Advancement Events

Domestic Violence Symposium

Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Location: Sherman Hall, Governors State University

At this year’s Domestic Violence Symposium, connect with survivors, advocates, and professionals while exploring valuable resources and strengthening our commitment to ending domestic violence. Attend in person, earn continuing education credits through the SXL course, participate as a vendor, or support the Pathways to Peace Scholarship to help students gain the skills to prevent, educate, and support those impacted by domestic violence.

2026 Chicago Southland International Film Festival

Date: Thursday, April 9 - Saturday, April 11, 2026
Location: F1622 Amphitheater, Governors State University

The Chicago Southland International Film Festival returns for its 8th year, bringing three days of compelling cinema to Governors State University. Discover international shorts and local feature films from filmmakers ranging from high school creators to seasoned professionals, walk the red carpet, enjoy complimentary popcorn, and engage with filmmakers in live Q&A sessions following select screenings. Purchase your festival pass today or contact Suzanne at spatterson3@govst.edu or 708.534.4099 for more information.

Business Week 2026 

Dates: Monday, April 13 - Friday, April 17, 2026

Business Week 2026 is your opportunity to reconnect with the GovState community while exploring the topics shaping the future of business. Throughout the week, engage with networking sessions and industry panels on innovation, leadership, and artificial intelligence, then join us for the Alumni Reception on April 15 featuring a panel discussion on The Future of Work with AI.

Pathways to Medicine: A Panel Discussion

Date: Thursday, April 16, 2026
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location: E1571 (E-Lounge), Governors State University

Considering medical school? Join us for an engaging panel discussion where physicians and medical students share their real experiences with the application process, medical training, and life in practice. Come ready to ask questions and leave with valuable insights to guide your path to medicine.

MPA/PAA Career, Networking, and Mentoring Event

 Date: Friday, April 17, 2026
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location: E1571 (E-Lounge), Governors State University

Meet the people shaping public service. Join MPA students, alumni, and professionals for an evening of networking, mentorship, and career development. Hear from guest speaker Byron Stanley, MPA alumnus and Associate Director of Classification and Compensation at Cook County Government, and connect with the GovState public administration community. To register, contact Dr. Natalia Ermasova at nermasova@govst.edu.

April Food Day Events

Dates: Friday, April 17 & Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Time: Multiple shifts available
Location: Governors State University & Tinley Park Convention Center

Celebrate April Food Day 2026 with hands-on service opportunities supporting the GovState Food Pantry and community partners. Volunteer during Prep the Pantry on April 17 to organize and stock supplies, or serve on April 22 at GovState or at the Tinley Park Convention Center. Volunteer registration for April 22 at the Tinley Park Convention Center is limited.

You’re welcome to participate in one or both days to help strengthen food security in our communities.

Soccer Complex Ribbon Cutting and Ring Ceremony

Date: Friday, April 24, 2026
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: GovState Soccer Complex

Come celebrate a landmark moment for GovState Athletics! The grand opening of the GovState Soccer Complex brings together alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends for an afternoon of community and celebration. Watch our championship men's soccer team receive their rings, witness the official ribbon cutting, and enjoy soccer skills games for all ages. This free event is open to all, so register today to secure your spot. Consider donating to the Soccer Student Fund to support our Jaguar champions.

Nominate Excellence for the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Reception

Know an alumnus, emeritus or retiree whose achievements, leadership, or service deserve to be celebrated? Nominations for the Distinguished Alumni Awards are now open! Submit your nomination by April 30, 2026 for a chance to see them recognized at the Distinguished Alumni Reception this fall at GovState — details coming soon!

Jaguar 5K

Date: Sunday, October 25, 2026
Time: Check-in Starts at 9:00 a.m. | Race Starts at 10:00 a.m.
Location: Governors State University

Join us for a Jaguar Homecoming tradition at GovState's Annual Jaguar 5K! Lace up for a chip-timed adventure through Governors State University's scenic campus. Whether you're running or walking, come enjoy live music, food trucks, free yoga, a Kids Dash, and more, all sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois. All participants receive a custom t-shirt and snacks, so register early to secure your size.

2025 Distinguished Alumni Reception

GovState celebrated the remarkable achievements of alumni and emeriti at the 5th Annual Distinguished Alumni Reception. Check out our exciting photo album from the evening!

Family Fun Fair

Homecoming came alive with games, activities, and treats for all ages. Families and community members had a fantastic time! Check out our event highlights below!

Jaguar 5K

The annual Jaguar 5K was full of energy with running, games, and family-friendly fun, supported by the Lupus Society of Illinois. Check out our photo album below, capturing all the action!

GovState’s 56th Birthday Party

We were honored to hear from GovState’s 7th President, Dr. Joyce Ester, during the celebration. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the evening joyful and memorable!

Dr. Dale Schuit Memorial TopGolf Outing

This event brought GovState alumni together for an afternoon of laughter, memories, and celebration in honor of Dr. Schuit’s incredible legacy. We had a wonderful time connecting with everyone who came out to celebrate his impact. Show your appreciation by contributing to the anatomy lab and carrying forward the excellence Dr. Schuit championed.

Occupational Therapy Mix n' Mingle

Our OT community enjoyed networking with professionals and discussing the innovative Driver Rehabilitation Program. Thank you for facilitating valuable connections and conversations!

2025 Business Week Alumni Reception

The Alumni Reception was an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow alumni and engage in meaningful networking. Our GovState network made it a valuable experience for everyone involved!

April Food Day 2025

We had a fantastic April Food Day 2025 with the GovState family, showcasing our community's strength. Thank you to our alumni, students, and staff volunteers!

Physical Therapy Alumni Mixer

The PT Alumni Mixer was a success, bringing our GovState family together to celebrate Dr. Dale Schuit’s legacy and discuss GovState's Anatomy Lab.