GSU student Brave Fung selected as a 2022 commencement singer

Brave Fung

Brave 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. 

GSU Newsroom: What's special about GSU?

Fung: I appreciate how GSU welcomed  me as an older student, and prepared me for life after classes are done. Getting my college degree has me feeling grateful Governors State is an institution that works with people like me. Once you take that first break, most of us will not go back (to college).

GSU Newsroom: How did it feel to be selected as a commencement singer?

Fung: To say I am thrilled would be an understatement. It really is an amazing opportunity. It’s pretty awesome.

GSU Newsroom: What does it mean to be a Jaguar?

Fung: To me, being a Jaguar means not giving up, being resilient, getting up when we stumble, having a purpose, and supporting others on the journey. It means leaving a ‘paw print’ on the path or better yet, forging our own path.

GSU Newsroom: What are conversations that started at GSU that will continue beyond your graduation? 

Fung: I sometimes thinks of two conversations that kept coming up and will continue to be key principles for me. One of them was the concept of meeting people where they are on their journey so that we can effectively help address their specific needs, and create solutions that make sense. Each individual is different and has their own unique set of gifts and challenges, and one size solutions do not fit all.

The second one is the importance of finding the strength within each person and build from the inside out.  Growth and positive change come from within and when we can inspire that, we can help others build self-efficacy and in turn build healthier communities.

GSU Newsroom: What's next after graduation?

Fung: I want to use my degree to help people cope with substance abuse, drawing from my own journey of recovery.

I didn’t get sober until later on in life. Even people who have not gone through it, they can help as long as they get in touch with their own brokenness.