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May
2021
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Graduate Profiles

2023

College of Arts and Sciences Graduate Profiles

P Lewis 2Family Development Center (FDC) preschool teacher Pertrice Lewis intends to use the knowledge and skills she acquired on her journey at Governors State University (GSU) throughout her personal life and professional career as she educates young minds, some of which may become future Jaguars.

Between attending class and working on campus, Pertrice has been involved in various activities and volunteer work, including the 5k walk/run. 

Read more here.

 

 

 

 

Lotte MillerFor Lotte Miller, graduating in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice just wasn’t enough. She immediately returned to Governors State University (GSU) to pursue a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice, so she can pursue her passion for helping former inmates with rehabilitation after their release from prison.

Miller reflects on her experiences preparing for her career while playing basketball as a Jaguar and succeeding as a student-athlete.  

Read more here.

 

 

 

College of Business Graduate Profiles

Lluvia Hernandez AguirreLluvia Hernandez Aguirre may have found the start to college a little jarring as a first-generation college student during the pandemic, though through hard work, she adapted and thrived amidst the challenges. Now she’s set to graduate this spring with a Business Administration major and Psychology minor from Governors State University (GSU). 

While Lluvia’s start to college may not have been typical, she soon found her footing as classes returned to on-campus learning in her second year. 

Read more here.

 

 

 

juan rodriguez pictureJuan Manuel Rodriguez, a native of Colombia, pursued his dreams of studying in the United States and playing soccer at Governors State University (GSU). His time at GSU allowed him to pursue an enriching collegiate experience that included a degree in Business Administration Management, success as a student-athlete, and building community through service work. 

Read more here. 

 

 

 

 

 

P Newman 2Resilience and determination played key roles in Philip Newman’s journey at Governors State University (GSU), where he enrolled decades after graduating high school. Now that he's earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Newman recalls how daunting it felt to consider attending college after so many years.

Read more here.

 

 

 

 

College of Education Graduate Profiles

Media Picture- Soccer LangloisStaying close to home and playing collegiate soccer while also preparing to become a teacher were top priorities for Zoie Langlois. Now she’s ready to attain her goal of teaching at an elementary school.

As Langlois graduates with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, she reflects on her decision to attend Governors State University (GSU) and her journey to prepare for a career in education.

Read more here.

 

 

 

 

 

m mahoney 2For Michael Mahoney, three degrees weren’t enough to prepare him for his career in mental health counseling, education, and leadership. So he found his way to Governors State University (GSU) to complete a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision (CES), which prepares experienced counselors for opportunities in higher education and advanced clinical practice in professional counseling and supervision.

Read more here.

 

 

 

 

Ralph SansoneRalph Sansone, 39, an Elementary Education major, joined GSU in 2021 as part of the Dual Degree Program’s partnership with Kankakee Community College. He also received a scholarship through the Honors Program and will graduate with a 3.91 GPA. Ralph, who earned his GED at age 20, says he looks forward to helping students discover passion for learning and for life.

Read more here.

 

 

 

 

 

College of Health and Human Services Graduate Profiles

Jeanine Latrice KogerJust two years ago, Jeanine Latrice Koger earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Governors State University (GSU), nearly 30 years after graduating high school, and this spring she will graduate with her Master of Social Work (MSW) in pursuit of her dream to counsel veterans. Koger, a veteran herself, served in the United States Army immediately after high school. Then after being honorably discharged, she decided to enter the work force. It wasn't until years later that she decided to continue her education. 

Read more here.

 

 

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With her bachelor’s degree in Community Health, Myrna, 60,  hopes to build a career in the healthcare segment serving people  with disabilities. She said she’s honored to address College of Education and College of Health and Human Services students will receive diplomas as the 4:30 afternoon ceremony.

Read more here.

 

 

TaShea MooreTaShea’  Moore is passionate about physical therapy and wanted to go to a school with an excellent reputation. That’s what attracted her to Governors State University (GSU) – and a number of other schools.

But what convinced her to enroll in 2019 was the diversity.

