Convocation 2024: Shaping your future and the future of society
By Lisa Redmond, Staff Writer
A celebration of academic excellence, Convocation 2024 marked the start of the 2024-25 academic year. With Dr. Marlon Cummings serving as the master of ceremonies, the afternoon began with a welcome from Governors State University (GovState) President, Dr. Cheryl Green:
“To our new students, whether you are a freshman, transfer student, international or graduate student, we are thrilled to have you join our jaguar family. This is an exciting chapter of your journey. We are here to support you.”
“As you look around this hall, each one of you brings a unique perspective that will enrich our entire community. The connections you forge and the knowledge you gain here will shape your future and the future of our society. At GovState we believe in the transformative power of education. Dream big, challenge yourself, and seize every opportunity that comes your way,” Dr. Green.
This year Convocation included a historical first for GovState with the announcement of the inaugural Dr. Cheryl F. Green Endowed Scholarship Award for societal impact, tearfully introduced during the ceremony by GovState Provost, Dr. Beverly Schneller. This scholarship, established to support students demonstrating an interest in a life of public service, education for the public good, and community impact, honors the legacy of Dr. Green. (Click here if you would like to contribute to the Dr. Cheryl Green Scholarship for Societal Impact.)
Colton Krska, a two-time alum, earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Accounting at GovState, gave the keynote address. His advice to the class of 2028 was to embrace past lessons but do not be defined by them.
“While our past experiences shape who we are, they do not have the power to define us or limit our potential. Maybe your path here was rockier than expected. None of that matters now, because you are here, and you are not going to let history define you.”
“To the freshmen class of 2024,” Krska continued, “Remember that you are not alone. You are surrounded by a community that is here to support you.”
The ceremony closed with the presentation of the Gerald Baysore Award, the university’s highest honor, named for Dr. Gerald C. Baysore, who served as Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs. The award recognizes those who demonstrate absolute integrity, total competence, generous dedication and unfailing civility. The Excellence Awards for distinction in teaching, performance of primary duties, research and creative activity, were also presented by President Green and Provost Schneller. Lastly, the DEI Mini Grant recipients were announced by Dr. Joi Patterson, Chief Diversity Officer at GovState.
The winners are as follows:
2024 Gerald C. Baysore Award Winner
John Potempa, AVP of Facilities Development and Management
Excellence Award Winners
Nicole Bing, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Associate Professor
College of Health and Human Services
Katherine Carl, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
College of Business
Aslam Shahid, University Lecturer
College of Arts and Sciences.
DEI Mini Grant Recipients:
Supporting Inclusion and Equity in the Recruitment, Retention, and Advancement of Students in the Department of Communication Disorders
Focus: Student Retention
Principal Investigators:
Dr. Nicole Bing, Associate Professor
Dr. Camille O'Quin, Assistant Professor
Dr. Jessica Bonner, Speech Communication Department Chair
Ms. Elaine Reyna, University Lecturer
Dr. Angela Riccelli, Assistant Professor
Dr. Caren Schranz, Occupational Therapy Department Chair
Dr. David Diers, Physical Therapy Department Chair
Dr. Jennifer Armstrong, Community Partner Director
Ms. Paulette Robinson Gulley, Community Partners Director
Mr. Robert Johnson, Community Partner Director
Bridging Futures: Enhancing College Pathways for Youth in Foster Care
Focus: Student Completion
Principal Investigators:
Dr. Kim Major-Ford, Counseling and Wellness Center Director
Dr. Sharva Hampton-Campbell, Adjunct and Community Partner
Ms. Meagan Washington-Sims, Doctoral Student and Community Partner
Ms. LaTerrian Officer- McIntosh, Community Partner Program Manager
Undocumented Student Ally Training (USAT)
Focus: Student Retention and Completion
Principal Investigators:
Mr. Emmanuel Lopez, Latinx Resource Center Director
ALAS Student Association
Ms. Elaine Reyna, University Lecturer
Ms. Montserrat Hernandez, Graduate Student
Ms. Hajja Madinah Yamini, First Generation Program Coordinator
Perspectives of Justice
Focus: Culturally Relevant Curriculum and Community
Principal Investigators:
Dr. Rebecca Siefert, Assistant Professor
Ms. Caron Jacobson, University Lecturer
Jaguar Jumps Beyond: Pioneering Inclusive Pathways at GovState
Focus: Student Access and Retention
Principal Investigators:
Ms. Michelle Sebasco, SXL Director of Academic Partnerships
Dr. Roberta Oshea, Professor Emeritus