GovState celebrates 55th birthday
By Zion Banks, Agora Editor
Nearly 300 people poured into downtown Park Forest on July 17 to celebrate Governors State University’s (GovState) 55th birthday with food, live music and family fun.
“Happy Birthday to Governors State University! Tonight we celebrate 55 years of commitment and partnership,” said Park Forest Mayor Joseph Woods, noting GovState's earliest classes were held in Park Forest shortly after the University was founded in 1969.
Woods was joined by dozens of revelers, including GovState Trustees Stacy Crook and Kevin Brookins, as well as elected officials Sen. Debbie Meyers-Martin, Matteson Trustee Carolyn Palmer, state Rep. Anthony DeLuca, Cook County Board Commissioner Monica Gordon among others.
Among the evening’s highlights was an award presentation to Dr. Larry Levinson, who created the Honors program in 2000. Today, the program has expanded and evolved into the GovState Honors College, led by Dr. David Rhea.
“Dr. Levinson, because you had the vision, the passion, and the nerve to start an honors program at Governors State University, we are honoring you by naming the Honors College student lounge the Dr. Levinson Honors College Student Lounge,” said Dr. Cheryl Green, President of GovState.
