Upcoming Events

You are cordially invited to our Women's History Month Tea

Please join us for a Women’s History Month Tea honoring Women Shaping a Sustainable Future.

In recognition of Women’s History Month, we are bringing together a distinguished group of women whose leadership, vision, and commitment are helping to shape a more sustainable future.

You have been thoughtfully selected to receive this personal invitation, and we would be honored to celebrate your contributions alongside fellow leaders and changemakers. This intimate gathering offers an opportunity to connect with an accomplished community of women, donors, and distinguished guests who are driving meaningful impact and inspiring progress.

Thursday, March 26, 2026
10 AM – 11:30 AM
E-Lounge

Attire: Tea-party inspired elegance (classic tea attire, garden-chic)

Enter Building through F Building 

Space is limited. Register is Now Closed. For more information contact jpatterson3@govst.edu 

We look forward to celebrating with you soon! 

The Governors State University Foundation


If you are unable to attend, we invite you to consider supporting GovState scholarships that empower students leading sustainability-focused work. Donate here.

Black History Month

Black History Education Symposium

“A Century of Black History Commemorations”

Event Details

Date: Thursday, February 5
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: Governors State University, 1 University Pkwy, University Park, IL 60484

This special day at GovState features nationally and internationally recognized historians, artists, cultural leaders, and students coming together for an engaging, interactive experience. From a powerful keynote and student panel to dance, stepping, and conversations about food, wellness, and culture, this Symposium offers meaningful ways to connect with Black history—past and present.

  • • Attend one session or the entire day
  • • Engage with dynamic speakers and performers
  • • Celebrate Black history through education, culture, and community

Everyone is welcome. Come for what interests you—and stay for what inspires you.

Schedule of Events

10 A.M. Doors Open, Location: Engbretson Hall
10:15 A.M. Theme Keynote: A Century of Black History Commemorations, Location: Engbretson Hall
    Marshaunda Dixon

    Marshaunda Dixon
    Historian & Founder, Your ATL Tours
    Learn more

11 A.M. Food For Your Soul, Location: Engbretson Hall
    Jeremy Joyce

    Jeremy Joyce
    Founder, Black People Eats, LLC
    Learn more

12 P.M. Dancing Through the Great Migration, Location: Center for Performing Arts

    Featuring the South Chicago Dance Theatre
    Learn more

1:15 P.M. Dancing Through the Great Migration: Talk-Back Session, Location: Engbretson Hall
    Kia Smith

    Kia S. Smith
    Founder, Director, and Choreographer, South Chicago Dance Theatre
    Learn more

2 P.M. Student Panel Discussion, Location: Engbretson Hall

    GovState Students reflect on Black history, identity, community, and leadership

3:30 P.M. Steppin@GovState, Location: Hall of Governors
    Shaun Ballentine

    Shaun Ballentine
    Chicago stepping artist and instructor
    Learn more


2025 - 2026 Cultural Events Calendar

September

9/19 Hispanic Student Success PD
9/24 Lunch and Learn
9/29 - 9/30 IRJ Pre-Conference
9/30 Retention Mini Grant Due
9/30 Sign Language Workshop

October

10/1 - 10/3 International Restorative Justice Conference
10/8 Lunch and Learn
10/10 Hispanic Heritage Month Symposium
10/22 Lunch and Learn
10/22 Sign Language Workshop

November

11/6 Native American Event
11/12 Lunch and Learn
TBD Campus Climate Survey

December

12/10 L&L: Human Rights
12/18 DEIC Retreat

January

1/20 National Day of Racial Healing
1/22 MLK Breakfast
1/28 Lunch and Learn
1/30 World Hijab Day

February

2/11 Lunch and Learn
2/19 Black History Symposium
2/25 Lunch and Learn

March

3/11 Lunch and Learn
3/12 Developmental Disability Symposium
3/25 Lunch and Learn
3/26 Women History Month Tea

April

4/8 Lunch and Learn
4/22 Lunch and Learn
4/22 Arab American Event
4/22 Safe-Zone Training

May

5/7 World Diversity Day Event
5/7 Asian American Event

June

6/1 Mini-Grant Duet
6/11 Chicago Southland Educator Consortium Conference
6/19 Juneteenth

July

7/4 Independence Day

August

8/1 - 8/31 National Civility Month

Cultural AcknowledgementsIEE Past Events