Distinguished Class of 2025

Dr. Jane Cleland-Huang is the Frank M. Freimann Professor and Chair of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Notre Dame. Her research specializes in Requirements Engineering, Software and Systems Traceability, and Safety Assurance for Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS). She leads the DroneResponse project, initially focused on multi-agent CPS research, which has now become a crucial platform for deploying small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) in emergency response.

Cassandra Bell is an award-winning filmmaker, director, and advocate known as “The Directoress.” A Chicago native and Governors State University alumna, she founded Cassandra Bell Studios and the Save Me 2 Live Foundation to uplift underrepresented voices and empower youth through the arts.

Honored with the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award and 2024 Woman of the Year Award, Bell’s acclaimed works include A Little Piece of Heaven (ALLBLK) and Paradigm Gray (Tubi). She continues to inspire through storytelling that drives social change.

Commander Christopher “Juice” Calhoun Sr. of the Cook County Sheriff’s Police has over 25 years of law enforcement experience, serving as a Homicide Detective, Federal Task Force Supervisor, and leader dedicated to public safety. A proud Governors State University alumnus, he also founded The Calhoun Foundation, a nonprofit empowering youth and strengthening communities.

Honored with the U.S. Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award and Prince Hall Mason of the Year, Calhoun continues to mentor and advocate for youth development and social justice.

John Kirksey is a best-selling author, executive coach, and acclaimed HR leader. He served as the first Chief Human Resources Officer at Governors State University and held senior roles at Johnson & Johnson, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and Marsh & McLennan Companies.

A Fellow of the Foreign Policy Association, Kirksey has been featured on major media outlets including CNN and Bloomberg, and has served on boards for NYU, Cornell University, and the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans. A former Wharton lecturer, he helped develop one of the nation’s first 401(k) plans and continues to shape leadership and organizational strategy.

Joseph Williams, a triple Governors State University alumnus, serves as Senior Project Manager for the CTA’s $5.7 billion Red Line Extension Project, which will expand access and create over 25,000 jobs for Chicago’s South Side communities. A U.S. Army Reserve Officer and former National Guard Executive Officer, he exemplifies service and leadership both in uniform and in his community. Joseph also volunteers at his children’s school and coaches their swim team. He holds degrees in Criminal Justice (’09), Political Science (’12), and an M.B.A. in Supply Chain Management (’14) from GovState.

Dr. Oludare Akande, a proud Governors State University alumnus, is a Nigerian entrepreneur and recipient of the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) for his contributions to national development. He has held executive roles in Fortune 500 companies and founded the American Polytechnic of Nigeria, the American International University of Nigeria, and Bellagio Airline Ltd, valued at over $170 million. Guided by GovState’s values of integrity and innovation, Dr. Akande continues to inspire and expand opportunities across Africa and beyond.

Michelle (GovState 2002) is a manager and licensed financial broker at Fidelity Investments. She has been in finance for 30 years and holds multiple securities licenses and awards. During her tenure in banking, she has worked in various capacities from High Net Worth to Anti-Money Laundering as a financial crimes investigator. Michelle is also a principal partner at Math Language, LLC helping hundreds of students perform above grade-level in math. She is a proud mom, grandmother, daughter, patron of the arts, an actress, volunteer and board member.

Blevian Moore is the Founder and Executive Director of the Midwest Business Association, where she supports small business growth and has helped over 100 businesses earn federal and state certifications. A Real Estate Broker, President of B. Moore Consulting, and Executive Producer of Midday Mondays on WYCA 102.3 FM (DJ Bless on Prayze Café Radio), she is a dynamic leader in business and media.

A proud Governors State University alumna, Blevian holds degrees in Business Management and Public Administration. She serves on the Chicago Women’s Conference Advisory Board and Southland Juvenile Justice Council, living by her motto: “Work smarter, not harder; and live life for all its possibilities.”

