Brett Porter: Making the most of what GovState has to offer
Graduate Profile
Returning to school nearly two decades after his high school graduation, Brett Porter wanted to make the most of the opportunities available at Governors State University (GovState). From Drone Engineering Club to Student Senate, he was actively involved in various activities on campus, leading to other chances off-campus, including an internship on a NASA funded drone project.
With Commencement quickly approaching, Brett is excited to earn his Computer Science degree, a long-awaited milestone.
GovState Newsroom: What attracted you to GovState?
Brett: I was attracted to GovState because of the accessibility. It is an easy drive from the south loop of Chicago, has smaller size classes for more direct contact with professors, and less competition for the opportunities offered.
GovState Newsroom: What’s your degree and why did you choose it?
Brett: I graduate in May 2025 with a bachelor's degree in computer science. I chose computer science because of the flexibility to use what I learn in any industry.
GovState Newsroom: What clubs and/or activities were you involved with? Any memories stick out with one of them?
Brett: I served as Vice President of Drone Engineering Club and was involved with Tau Sigma National Honors Society, Student Senate, Innovation Club, and Psychology Club.
Two things stuck out to me: Being selected as the top scholarship recipient based on the essay I submitted in December 2024 and being selected from the Drone Engineering Club to receive a Software Engineering Internship at the University of Notre Dame working on NASA funded drone projects in May 2024.
I also actively engaged with other groups on campus, including:
- President and Founder of Software Engineering Club
- Student member of the College of Arts and Science Advisory Board
- Student manager for the men's volleyball team
- Data analytics/ AI developer internship
- Digital Humanities Fellowship
- Drone technology in healthcare internship
- Beloved Community member
- Alabama trip April 2024
- Member of Black Student Union, Jaguar Anime Gaming Club, Music Company, Student Activities Council, International Culture Organization, 1st Gen Collective, Kaleidoscope, and Gavel Club
- Social Justice Initiative member
- Ghana Study Abroad Program
- GovState advocate
- GovState Advocacy Day 2024
- GovState Grievance Committee student member
- Volunteer for Special Olympics, GovState Alumni 5K Event, GovState Food Pantry, GovState Hurricane Relief, GovState Voter Awareness and Registration Event, GovState Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway, GovState STEAM Camp, and GovState Halloween Candy Giveaway
GovState Newsroom: What are your dreams for your degree?
Brett: My dream job is to be a data scientist working with professional sports teams. My dream side gig would be to create a webpage/ app for events for the intellectually disabled community to give the community safe places to go.
GovState Newsroom: What advice would you give to current and/or future GovState students?
Brett: This was my second time here, so I would advise future students to get involved; don't just come for classes and go home. Being part of the community at GovState has given me access to so many opportunities and has helped me stay engaged on campus, which I struggled with previously before returning to school in Fall 2023.
GovState Newsroom: How are you celebrating your graduation?
Brett: I'll be spending my post-graduation celebration with my family. They have waited patiently for me to get this degree, dating back to my high school graduation in June of 2006. It’s been a long journey finding myself and being able to finally apply myself fully towards college.