GovState Commencement 2025: Celebrating accomplishments, honoring a legacy, and authoring next chapters
By Lisa Redmond, Staff Writer
Fine regalia, faces aglow with joy and pride in accomplishment, the gathering of families and friends; these were just a few of the sights at Governors State University’s (GovState) Commencement 2025. Purple lapel pins dotted collars in honor of GovState’s sixth president, Dr. Cheryl F. Green, whose life was celebrated earlier in the week.
Over 1,000 graduates crossed the stage at Tinley Park Convention Center to receive their degrees in a beautiful kaleidoscope of people, cultural traditions, and varying abilities. Even included a Jaguar robot joined the procession. All the graduates wore academic regalia, but many were also adorned with colorful stoles, and amazingly decorated caps, one with a crown.
One graduate, alum Dreyvon McCray, ’18, who earned a Master of Arts degree from the College of Education and Human Development, crossed the stage with the assistance of a walker. McCray, who survived a violent attack when he was 14 years old and spent six months in the hospital—three of them in a coma—required intensive therapy to learn to walk again. So, this year’s walk across the Commencement stage marked yet another triumph for McCray who earned his bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from GovState.
This year’s Commencement theme, The Next Chapter: Authoring Your Future in Times of Transition, resonated throughout the day, illuminated through stories of challenges and resulting triumphs.
A father-son duo started the ceremony with the Trumpet Fanfare, followed by Trustee and GovState alumna, Stacy Crook who reminded graduates to prepare for the ‘plot twists’ as they author this next chapter.
“Your education at GovState has equipped you with more than knowledge; it has cultivated your ability to adapt, think critically, and lead with purpose; precisely the skills needed to navigate and thrive during times of transition,” said Crook, who also serves as Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees.
Faculty Senate President, Joshua Sopiarz, spoke poetically about the impact each Jaguar makes as they take a begin their next chapter.
He reflected on a walk across campus, noting its beauty both of nature and 29 sculptures dotting the 750-acre landscape. During his walk, Sopiarz said he saw smaller creatures leaping into a pond at the center of campus. He noted the impact each time.
“Looking out among hundreds of graduates, I wonder, with all the weight that each of your carries, what size splash will you each make when you descend from this stage? How far will your ripples flow out into the world?” Sopiarz asked rhetorically.
Exploring the themes of impact, Catherine Miles, a nontraditional graduate from the College of Arts and Sciences, shared her story of fighting cancer while simultaneously facing financial struggles and homelessness. She was the student speaker in the morning ceremony where College of Education and Human Development and College of Health and Human Services commenced.
“What happens when …. the odds are stacked against you? That’s when your strength emerges. That's when you find your superpower,” said Miles, who earned a bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies (IDSS). “It was when it felt like there was nowhere else to turn, it came down to just a few simple but powerful words: I cannot fail,” Miles shared.
And she did not fail. With her back against the wall and superpowers leading the way, Miles earned her degree. “I believe that we all have superpowers and often we don’t discover them until life presses us, stretches us, and pushes us beyond what we think we can bear."
Kaylie Dahms was the afternoon student speaker where graduates from College of Arts and Sciences and College of Business were honored. She shared her superpower origin story which began when Dahms lost her father just before her 11th birthday. By age 18, Dahms was estranged from her mother.
With her a goal to earn a Bachelor of Communication from College of Arts and Sciences, Dahms graduated from Central Plainfield High School in 2021 feeling alone and isolated.
Soccer and academic scholarships helped pay for college. Additionally, Dahms balanced multiple jobs, schoolwork, an internship, and all the curveballs life threw her way. “The weight of it nearly broke me,” an emotional Dahms shared.
“Supporting myself through college was undoubtedly the hardest thing I've ever done—there were nights I didn't sleep at all and nights I cried myself to sleep wondering when it would get easier,” an emotional Dahms shared.
Reflecting on the relationships she forged with her peers, Dahms said, “Every single person sitting in front of me has faced battles, carried burdens, and fought their own fights. This is one of the most beautiful things about Governors State University, it's an institution that gives opportunities to students who may not have gotten one anywhere else. It is a school for the fighters, the dreamers, the underdogs, and it brings out greatness in all of us.”
One of two co-anchors for This Week at GovState (TWAG), GovState’s weekly news package, Dahms has accepted a position with NBC affiliate, KTIV - News 4, in Sioux City, Iowa.
Two student speakers, both champions, both equipped with the GovState fighting spirit, mirrored the 2025 honorary degree recipient, Phillip Kambic, Riverside Healthcare's President and CEO.
The youngest of nine children, Kambic, recounted his own story of unlikely success in the corporate world.
Having lost his father while still in high school, Kambic intended to apply for employment at a local factory after high school graduation. An impromptu invitation from a friend led him to the campus of Eastern Illinois University (EIU) with a friend, where he spontaneously signed a lease for an apartment for the fall, registered for school, and applied for financial assistance.
After graduating from EIU, Kambic earned an MBA from GovState. Reflecting on that spur-of-the moment trip to Charleston, Kambic said, simply, “Education changed my life.”
He left the Class of 2025 with three B’s to follow: "Be optimistic. Be persistent. Be a lifelong learner. And remember, you are remarkable.”
In absence of Dr. Green, Interim President, Dr. Corey S. Bradford, Sr, spoke of her legacy.
“Dr. Green was a transformative leader who served our university with distinction for nearly five years before her retirement. As our first Black president, she broke barriers and left an indelible mark on our institution … Dr. Green once said that our commitments to student success, access, and community engagement aren't just initiatives or programs, they are the fabric of who we are as an institution. Today, we honor her legacy by recommitting ourselves to these values, because, in her words, ‘Together we can; together we must.’ ”
Following a moment of silence, Dr. Bradford, brought the entire venue to its feet with rousing, almost rowdy, cheers and celebration for the graduates.
“It takes a village to support a student to graduation. Stand up and take a bow,” he said, his voice booming throughout the venue.
“I want all parents, grandparents, siblings, Godparents, guardians, stepparents, spouses, friends, all who supported the graduates along their journey to stand and be recognized. And I hope your wallet has graduated too!” he said.
Next, Dr. Bradford called for all first-generation graduates to stand. “Please rise to be honored. Being the first in your family comes with a large responsibility. At GovState over 40% of our students of first-generation.”
Dr. Bradford then gave this advice to graduates. “Class of 2025, be brave enough to write a story that illuminates not just your own path but lights the way for others. Know that whatever chapters unfold next, your Governors State University family will be here, cheering you on, supporting your journey, and eagerly awaiting news of your adventures. You are GovState!”