DDP Cording Honors Soon-to-be Graduates

Excitement buzzed on the stage of Governors State University’s Center for Performing Arts as soon-to-be graduates of the Dual Degree Program awaited the start of their celebratory Cording Ceremony on the evening of May 12.

The DDP is a partnership between GSU and 17 regional community colleges which allows students to work alongside a transfer specialist as they achieve first their associate degree and then, at GSU, their undergraduate degree. When the students enroll at GSU as juniors, they receive a cord in the official color of their respective community college. At the formal Cording Ceremony, President Elaine Maimon drapes a second cord, now braided with GSU’s formal colors of black and white, across the shoulders of each student.

DDP transfer specialist Jessica Specht says that the blended cord signifies “wrapping up the two degrees and two experiences” as the students prepare for graduation.

The ceremony is a cherished event both for the student and their accomplishments as well as the faculty who have guided them through their undergraduate degrees. Dr. Randi Schneider, Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management, describes this event as among her favorite in 30 years of working at colleges and universities.

“The cording ceremony is an annual tradition that symbolizes the success of DDP transfer students and the unique partnership we have forged with our community college partners across Chicagoland. The event represents the best of who we are as educators and our commitment to changing the lives of students and their families.”

Now adorned with official academic regalia, students ready themselves to receive their diplomas during the official Commencement exercises on May 20.