Convocation 2011
Thursday, August 18, 2011
President Elaine P. Maimon reported at the 2011 Convocation that the state of Governors State University is excellent, even in uncertain times.
"The waters continue to be troubled, but our strong sailing craft travels forward," Dr. Maimon told a capacity audience in Sherman Hall. "We do so because we understand that we are masters of our fate."
Dr. Maimon announced a groundbreaking celebration for renovation of the E & F science wing on October 18. The Illinois Capital Development Board went out to bid this month for the state-funded, $22.5 million E & F renovation. In addition, the university 
has received an additional $3 million National Science Foundation grant for the renovation of GSU's science research labs.
"This long-awaited event – 10 years in the making – will celebrate 21st century science facilities," she said of the groundbreaking. "Such facilities change everything on a campus, enabling our students and faculty to engage fully in scientific discovery and learning."
Dr. Maimon also announced that the U.S. Department of Education has selected GSU for a September 9 rally. Undersecretary of Education Martha Kantner, who will speak at the event, chose GSU "because she sees us preparing students for productive lives as citizens," Dr. Maimon said.
During her State of the University address, Dr. Maimon said positive momentum at GSU is clearly evident on campus as faculty and staff continue to give students quality education opportunities, while building for the future. She praised members of the numerous IRiS Project teams for working tirelessly to implement GSU's new computer system. Physical improvements on campus – from new signs to improved lighting to road construction projects – are making the university safer and more accommodating for students and employees, she said.
Dr. Maimon announced that GSU's administration is cautiously moving toward student housing on campus, and is exploring whether the university should admit freshman and sophomore students.
Winners of this year's Faculty Excellence Awards were announced at Convocation. Dr. Maimon presented the awards to Dr. Lisa Chang, Professor of Math Education in the College of Education; Dr. Pamela Guimond, Assistant Professor of Biology Education and Advisor for Secondary Education in the College of Arts and Sciences; and Dr. Roberta O'Shea, Associate Professor of Physical Therapy in the College of Health and Human Services.
2010/2011 Video Highlights
2009/2010 Video Highlights
The view the videos, click on the links below. The video will open and play in a new window. To download the mp4 file, right click on ththe appropriate link and choose 'Save Target As.'
All 2010 Convocation Videos
2009 Videos
