Commencement is a special time for our university. It is the culmination of hours of study and preparation on the part of our graduates. It also recognizes and celebrates your dedicated service to our students and to the university community.
As we all know, a successful commencement ceremony requires the time and commitment of many individuals. Participation by faculty and staff is extremely important. I encourage you to participate in the appropriate ceremony or in both ceremonies, if you wish. It is essential, however, that faculty and staff connected with the colleges turn out in large numbers for these ceremonies. Nevertheless, preparation has begun, please pay special attention to deadlines, as they must be respected.
This year’s faculty marshal coordinator will be John Cook, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Division of Education. Tonnika Gillespie recently joined Governor State University as the administrative assistant to the provost. She will assist John in coordinating our faculty marshals and other related commencement business.
The College of Business and Public Administration and the College of Arts and Sciences students will graduate in the morning, beginning at 10 a.m. Mr. Scott Turow, distinguished writer and attorney, will be the honorary degree recipient during this ceremony. The second ceremony of the day, for the College of Health and Human Services and the College of Education students, will begin at 5 p.m. Accepting an honorary degree at this ceremony will be Mr. Orbert Davis, an Emmy Award winning trumpeter, composer and educator.
Both ceremonies will be held at the Tinley Park Convention Center in Tinley Park, Ill. and will last approximately two hours.
On the evening of Thursday, May 15, our doctoral graduates will be honored during our now traditional hooding ceremony in the Center for Performing Arts. I encourage you to participate in this special occasion as well.
Imagine the feeling of pride our graduates will have when they see GSU faculty and staff members participating in these culminating activities. Our students have worked hard to reach this day. Please celebrate with them. Also, please complete and submit the attached Commencement Ceremony Participation Form by Wednesday, April 23.
If you would like to purchase custom or rental regalia, please follow the instructions on the bottom of the attached form.
I look forward to seeing you!