Kristen Koppers is an award-winning educator, author, and Governors State University alumna with over 20 years of experience. She teaches English Language Arts at Joliet West High School and serves as an adjunct professor at Joliet Junior College. A National Board Certified Teacher, Kristen has been honored with the ISBE Teacher of Excellence Award, the Will County Great Teacher Award, and the Herald News Everyday Hero Award. She is the author of Differentiated Instruction in the Teaching Profession, The Perfect Puppy, and Escape Ed: Unlocking Student Achievement. Through her teaching, writing, and advocacy, Kristen continues to inspire excellence and equity in education.

Principal Michael McGrone, Sr. is a nationally recognized educator, author, and advocate for justice-involved youth. A Triton College Wall of Fame inductee, he overcame early adversity in Gary, Indiana, to become a transformative school leader.

The first African-American assistant principal at Bishop Noll Institute, he gained national recognition for his leadership at Rich Township High School, featured on The Rachael Ray Show. Now principal with Illinois School District 428, McGrone leads a juvenile justice facility in Chicago and is the author of The Twists & Turns of Possibility and A Rare Glimpse Into the Lives of Boys in Prison.

Peggy A. Montes is a Chicago native, educator, and philanthropist dedicated to empowering women and educating children. She is the Founder and President of the Bronzeville Children’s Museum, the nation’s first African American children’s museum. A civic and cultural trailblazer, Peggy has led major institutions including the DuSable Museum of African American History and Leadership Illinois, serving on numerous state and local boards. Her decades of leadership and advocacy have earned countless honors, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association of African American Museums, the Margaret T. Burroughs Legacy Award, and an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from Chicago State University.

Dr. Audra Rowe is the Owner and Clinical Director of Solutions Counseling and Consulting Group, providing counseling, consulting, and training services across Chicago. With over 30 years in child welfare, mental health, and public health, she has led major community programs and nonprofits serving youth and families.

A Governors State University alumna with an Ed.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision, Dr. Rowe is dedicated to improving mental health outcomes, addressing trauma and anxiety, and preparing future counselors to create lasting community impact.

Dr. Marlyn D. Hirsch, DNP, is a Governors State University alumna and healthcare leader with over 30 years of experience in skilled nursing, primary care, telehealth, and academia. A specialist in ventilator management with Full Practice Authority, she serves as a University Lecturer and leads Hirsch Advance Practice Providers, focusing on primary care and innovative weight-management services. A former Air Force Reservist Major, Dr. Hirsch remains committed to advancing patient care and supporting underserved communities through outreach and education.

Dr. Austin Agho is the Chief Integration Officer and Senior Advisor to the President at Old Dominion University and former Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. He previously served as Dean at Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis and the University of Michigan–Flint.

A health sciences scholar and researcher, Dr. Agho has secured major grants and published widely. He holds degrees from Alaska Pacific University, Governors State University, and the University of Iowa.

Raven Hill, MOT, OTR/L is a board-certified senior occupational therapist with the Duke University Health System, specializing in the cardiothoracic surgery intensive care unit. She completed the AOTA Acute & Critical Care Fellowship at Duke University Hospital and holds board certification in physical rehabilitation.

Raven also teaches in the Duke School of Medicine, instructing physical and occupational therapy students. She is developing a private practice for patients recovering from prolonged critical illness and co-authoring a textbook on critical illness rehabilitation.

Judy Platt, MHS, CCC-SLP/L is the Director of Clinical Education in the Department of Communication Disorders at Governors State University and a proud Class of 1980 alumna. With decades of experience in speech-language pathology, she has dedicated her career to improving lives through clinical care, education, and mentorship. Since 2010, Judy has led innovative, community-based clinical programs that enhance student learning and serve the broader community.

Brendan Haggard is a Financial Advisor and Senior Portfolio Advisor with Merrill Lynch’s DCG Wealth Management Group, recognized by Forbes as one of Illinois’ top wealth management teams. A proud Governors State University Class of 2021 alumnus, he built his career on hard work, education, and service.