Read more here.

 

 

 

 

 

Kiya RainesGovernors State University (GSU) doctoral candidate Kiya Raines worked diligently to get into the doctoral physical therapy (PT) program after seeing GSU graduates’ passing scores on the national PT exam. Once she was admitted, she began raising awareness to the youth within minority communities about PT. Now as she prepares to get her doctorate, Kiya said she made the best decision in choosing GSU.

Read more here.

 

 

 

 

Summer RaineySummer Rainey came to Governors State University (GSU) with a feeling that it was a great place for her to grow and come out of her comfort zone. Rainey, who underwent arteriovenous malformations (AVM) surgery as a child, overcame her condition, took back her self-confidence, and now counts earning her college degree as a wonderful accomplishment. 

Read more here.

 

 

 

 

 

2022

College of Arts and Sciences Graduate Profiles

IMG_2091-2For Rachel Beckmann, who is graduating with her degree in English from Governors State University (GSU), being a Jaguar meant stepping outside her comfort zone.

She started her tenure at GSU unsure about her future. Now, as she prepares to graduate Magna Cum Laude in May, she said GSU has helped her mold a vision for where she wants to be and has prepared her with experiences of a lifetime.

Read  more here.

 

 

 

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Commencement speaker Sonya Petty finished her education at Governors State University (GSU) remotely, and looks forward to attending  commencement on May 14. Representing the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) as an IDSS major, Petty,  a 57-year-old native of Chicago's South Side, will address her fellow graduates during the morning ceremony where CAS and College of Business will be honored.

Read more here. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ramona HernandezRamona Hernandez, an Interdisciplinary Studies major, says singing The National Anthem at commencement is an honor.

After graduating from high school, Hernandez earned her associate in arts at Richard J. Daley College. She wanted to continue her education at Governors State University (GSU), but “with life’s transitions” including working in the corporate world and raising a daughter, her education was put on hold. Now, as she prepares to graduate, she also is ready to fulfill a lifelong dream of singing  the Star-Spangled Banner. 

Read more here.

 

 

 

 

College of Business Graduate Profiles

Andres CornejoSlated to receive a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Business Administration and Management, Andres Cornejo is one of many Governors State University (GSU) students who received valuable hands-on experience as a student worker. 

He describes his time as a social media coordinator for the Department of Marketing and Communication as one of the most impactful experiences he’s had at GSU. Post graduation, he’ll be expanding on what he’s learned in that role as a graduate student in GSU’s Master of Business Administration program. 

Read more here. 

 

 

 

 

College of Education Graduate Profiles

Sharva Hampton

Sharva Hampton-Campbell already had a significant number of years experience in direct practice social work and in higher education. But she decided to pursue her doctorate degree so she could continue to accomplish her career goals. Post-graduation she will continue her work supporting and elevating former foster youth who are attending four-year universities, work that began in the Interdisciplinary Leadership (INLD) program here at Governors State University.  Her advice to others is to pursue your goals and aspirations no matter how far-reaching others think they are.

Read more here.

 

 

 

 

 

50371551_00802_0286_LargeAs a high school educator with a passion for college and career counseling, Aja Parker aspires to be the mentor she once needed for her students.  Graduating this spring with her Masters of Arts in Counseling from Governors State University (GSU), Parker will use what she’s learned to help students achieve their goals, while supporting their mental health needs. 

Read more here. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

College of Health and Human Services Graduate Profiles

134GSUViewBook06182020Social Work major Peter Brassea spent a long time working on the speech he will deliver at the evening commencement ceremony for GSU's College of Health and Human  Services and College of Education graduates.  There Brassea, who is the first in his immediate family to attend college, hopes to inspire his fellow graduates. 

Read more here. 

 

 

 

 

Brave FungBrave Fung, a Community Health major, began singing when he was a boy.  Now Fung, who works in the Payroll Department at Governors State University (GSU) is a guest vocalist for one of the May 14 graduation ceremonies. 

Read more here. 

