2025 Distinguished Alumni Reception
Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Location: Governors State University, Center for Performing Arts
You’re invited to an extraordinary evening at the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Reception, the 5th annual celebration.
Join us as we honor the outstanding accomplishments of alumni and emeriti in our remarkable GovState community. Secure your spot today by registering, and consider sponsoring student registrations so future leaders can take part in this special evening too.
Register Now
Distinguished Classes
Before joining us on the red carpet to celebrate our 2025 honorees, explore previous Distinguished Classes to meet the remarkable individuals who have strengthened GovState and communities beyond the Southland. You can also preview the excitement from last year's reception with the 2024 photo album and recap video.
View Distinguished ClassesView the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Reception Recap VideoView the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Reception Photo Album
Categories
Distinguished Alumni Award per College (Graduated 1972 to 2019)
Recognizes one who has contributed to their field of study or has achieved a record of major distinction in their career.
Rising Star Alumni (Graduated 2020 to 2025)
Recognizes a graduate from within the last five years for superior accomplishments
Retiree and Emeriti Category
Recognizes one GovState emeritus/retiree who demonstrates extraordinary commitment to their community and Governors State University demonstrated through service and distinction.
Process
Six committees of 28 individuals carefully read over each nomination. Each committee member scores each entry individually. Final scores are then collected for an overall score. This means each nominee has been selected through a rigorous process.
Committee Members
College of Arts and Sciences
Dr. Jason Zingsheim
Dr. Terri Winfree
Dr. Jillian Klean Zwilling
Stacy Amedeo
Dr. Xueqing "Clare" Tang
Dr. Walter Henne
Dr. Rashidah Muhammad
Dan Nearing
College of Business
Dr. Sonia Dalmia
Martina Matthews
Cecil Wagner
Karen Williams
Mike Trendell
College of Education and Human Development
Dr. Shannon Dermer
Siobhan Dalrymple
Dr. Yeojin Rho
Dr. John Steele
Dr. Amy Vujaklija
Dr. Glenna Howell
College of Health and Human Services
Dr. Catherine Balthazar
Mr. Vernard Alsberry
Dr. Nicole Bing
Dr. Catherine Tymkow
Dr. David Diers
Dr. Maryleen Jones
Rising Star
Dr. David Rhea
Melany Villagomez
Darcie Campos
Lisa Jameyfield
Hajja Madinah
Emeriti/Retiree
Penny Perdue
Dr. Stuart Fagan
Judy Ferneau
Joan Johns Maloney
Dr. Stephen Wagner
Josh Sopiarz
This event is sponsored by
Questions? Email AlumniRelations2@govst.edu for details and ticket information.