With degrees in accounting and certifications including AAMS®, CPFA®, and CRPC®, Brendan helps families and businesses achieve financial success through strategic planning and trusted relationships. Outside of work, he enjoys golf, fitness, coaching youth sports, and supporting his community.

Katrina Adams is the Founder and Executive Director of STARR Community Services International, Inc. and a Governors State University alumna with dual master’s degrees in Public Administration and Political & Social Justice Studies. She leads “STEAM Into the Future,” Chicago’s first community-based STEAM program, providing free robotics, arts, and astronomy education for youth.

Her work empowers underserved communities locally and abroad, including launching robotics programs in Lagos, Nigeria. Through education and innovation, Katrina is transforming lives and creating pathways to opportunity.

Ahmad Ezaldin, a two-time Governors State University alumnus, earned his B.H.S. in Community Health and M.H.S. in Addiction Studies with a 4.0 GPA. A dedicated volunteer and youth mentor, he supports organizations such as The Prayer Center of Orland Park, Boys & Girls Club, and Bay Area Legal Services. Recipient of the President’s Volunteer Service Award (Gold Level), Ahmad embodies GovState’s spirit of service and leadership. He plans to pursue a career in dentistry, providing care to underserved communities and advancing equitable healthcare access.

Zuha Sha, MSHI, PMP, CAHIMS, is a Clinical Informatics Analyst at Brevard Health Alliance, where she plays the role of EMR Administrator and leads transformative initiatives to optimize clinical workflows and data integrity. With a strong background in health informatics and pharmacy, and a passion for healthcare technology, she is dedicated to advancing digital innovation and delivering high-quality, equitable care.

Dr. Robbie O’Shea began her physical therapy career in 1986 after graduating from St. Louis University and has served in pediatric, adult, and academic settings. She holds degrees from DePaul University, UIC, and a DPT from Governors State University.

Now retired, she continues to support GovState’s Jaguar Jumps program and serves as Clinical Director at Devices for the Disabled, creating learning opportunities for PT students. Outside of work, she enjoys golf, crocheting, knitting, and assisting her young “boss,” Mia, in first grade.

Dr. Sandi Estep served 22 years at Governors State University in the College of Education’s Educational Administration Graduate Program, where she was known for her exceptional dedication to teaching, mentoring, and leadership. As UPI Union President for six years, she championed academic quality, student success, and employee well-being—helping the university maintain stability and collaboration. Dr. Estep also built key partnerships across Illinois and the region, advancing educational opportunities and strengthening GovState’s impact. Her legacy reflects a career devoted to excellence, service, and community.

Dr. Larry Levinson’s legacy at Governors State spans decades of service, scholarship, and leadership. As founder of what is now the GovState Honors College and a six-time Faculty Excellence Award recipient, he has shaped countless student experiences. Today, as Professor Emeritus and President of the State Universities Annuitants Association (SUAA), he continues to advocate for GovState retirees and champion the university community.

Dr. Jun Zhao is Dean Emerita of the College of Business at Governors State University, where she served from 2016 to 2023. Under her leadership, the college achieved AACSB re-accreditation, launched new graduate programs, and established the Supply Chain Innovation Center and Business Incubator.

She co-led major grants, including a $588K Build to Scale award and a $1M NSF Smart Logistics grant. Dr. Zhao holds degrees from Shanghai Jiaotong University, Southern Illinois University, and has published widely on corporate restructuring and cross-cultural management.

We’re proud to welcome Angela (Angie) Sebastian, former CEO of Levenfeld Pearlstein, LLC and proud GovState alumna, as this year’s Distinguished Alumni Reception keynote speaker. A trailblazing executive and lifelong learner, Angie earned her degree as a non-traditional student at age 30. In her honor, Levenfeld Pearlstein established the “Finish What You Started” Scholarship, supporting adult learners returning to complete their education. Her belief in the power of education and her motto, “Lead Where You Are,” continue to inspire future GovState graduates.