Fall 2026 Events
Celebrate Homecoming and connect with your Jaguar community through the experiences below:
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.
Spring 2027 Events
Check back soon for our Spring 2027 events
Past Events
Check out our most memorable moments from our favorite events:
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.
