2024 Graduate Profiles
College of Arts and Sciences Graduates
Outside of class, Dominic DalPolo could often be found in the Governors State University (GovState) television studios or on a golf course competing for the university golf team.
Coming to GovState to pursue his interest in media, Dominic quickly found his place in the Media Studies program. Whether producing the university's live broadcasts for sports or the news show TWAG, Dominic was honing his camera and video editing skills.
With more than 22 years of experience in the information technology field in the realm of education, Brian Skibinski came to Governors State University (GovState) to advance his career.
Naturally, Brian enrolled in the Information Technology master's program and found that his classes proved there were still exciting things to discover about the familiar field.
As Brian gears up for Commencement, he's also anticipating his role as Commencement speaker for the morning ceremony, an honor that he plans to pay forward by reminding his fellow grads to never lose sight of their passions in life.
From community college to Governors State University (GovState), Deborah Smyles joined the Dual Degree Program (DDP) to follow her passion of teaching health informatics.
While Deborah is anticipating graduating this year with her bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, her educational journey isn't over yet.
Having served eight years in the U.S. Army as an HR Specialist, Brygette Kunde was ready for the next step in her life and coming from a family of educators, pursuing a degree at Governors State University (GovState) seemed a good place to start.
Brygette hopes to one day inspire a passion for learning in others. For now, she's looking forward to graduating this year with her master's degree in Communication, Media, and Performance.
A teacher intern at Amos Alonzo Stagg High School and an aspiring teacher, Jinan Zayed sought out Governors State University (GovState) thanks to glowing reviews from friends.
Working to one day become a high school math teacher, Jinan enrolled in the Mathematics master's program and found herself growing fond of the campus, just like those who told her about the University. With Commencement just around the corner, Jinan feels ready to take on whatever comes next on her journey.
For first-generation college student Isabella Reyes, transferring to Governors State University (GovState) felt like choosing a place that saw her as a person, not just another student ID.
The initial connection she felt as a prospective student sealed the deal for Isabella and she not only earned her bachelor's degree at GovState, she also pursed her master's in Communication, Media, and Performance, which she'll walk the Commencement stage for this spring.
Feeling thankful for the many people that supported her along the way, Isabella reflects on the connections that brought her to and through her GovState journey.
College of Business Graduates
For Ashley Jack, pursuing a bachelor's degree was not a decision to be taken lightly, yet Governors State University (GovState) presented the ideal opportunity for her.
An alum of Prairie State College (PSC), Ashley chose to further her educational journey by pursuing a degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Human Resources Management. The journey may not have been easy, but Ashley found the strength to see it through.
On his way to becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Liam Kirschbaum feels confident Governors State University (GovState) prepared him to meet that goal.
As an Accounting student, Liam found no shortage of support at GovState and believes that regardless of program, students will find someone more than willing to stand in their corner and back them up throughout their journey. Now a GovState Honors College graduate with his bachelor's degree, Liam is looking forward to the next step beyond Commencement.
College of Education and Human Development Graduates
As a first-generation college student, Jillian Basile initially felt a bit out of place in the world of higher education, though that soon changed as she found her own path at Governors State University (GovState).
For Jillian, self-advocating and building connections proved to be the best thing for her GovState experience. She became an honors student and athlete all while pursuing her goal of becoming a speech-language pathologist.
Oraia Jaramillo came to Governors State University (GovState) to advance her career and did it all while working full-time as a teacher and raising a family.
As a student of the Master of Arts in Educational Administration - Principal Leadership program, Oraia discovered a new-found passion for advocating for underserved student populations and programs, and helping adults become more reflective educators.
As graduation quickly approaches, Oraia looks forward to growing even more in her new leadership role and reflects on her GovState journey that brought her to this moment.
Seeking a career change following an eye-opening experience as a Boy Scout leader, Dave McManus returned to school at 41 to pursue teaching, eventually finding his way to Governors State University's (GovState) Elementary Education bachelor's program.
As a husband and father of three, GovState meshed well with Dave's existing life, offering him the opportunity to follow his new-found passion. With graduation around the corner, Dave thinks back on his GovState journey that while challenging at times, paved the way for his new profession as a teacher.
For Krystal Carter, Governors State University (GovState) found her when she least expected it and left a lasting first impression. Finding out more about GovState convinced her to enroll in the undergraduate Psychology program.
Not only will Krystal be walking the Commencement stage this spring as a 2024 graduate, she will also be a Commencement singer.
As this chapter wraps up, Krystal is taking a moment to soak in this sense of accomplishment for pursuing her degree, something that tested her limits and showed her just how far she can go.
Laila Atra-Yassin could not have anticipated the opportunities she would have when she transferred to Governors State University (GovState) through the Dual Degree Program (DDP).
Enrolling in the Psychology program and minoring in ethics, Laila set out to achieve her goal of becoming an occupational therapist and found herself going above and beyond that goal. The atmosphere at GovState motivated Laila to take every chance she could, leading her to get involved with the GovState Honors College, community service events and leadership courses, even being named the 2023 Lincoln Laureate.
Entering unfamiliar territory as a first-generation student, Emely Oviedo found comfort in Governors State University (GovState) where she left no stone unturned.
An honors student, athlete, and student athletic training aide, Emely did it all and her academic journey is only just getting started. Set to earn her bachelor's in Psychology from GovState this year, Emely will go for a double masters in Athletic Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Springfield College in Massachusetts.
Jessica Watson saw Governors State University (GovState) as the place where she could continue a journey she put on pause over 16 years ago to raise her daughter.
Her daughter, now in college, encouraged Jessica to follow her goals, which led her to enroll in the Educational Administration - Principal Leadership program. As she approaches graduation, Jessica is well on her way to fulfilling her dream of serving in a leadership role in the education field.
Michael Lee joined Governors State University (GovState) as an online student while he was actively serving in the Air Force, seeking a way to earn a degree while in active-duty.
Now a veteran and living more than five hours away from campus, Michael rarely set foot on campus, only for special occasions, like the Veterans SALUTE Induction Ceremony. Despite the distance, he dedicated himself to his studies, pursuing an Interdisciplinary Leadership doctorate in education, which he aspires to use to serve other veterans who pursue higher education.
College of Health and Human Services Graduates
Kelsey Jones saw Governors State University (GovState) as the best choice to blend her studies with her lifestyle as a full-time working mom.
With aspirations to make changes in the healthcare industry, Kelsey knew she could make strides toward that goal with GovState's accredited Health Administration program.
Nearly three decades after attending Governors State University (GovState) for additional coursework, Jennifer Blake returned to GovState for her master's in Addictions Studies.
The idea of going back to school amidst her life as a wife, mother, and full-time employee made Jennifer hesitant, yet the university's flexible class schedule allowed her to balance it all.
Leslye Williams found herself face-to-face with Governors State University (GovState) alumni on two different occasions, which she took as a sign to investigate the University that left such a lasting impression on them.
Now, approaching Commencement herself as a GovState grad of the Community Health bachelor's program, Leslye knows the alumni were right about GovState; it's the place to go to not only get a valuable education to prepare for a variety of professions, but also to be a part of a vibrant and supportive academic community.
Julia Reyes came to Governors State University (GovState) for its diversity and volleyball program, yet she found that it was the best place for her to expand her comfort zone one step at a time.
A Health Administration student with a minor in Business Administration and Marketing, Julia finished her courses in December and jumped right into the work force.