GovState Commencement 2026: You are here because you earned it!
By Lisa Redmond, Staff Writer
Excitement, celebration, academic regalia, caps adorned with decorations, silk cords and sashes were certainly the vibe at Governors State University’s (GovState) Commencement 2026.
Over 1,100 graduates crossed the stage at the Tinley Park Convention Center on Saturday, May 16, 2026, to receive their degrees, celebrate their achievement, shed a tear or two, and dance with joy. The venue was full of energy and the number of people watching via livestream was record-breaking.
“My mantra has been ‘Work hard in silence and let success be your noise.’”
Journey Mae Manual, Morning Ceremony Student Speaker
Journey Mae Manual, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics, was the student speaker for the morning ceremony and her energy was contagious. “This moment is not just a celebration of academic achievement but a celebration of resilience, faith and the power of perseverance. Resilience is about moving forward, growing stronger, and finding purpose in the struggle,” she said. “My mantra has been ‘Work hard in silence and let success be your noise.’”
She ended her speech amid cheers and applause with this reminder, “Remember that setbacks do not signal failure, but opportunities to learn, adapt and rise stronger. Congratulations to the Class of 2026! And to God be the glory!”
“So, Jaguars, take the opportunity, take the seat at the table, take the risk, be bold enough to rise and courageous enough to lift someone with you.”
Victoria Gómez, Afternoon Ceremony Student Speaker
Victoria Gómez, who earned a Bachelor of Arts in English, was the student speaker for the afternoon ceremony. She spoke passionately about belonging and overcoming self-doubt.
“Doubt has been a quiet companion for many of us, including myself,” Victoria admitted.
Growing up, she was the shy girl in the back of the classroom and the only Spanish speaker. She was told so many times that her options in life would be limited until she began to doubt her abilities also.
“GovState didn’t erase those doubts,” Victoria said. “It taught us that remaining rooted in who we are means going forward while honoring where we come from, our accents, our histories, our setbacks, and our responsibilities are not barriers. They are foundations.”
She has taken on the charge to hold the door open and make sure that others won’t have to doubt if they belong. “Every time I’ve found the courage to take up space is because someone first made space for me,” said Victoria.
“So, Jaguars, take the opportunity, take the seat at the table, take the risk, be bold enough to rise and courageous enough to lift someone with you,” she said. “Congratulations, Class of 2026! Our opportunities are endless!”
“You are here because you earned it, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise.”
President Joyce C. Ester, Ph.D.
Joyce C. Ester, Ph.D., the seventh president of Governors State University, said to the Class of 2026, “Today, we celebrate you. Today, we join together to recognize and applaud your accomplishments, your hard work, and your perseverance. Graduates, I am proud that you invested in yourself and your future by pursuing your degree.”
At this, President Ester’s first commencement ceremony at GovState, she thanked the GovState faculty and staff for pouring into the graduates, and the family and friends of the graduates for supporting them. Then she began a roll call of sorts, and the venue went up in cheers. Ester called upon graduates to stand if they fell under the following categories: active-duty members of the armed forces or a veteran; graduates who worked full time or worked multiple jobs while pursuing their degree; first generation students; and single parents. She then called upon graduates to stand and applaud themselves for getting here.
To those who have considered returning to school to get their degree, she said, “Look at the examples before you of individuals who made it happen in spite of, and in some cases, because of the obstacles, both real and perceived, we welcome you to become a part of the Governors State community, too,” said Dr. Ester.
“Graduates of the Class of 2026, you have a responsibility to demonstrate what it means to be a critical thinker, to embrace civil and honest discord, to model what it means to have an educated mind, and to be an example of how to understand and use information wisely,” President Ester said.
“Take this moment to appreciate the journey and applaud yourself. You are here because you earned it, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise,” said President Ester. “Congratulations, Class of 2026!”