Distinguished Alumni Reception celebrates excellence, leadership, and community
By Isabella Hollingsworth-Sons, Staff Writer
Photo Credit: Isabella Hollingsworth-Sons
The stage and lobby of the Center for Performing Arts (the Center) at Governors State University (GovState) was alive with energy, laughter, and joy as the university celebrated its Fifth Annual Distinguished Alumni Reception, honoring excellence, leadership, and the power of community.
The event, hosted by Kimberly Gonzalez, Associate Director of Alumni Relations, and Scott Sowinski, Executive Director of the Center, started the evening with a comedic skit, bringing the audience together with laughs and cheers before recognizing the best of the GovState Alumni Community.
As guests sat down at tables on the stage with drinks and dinner, Will Davis, Vice President for External Affairs and CEO of the Foundation, welcomed those in attendance and celebrated the event’s continued growth.
“I want to first just thank you all for braving this weather,” Davis said, referencing the chilly November evening as the first snow settled into the Southland. “I am pretty sure we’re close to one of the largest crowds we have had for this event.”
Davis noted that alumni generosity made it possible for students to attend the reception.
“We have our students here this evening thanks to sponsorships that allow them to be part of this celebration,” he said. “That’s because of you all and your generosity.”
He also recognized the more than 40 alumni and faculty who served as reviewers for this year’s nominations.
“Every year this gets tougher,” Davis said. “We had so many outstanding nominations — it’s a great problem to have because it means GovState is making a real difference.”
Guests were then encouraged to look for students in the crowd, and to connect with them, establishing a relationship and opportunity for mentorship and connection.
GovState President Joyce Ester, Ph.D., addressed the audience next with gratitude, calling alumni “our best advocates.”
“You are the best resources we have,” President Ester said. “When I go out into the community and talk about how wonderful GovState is, people expect that — it’s my job. But you all, our alumni, you’re living it.”
She encouraged alumni to remain engaged with students and academic programs.
“If there’s an opportunity for you to give back to a student or a department, say yes,” she said. “Our students need you. They need to see what’s possible through you — because that’s how we build the next generation of leaders.”
President Ester emphasized that the Distinguished Alumni Reception represents more than recognition — it’s a reflection of GovState’s values of access, diversity, and transformation.
As the evening progressed, 20 alumni and 4 GovState Emeriti were officially inducted as Distinguished Alumni. The impact of this was shared by keynote speaker Angela Sebastian (B.A. ‘'96) and former chair of the GovState Board of Trustees, who reflected on the importance of authenticity and storytelling in leadership.
“Data engages the mind,” Sebastian said. “But stories engage our hearts. Stories build trust and shared identity — they help people see themselves inside of a shared mission.”
Encouraging alumni to use their voices to inspire others, Sebastian added:
“I hope you feel permission to share your story. Somebody needs to hear it. Whether it’s about your time as a student or what you’ve overcome since, your story might be the one that helps someone else see what’s possible.”
The evening blended ceremony with connection as alumni, faculty and students shared stories, laughter and gratitude. Davis returned to the podium at the close of the evening to thank sponsors, volunteers and attendees for sustaining the GovState legacy.
“GovState is more than a place — it’s the people,” Davis said. “Tonight, as we celebrate our distinguished alumni, we’re reminded that giving back is how we keep this spirit alive.”
He invited alumni to remain connected to their alma mater:
“Give back to GovState — in your time, your talent and your treasure,” he said. “You make this university what it is.”
2026 Distinguished Alumni Honorees
Each honoree exemplifies GovState’s mission of scholarship, leadership and service.
College of Arts and Sciences
- Dr. Jane Cleland-Huang (Category Leader)
- Cassandra Bell
- Commander Christopher Calhoun
- John Kirksey
College of Health and Human Services
- Dr. Marilyn Hirsch (Category Leader)
- Dr. Augustine Agho
- Raven Hill
- Judy Platt
College of Business
- Joseph Williams (Category Leader)
- Dr. Oludare Akande
- Michelle Hayes
- Blevian Moore
College of Education and Human Development
- Kristen Koppers (Category Leader)
- Michael McGrone
- Dr. Peggy Montez
- Dr. Audra Rowe
Rising Star Alumni
- Brendan Haggard (Category Leader)
- Katrina Adams
- Ahmad Ezaldin
- Zuha Sha
Faculty Emeriti and Retiree Recognition
- Dr. Roberta O’Shea (Category Leader)
- Dr. Sandri Estep
- Dr. Larry Levinson
- Dr. Jun Zhao