Convocation Celebration 2021

Kicking off the 2021-2022 academic year, Governors State's Convocation will be held on Sept. 2 at 11 am in the Center for Performing Arts--one of the first on campus events since the COVID-19 pandemic began over a year ago. 

Convocation is a longstanding tradition which welcomes new and returning students as the formal launch to the academic year. President Cheryl Green will lead the event celebrating the continued excellence of the university and will be joined on stage by Student Senate President Ruben Lopez who will be serving as the master of ceremonies to welcome the class of 2025 to Governors State.

The ceremony is also where excellence awards are presented to faculty members, and employees are presented with the Baysore Award, named for the late GSU Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs Gerald C. Baysore. These awards will represent a particular triumph at this year's Convocation as they celebrate the achievements of the last academic year when the world was plunged into a pandemic. 

The festivities will continue with an Ice Cream Social following the ceremony in the Hall of Governors, as well as the Student Club and Organization Block Party, from 2 – 5 p.m. in the Carillon.

Last year's ceremony was held virtually, and was President Green's first major address to the campus community. This year, she looks forward to the possibilities a post-pandemic world offers. 

"I look forward to honoring the hard work our faculty and staff put in over the last year to continue our tradition of excellence at Governors State. This Convocation is a ceremony of hope, as we welcome a brighter and safer future for our students."