Convocation 2026: This is your university, Jaguars
By Sarah Shoaf, Staff Writer
Offering some reassuring words as she welcomed new and returning students to campus, Governors State University (GovState) President Joyce C. Ester officially kicked off the 2026-27 academic year at Convocation 2026.
“Some of you are sitting here excited for the journey, while others may be scared or apprehensive, and some might be somewhere in between,” said President Ester. “Whatever you are feeling, that’s okay. However you are starting or continuing your journey at GovState, we are here to cheer you on to the finish line.”
Like the classes before them, the Class of 2030 received cords in recognition of their decision to become a Jaguar, which they can wear on their graduation day. Throughout the ceremony, Jaguars heard from university leaders and the alumni speaker, each offering advice.
Alumna Martina Matthews, who earned both her Master of Business Administration (MBA) and bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from GovState, reminded students that their life doesn’t need to be all planned out right now, sharing her own experience with uncertainty in college and in her first job as part of the early days of Chegg.com.
“You may have a very detailed plan for your future or absolutely no idea what you plan on doing,” said Matthews. “Some of you may change your major, some of you may struggle in class, some of you may discover an opportunity, a career you didn’t even know existed. And all of that is okay.”
As founder of Miss ChatGPT101, an Ai-powered education and consulting brand that helps educators, students, and small businesses use artificial intelligence with clarity, confidence and purpose, Matthews also spoke on using AI responsibly as it changes the way people learn and work.
“Having access to AI is not the same as knowing how to use it well and contrary to what you may sometimes hear, the rise of AI does not make your education less important. It means the fundamentals you are developing here are even more important.”
Leaving students with one last note, President Ester encouraged them to make the most of their GovState journey.
“Governors State Jaguars, this is your time, this is your university. Go Jaguars, go GovState!”
