2025 Student Commencement Speakers Announced

By Zion Banks, Editor

Governors State University’s (GovState) Center for Student Engagement and Intercultural Programs (CSEIP) has announced two student speakers for the 2025 Commencement ceremonies to be held at Tinley Park Convention Center on Saturday, May 17.

CSEIP Director Konya Sledge said more than 20 graduates applied to deliver student speeches to their peers celebrating academic achievements and personal milestones.

“This is an exciting time of year and, this year, has been especially inspiring. We saw the most robust response for student speaker that we’ve received in the last five years. I was inspired to see how passionate the students were and I’m very proud of them.”

Two student speakers will address more than 1,000 graduates from the University’s four colleges in morning and afternoon ceremonies. 

Catherine Miles is a nontraditional student graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies (IDSS). A passionate advocate for the voiceless, Catherine has served children and their families across the Southland as a paraprofessional in schools.

After graduation, Catherine plans to launch a nonprofit to serve abused women, culminating years of experience providing leadership and development training with nonprofit organizations and churches. 

Catherine will speak at the 10 a.m. ceremony for the College of Education and Human Development and the College of Health and Human Services.

Click here to Catherine's interview on TWAG.

Kaylie Dahms is a proud first-generation student and student-athlete graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Communication. A gifted broadcaster, Kaylie served as co-anchor of This Week at GovState (TWAG) and host of Jaguar Playbook.

Beyond the studio, Kaylie made her mark on the field as a central midfielder for Governors State University’s women’s soccer team. With the help of a soccer scholarship and the AIM High academic award, Kaylie is graduating debt-free. 

Kaylie is already fielding job offers from CBS, ABC, and NBC affiliates across the country. She will speak at the 4 p.m. ceremony for the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Business.

Click here to watch Kaylie's interview on TWAG.

Both ceremonies will take place at the Tinley Park Convention Center, 18451 Convention Center Dr., Tinley Park, Illinois. Visit GovState’s Commencement page to learn more about the ceremonies.