2025 Distinguished Alumni Reception
Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025
Time: 5:00 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.
Evening Schedule
4:30 p.m. – Check-In
Start the evening by checking in and getting settled.
5:00 - 6:00 p.m. – Cocktail Hour
Enjoy conversation and mingling with fellow guests.
6:00 - 7:30 p.m. – Program & Recognitions
Celebrate achievements and hear from special guests during the program.
7:30 - 8:30 p.m. – Musical Entertainment
Relax and enjoy live music to close out the evening.
Register Now
2025 Keynote Speaker
Angela Sebastian
President, Sebastian Strategies
(B.S. ’96)
Angela (Angie) is the President of Sebastian Strategies, an advisory and coaching firm she founded after retiring as CEO of Levenfeld Pearlstein, LLC, a Chicago-based law firm, where she worked for 25 years. She is widely recognized as an influential and pioneering executive in the legal industry as one of the first to hold the title of CEO without a law degree. When she retired in 2022, Levenfeld Pearlstein honored her pioneering leadership by initiating a scholarship fund at Governors State University.
Angie earned a B.S. in Accountancy from Governors State University as a non-traditional student at the age of 30. Upon graduating from GovState, she became a CPA, earned a Master of Business Administration with Distinction, and became a Certified Leadership Coach. She is a lifelong learner and believes in the power of education to break the cycle of poverty. Angie is a former Chair of the Board of Trustees at Governors State University, has served as an advisor to the GovState College of Business, was honored by the College of Business as a Distinguished Alum, and has been recognized by the Illinois CPA Society as a Woman to Watch.
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 38 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
Mrs. Stacy Amedeo
Dr. Xueqing "Clare" Tang
Dr. Walter Henne
Dr. Rashidah Muhammad
Mr. Dan Nearing
College of Business
Dr. Sonia Dalmia
Mrs. Martina Matthews
Mrs. Cecil Wagner
Mrs. Karen Williams
Mr. Mike Trendell
Dr. Tricia Kerns
College of Education and Human Development
Dr. Shannon Dermer
Mrs. 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
Ms. Latesha Newson
Dr. Tonya Roberson
Dr. Jennifer Groebner
Dr. David Diers
Mrs. Julie Anderson-Roy
Rising Star
Dr. David Rhea
Ms. Melany Villagomez
Mr. Bryce Johnson
Mrs. Lisa Jameyfield
Ms. Hajja Madinah
Emeriti/Retiree
Mrs. Penny Perdue
Dr. Stuart Fagan
Mrs. Judy Ferneau
Mrs. Joan Johns Maloney
Dr. Stephen Wagner
Mr. Josh Sopiarz
This event is sponsored by
Questions? Email AlumniRelations2@govst.edu for details and ticket information.