is also pleased with the educations. Her degree in Psychology was enhanced by her minor in Criminal Justice. “This degree broadens my options. My family is so proud of me.”
For Barrera, her commute to her full time job in Oak Brook from her home in Joliet seemed to make accessing an education out of the question. The affordable tuition of GSU, a state university, and the convenient Naperville location made earning a degree for Barrera possible.
“It worked out perfectly with my schedule. The school is near the library, which helped a lot. I love the program and enjoyed my professors,” said Barrera.
Since the center opened its doors two years ago, students from the area have been able to access course work and degree programs closer to home and at GSU’s affordable tuition rates. The NEC currently offers bachelor’s degree completion programs in Psychology and Criminal Justice as well as a Master of Arts in Educational Administration.
The Governors State University Naperville Education Center is located at 2244 W. 95th Street, Naperville. For more information about the GSU NEC and plans for additional course offerings and degree programs, call (630) 428.3375 or visit www.govst.edu/nec.