 

 

 

 

 

dustin HoganFor Occupational Therapy major Dustin Hogan, Governors State University (GSU) has been an epicenter for promoting curiosity. He hopes to specialize in a few areas in the field after graduation and to eventually pursue a doctorate degree.

Read more here. 

 

 

 

 

 

Caroline serratoSince she was a freshman, Carolina Serrato, who's graduating with her master's degree in Communications Disorder, always valued the way GSU embraced cultural diversity. As she heads toward  a career in speech pathology post-graduation, she'll lean on that value to serve those in need.

Read more here. 

 

 

 

 

ChapuriFor, Charuna Sri Chapuri, an international student graduating with her master’s degree in Health Informatics, Governors State University (GSU) is a hub for learning and exploring new things. As she sets her sights on a future in the healthcare industry, she credits GSU for instilling the discipline and confidence needed to make her dreams a reality.

Read more here. 

 

 

 

2021

College of Arts and Sciences Graduate Profiles

For Derron Jackson the world of computer science is a world of opportunity.

Graduating this spring with his Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Governors State University, Jackson is transferring the skills he learned at GSU and through his internship with a Fortune 500 company to his new job with Ford Motor Company as a Software Engineer.

 

Read more here.

 

 

 

College of Business Graduate Profiles

Fabian Cambron started his bachelor's degree in information technology in 1994, while juggling a full-time job as well as a family. Governors State University catetered to the needs of Cambron, who received his Bachelor of Science in Information Technology in 2015––over a decade later.

Working as a Security Analyst for Edward-Elmhurst Hospital, Cambron returned to GSU in 2018 and is now graduating with a Master of Science in Management Information Systems. 

 

Read more here.

 

 

 

For Annalee Knapp, the reasons to transfer to Governors State University were simple: an excellent reputation, scholarships and accessibility. 

Between a Merit Tuition Waiver awarded to her based on her academics at Moraine Valley Community College, and a flexible school schedule that let her work full-time as a florist while she completed her degree, Knapp knew her degree was possible with GSU.

Now graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance, Knapp is one step closer to her dream job as a forensic accountant for the FBI.

Read more here.

 

College of Education Graduate Profiles

It had been more than a decade since Jennifer Young had earned her bachelor's degree in psychology at another university when she discovered Governors State University was where she needed to be to make her dreams a reality.

Now graduating with her Master of Arts in Counseling with a concentration in Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling, Young has the world ahead of her including offers from several clinical positions, a newly published children's book, and her recent acceptance into Governors State's Doctor of Education in Counselor Education and Supervision.

Read more here.

 

After receiving her bachelor's and master's degrees in English from Governors State University, Maria Ramirez was enjoying working with at-risk youth and high school students as an English tutor. 

But her role in the high school expanded as the number of teachers shrank over the next two years. Then, Ramirez realized she wanted to be a teacher. Knowing just the place to go, Ramirez came back to Governors State University and is now graduating with a Professional Educator License.  

Read more here.

 

 

College of Health and Human Services Graduate Profiles

After Nigam Bopanna received his bachelor’s degree in Dental Surgery in India, he was eager to contribute to the health care system as much as possible to help improve outcomes. A mentor suggested Governors State University to further his education. 

Graduating with a Master of Science in Health Informatics, Bopanna is on his way to achieving his career goals and personal goals, including earning an aviation license.

 

Read more here.

 

 

 

Like so many others, Nadia Barrera has had to shift and pivot in the midst of the pandemic to achieve her dreams of becoming a physical therapist. Despite the challenges, Barrera has had an eventful year of pursuing her passion at Governors State University.

 As a recipient of the prestigious Schweitzer Fellowship, Barrera embarked on a yearlong project at the Back of the Yards College Prep school in Chicago, where she met with students to increase their awareness of the opportunities of careers in the health sciences, including virtual afterschool meetings “field trips” she coordinated with community health professionals.

Her hard work and passion did not go unnoticed as the program grew in size, with participants doubling under her direction.

Now graduating as a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Barrera sets out on a new journey still fueled by the dedication that empowered her through her academic career. 

Read more here.