Information provided by Governors State University
UNIVERSITY PARK, Ill. (May 6, 2022) – For the first time in three years, Governors State University (GSU) is hosting an in-person commencement ceremony on May 14, 2022, at the Tinley Park Convention Center. The two-part event will be marked by new leaders and traditions.
Nearly 1,000 graduates will be honored during the morning and afternoon ceremonies, which will feature a moving performance of the Black National Anthem for the first time in GSU’s commencement history. The celebration will also mark President Cheryl Green’s first in-person commencement ceremony since beginning her tenure in 2020. She and other members of GSU leadership — including Board of Trustees Chair Lisa Harrell and newly elected Faculty Senate President Marlon Cummings — will offer words of congratulations and encouragement to the 2022 graduates receiving bachelor’s, master’s, and advanced degrees.
During the 10 a.m. ceremony, more than 500 candidates from the College of Arts & Sciences and College of Business will receive bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Sonya Petty, an IDSS graduate, will address fellow graduates as a 2022 commencement speaker. Ramona Hernandez, an IDSS major, is slated to sing the national anthem.
At the 4:30 p.m. ceremony, an estimated 460 candidates from the College of Education and College of Health & Human Services will receive bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Social Work major Peter Brassea will deliver her student speaker address, while Community Health major Brave Fung will serve as a guest vocalist. Additionally, GSU will honor the Rev. Michael Pfleger, activist and social justice champion, with an honorary doctorate degree during the afternoon ceremony.
Sophomore Marquis Parks, a Theatre and Performance Studies major, will be performing the Black National Anthem commonly known at Lift Every Voice and Sing during in the morning and afternoon ceremonies.
Tickets are required for both ceremonies. For more information, visit www.govst.edu/commencement.
