2026 Grad Profiles
Commencement 2026 is almost here! Governors State University (GovState) is celebrating all grads this spring and sharing some of their stories right here.
College of Arts and Sciences
Returning to school nearly two decades after leaving her corporate career to be a stay-at-home mom, Claudia Parker is looking forward to starting a new career in digital storytelling.
Having nothing but positive experiences while attending Governors State University’s (GovState) alumni banquets played a part in Claudia Parker’s decision to attend the University in pursuit of her master’s degree in Independent Film and Digital Imaging. With that choice, she found a place that encouraged her passion and pushed her forward.
With a full-time job, Natasha Thomas found Governors State University (GovState) to be the perfect fit for her educational goals, providing hybrid schedules and supportive professors that worked with her schedule.
Earning her Master of Public Administration, Natasha dreams of becoming a park district superintendent to serve her community. For now, she’s looking forward to celebrating her graduation with her loved ones who supported her throughout her educational journey.
A second-generation immigrant, Alexa Fortu has received consistent support from her parents to follow her passions, leading her to discover her love of Biology, her chosen field of study at Governors State University (GovState).
Transferring to GovState as part of the Dual Degree Program, Alexa found a space that encouraged her curiosity, joining the Honors College and Chemistry Club, a subject she chose to minor in. She was also an active member of Biology Club, serving as an officer and Social Media Manager. She enjoyed her time at GovState so much that she’ll be returning this fall to pursue her master’s degree in biology.
An Army and Marine Corps veteran and the 2025 Lincoln Laureate, Jonathan Cooper returned to school after a 12-year break with the intention to make an impact. Pursuing a double major of Political Science and History at Governors State University (GovState), Jonathan found a community where he could lead, serve, and grow.
He became a part of student leadership, joining multiple campus organizations including Alpha Phi Omega, Student Veterans Association, and SALUTE Veterans National Honor Society (he currently serves as president of all three organizations). Jonathan also joined the Student Senate as the Student Veterans Representative, so he could advocate for fellow veterans, ensuring their voices are heard on campus.
Biology major Rachael Muenchow found Governors State University’s (GovState) rural campus to be a perfect fit for her choice of study. Following her passion, Rachael engaged in many activities on campus to learn all she could about nature, including Monarch Butterfly Tagging and Bird Banding, where she joined other students in collecting data to research and track the butterflies and birds home to GovState.
Rachael was an active member of the Biology Club, serving as Secretary then Treasurer, in which she managed club finances, presented an annual budget, and helped facilitate club communications.
College of Business
For Jaylon Garner, his interest in Accounting began in elementary school when he learned about the field seeing a friend’s parent working as an accountant. He transferred to Governors State University (GovState) as part of the Dual Degree Program (DDP) and since then, he’s gotten involved in Tau Sigma, the national honors society of transfer students, and the Accounting, Finance and Economics Club.
With Commencement coming up, Jaylon is excited to get his bachelor’s degree so he can pursue his master’s degree and take his certified public accountant exams.
College of Education and Human Development
With a passion to help build connections between schools and their communities to support student success, Tiffany Weathers-Fincher knew Governors State University (GovState) was the campus to go to for her doctoral degree. Pursuing her Doctor of Education in Interdisciplinary Leadership proved a challenging yet rewarding experience, preparing her with the skills to follow one of her dreams to help future educators.
As a first-generation and nontraditional college student, Rebecca “Becca” Fassbender found that getting involved and asking questions were key to her success at Governors State University (GovState). Joining the Dual Degree Program was only the start of her involvement at GovState, where she chose to pursue a degree in Psychology more than a decade after a high school class that sparked her interest in the subject.
Part of the Honors College and Psi Chi Honor Society, Becca is graduating with summa cum laude honors and plans to get her Doctor of Psychology degree from Roosevelt University in pursuit of her dream to become a licensed clinical psychologist.
College of Health and Human Services
Thinking back to her first day on campus, Paige Oliver remembers that Governors State University (GovState) felt inviting and lived up to the positive reputation she heard about from alumni. Throughout her journey in the Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program, Paige connected with other students and faculty who shared her passion to help others and now she can’t wait to bring her skills to the field.
Now that she's passed her board exam and become officially licensed, Paige is excited to begin her career in occupational therapy, a long-awaited goal after years of school.
With dreams to help others regain mobility to live their fullest lives, Logan Krska decided to pursue his Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) at Governors State University (GovState) after a positive experience earning his bachelor’s degree on campus.
Throughout his GovState journey, Logan got involved in any way he could, joining the University’s Physical Therapy Student Association and eventually becoming its President, and working in the Provost’s Office as a Graduate Assistant. He also volunteered and served as Race Director at the 2025 Physical Therapy Student Association (PTSA) Stroke Awareness 5K, a student led event that raises money for the GovState Stroke Support group.
When Jillian Rancatore decided to pursue her Doctor of Occupational Therapy, she knew Governors State University (GovState) was the university to go to after earning both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from GovState. As a wife and working mother of a four-year-old son, Jillian found that GovState offered the balance she was looking for when adding academics back into her life.
With support from her family and doctoral colleagues, Jillian found that while her experience had its challenges, it was overall rewarding. Her program inspired reflection on her current practices and strengthened her passion to help others, something she’s excited to continue with her doctorate in hand.
For first-generation student Karen Muhammad, pursuing her Master of Social Work (MSW) at Governors State University (GovState) aligned with her innate desire to help others. Active in her own community, volunteering at various events that focus on social justice and community engagement, Karen brought that same energy to GovState.
She joined the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), and the Phi Alpha Honor Society for Social Work, each recognizing her dedication and service in social work, leadership, and academics. Karen is also a member of Tri Alpha, a First Generation Student Honors Society, and was most recently recognized as the Outstanding MSW Student for the social work program.