From Dual Degrees to Honors Distinctions: A night of celebration for GovState students
By Isabella Hollingsworth-Sons and Sarah Shoaf, Staff Writers
In celebration of excellence, experience, and resilience, the Governors State University (GovState) community recently gathered for the annual Honors College (HC) Pinning Ceremony and Dual Degree Program (DDP) Cording Ceremony.
As the sky darkened into an early fall night, students and family members gathered in the Hall of Honors and Hall of Governors respectively to celebrate both new beginnings, and chapters to close.
Recognizing legacy and innovation, 16 Honors students received pins at the 12th annual Pinning Ceremony for the GovState Honors College.
“We hope that for you, this is the start of a great experience in our community of high achieving undergraduate students,” said Honors Academic Program Director Dr. Figen Karadogan. “We hope you will wear the Honors College pin with pride, that it will be a reminder of the journey of excellence you all are on.”
GovState Provost Beverly Schneller reminded students of the determination that led them to the moment. “You have exceptionality, you’re resilient, and you have the ability to be both creative and practical at the same time. Just remember those four things.”
While celebrating the new students joining the program, the ceremony also highlighted 10 years of student leadership with the Honors Student Council. Many members of the council were in attendance, including the council chair, Amy Rodriguez.
Amy expressed her goal to inspire students to be actively engaged in their educational experience, starting with refreshing past traditions to meet current students’ interests.
“Traditions such as this event keep the Honors College experience alive and well, but that certainly doesn’t mean that the same thing has to happen over and over again,” said Amy, who took honors students on an escape room experience for the honors retreat this year, instead of the usual Chicago daytrip.
As students received their pins, Dr. Karadogan encouraged them to make the most of their honors journey.
“Be a part of some of the great opportunities that exist here. You can accomplish them as those before you have,” said Dr. Karadogan. “And as you have ideas for the opportunities of tomorrow, let us know. Because here in honors, the ideas can and do come alive.”
As Honors closed out, students and family members eagerly moved into the Hall of Governors, decorated for an occasion of academic prosperity with balloons, photo stations, and a stage. Students began their academic journey at one of 17 community college partners, achieved their associate degree, and now begin a journey GovState to earn a bachelor’s degree. With the help of a DDP transfer specialist, students not only transfer to a university seamlessly, but also have the confidence and knowledge of already having had college experience, something GovState President Joyce Ester, PhD, acknowledged in her remarks.
“You are coming in with a wealth of information, you’re not new to this. You already know what it’s like to study hard, go to an advisor, ask for help, go to the library, ask a cousin or brother to give you a couple dollars for books. You know all of those things. And now you can offer our first year students guidance and leadership.” Dr. Ester encouraged students and then commented on how she herself feels like a dual degree, “Just last year I was a President of a community college, and now I’m President of a University. No matter where you came from at your community college, just like I plan on doing, make Governors State your home.”
With the pride of their families surrounding them, students confidently crossed the stage and received a cord bearing the colors of their respective colleges illuminated against the Governors State background.
“Now put those cords in a safe place, because in two years you will walk across the Commencement stage with those cords and a second one, representing GovState,” Jessica Specht, Director of DDP said with a smile. “This year is the largest cohort for the dual degree program. As director, I’m very happy to see you here and to have filled the room.”