25 things to do before graduation
By Isabella Hollingsworth-Sons, Staff Writer
Commencement season is almost here! Before you walk the stage this May, take advantage of these 25 things to do before you graduate from Governors State University.
- Go to a play at the Performing Arts Center
Enjoy a show put on by GovState students or by one of the hundreds of professional companies that visit the center each year. Take advantage of the student discount!
- Visit the Fry Sculpture
Illinois Landscape Number 5. or locally known as the French Fry! Take a picture or sit underneath with a good book.
- Attend a club event
It’s never too late to get involved, visit Jaguar Connection for a complete list of all student club activities.
- Buy new cool GovState gear
Get your Jaguar merch or purchase a new GovState hoodie to show off your school spirit!
- Visit the Visual Arts Gallery
Immerse yourself in visually engaging art pieces by local artists and students alike. Located in the E-Lounge, the gallery is open Monday-Thursday Noon – 7 p.m.
- Get a picture with Jax
There’s only one Jax! Our beloved mascot is always ready to take a photo with you.
- Go to a sports game!
Cheer on the jaguars! Check out spring sports now.
- Play pool in the gaming area
Rack them up while in-between classes.
- Join the alumni association
With a network of over 58,000 alumni across the globe, the Jaguar spirit takes you anywhere.
- Visit the Avengers Sculpture
Avengers assemble! Stargazing with contrails, or affectionally referred to as the avengers sculpture by marvel fans across the campus. Take a scenic walk around the lake to view this piece.
- Thank a Professor
Without them, you wouldn’t be graduating. Thank a professor for the impact they’ve had on you.
- Buy a GovState license alumni plate holder
Let everyone on the road know you’re an alum!
- Attend salute to grads!
The most special day before actual graduation. Take a picture with your cap and gown, enter a raffle, and more!
- Make a TikTok with Jax
If a picture is worth 1000 words, a TikTok has to be at least 2,000. Make your memories with a fun video featuring our mascot.
- Study in the f-wing
Commonly voted as the best study spot on campus, this hallway with expansive windows is the best spot to spend before finals.
- Attend a springfest event
Don’t miss a single moment of student life.
- Decorate your cap!
Show off your artistic side and decorate your graduation cap.
- Order a coffee at the Jaguar Cafe
Hot or iced?
- Take a picture in the Hall of Governors
Check out our colorful mural or snag a pic with Jax.
- Update your resume with career services!
Don’t graduate without your resume updated. As an alum, career services is always open to you for resume upgrading, job searching, and more.
- Have a picnic by the bell tower.
Can you hear those bells chime? Have lunch on a bench or setup a picnic blanket for the best experience.
- Visit Sandy the Therapy Dog.
Our beloved Sandy is retiring this year, don’t miss her upcoming celebration and get in your final pets as a student.
- Create a playlist with your top songs from your college experience.
Adding Chappel Roan to ours, make a playlist of your top songs as a student and listen to it whenever you feel nostalgic.
- Volunteer and give back!
Have you volunteered for April Food-Day? Check out all the ways you can lend a hand.
- Make a plan to comeback! We’ll see you at homecoming 2025.
Once a jaguar, always a jaguar! Mark your calendar for Sunday, October 26, 2025 - Saturday, November 1, 2025.
