Meet the 2026 student Commencement speakers

By Isabella Hollingsworth-Sons, Staff Writer

Two graduating seniors will be speaking at Governors State University's (GovState) 2026 Commencement Ceremonies to be held at Tinley Park Convention Center on Saturday, May 16.

Journey Manuel is a first-generation student proudly graduating from Governors State University with a Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics. She's a passionate student leader, serving as a peer mentor and secretary of the Student Senate. Journey has balanced her academic life as a student who switched majors late in the game, and as a person living with two autoimmune diseases.

As the 2026 student commencement speaker, Journey plans to share her story of cultivating resilience not in solitude but through connections with others. 

Journey will speak at the 10 a.m. ceremony for the College of Education and Human Development and the College of Health and Human Services.

Victoria Gómez is a dedicated and creative student, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in English from Governors State University. With her commencement, Victoria will become the third GovState grad in her family. As a determined leader involved with on-campus organizations such as Reading Jaguars and Tau Sigma, Victoria brings love and color to her life as a proud Latina woman.

As the 2026 afternoon student Commencement speaker, Victoria is set to inspire the Class of 2026 and share her story of overcoming, taking up space where there isn’t any, and thriving in a family that supports continuing education. 

Victoria will speak at the 4 p.m. ceremony for the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Business.