Think GovState this Giving Tuesday, December 2
By Lauren Rademacher, Guest Writer; Edited by Lisa Redmond, Staff Writer
At Governors State University (GovState), every gift tells a story of possibility. On this Giving Tuesday, (the Tuesday after Black Friday set aside for giving back) think about giving to GovState and helping to transform the community, provide accessible education, and support critical fields of study.
For many students, the path to higher education is filled with challenges: financial barriers, family responsibilities, and the balancing act of work and study. Yet, with the support of generous donors, those challenges transform into opportunities.
Contributions to scholarships and student success funds empower Jaguar hopefuls to become accomplished alumni, shaping their futures while strengthening the entire Chicago Southland community.
This Giving Tuesday, December 2, 2025, GovState is aiming toward the goal of $100,000.
Donations to Governors State don’t just fund an education, it fuels dreams, advances equity, and invests in tomorrow’s leaders.
Contributions to student scholarships and related funds help transform Jaguars into proud Alumni. Donations allow students to accomplish their immediate goals, achieve excellence in their respective fields, and give long-lasting support to the Chicago Southland. The generosity of donors directly impacts students’ learning experiences, providing them with the chance to cultivate critical skills and a deep passion for their chosen career.
The Center for Performing Arts and the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park bring quality cultural and educational programming to over 50,000 community members in the Southland. By supporting the arts through donations to student scholarships and cultural centers, also give students the skills to further enrich this important legacy.
Likewise, donor support continues to make education possible for first generation students, single parents, veterans, and students with disabilities. With these crucial donations we can continue providing educational opportunities in fields experiencing increasing need across the board, such as education, information technology, finance, and health and human services professions.
Here is just a snapshot of what some GovState students have said:
"Thank you for believing in my potential and contributing to a transformative chapter in my family's history. Your support fuels my determination to achieve academic excellence. " - Limahl, Faculty Senate Scholarship Winner
"I am a full-time student, who is also working full-time and raising a six-year-old son. It is difficult to pursue at times, but this money is going to ease my burden not just for me but also for my family." - Benjamin, Husn Bano Shahid Memorial Scholarship Winner
"Your support has given me more time to pursue opportunities related to my future career in healthcare, such as volunteering and shadowing, without needing to take on extra work hours. I am truly grateful for this help and encouragement as I continue working toward my goal of becoming an anesthesiologist assistant." - Omar, Jassac Charitable Foundation Scholarship Winner
“I'm striving now more than ever to continue on that path whilst creating high quality work that […] brings recognition to the world's need for art. I am determined to continue pushing myself, refining my craft, and proving that I am worthy of this generosity. Thank you again for believing in me and my potential.” - Gena, Jackie McKethen Scholarship Winner
This Giving Tuesday, December 2, 2025, we are asking you to THINK GOVSTATE so we can transform our community, provide accessible education, and support critical fields. Thank you for your continued support.
We’re aiming toward a goal of $100,000. Will you join us today?
Visit our Giving Tuesday 2025 page to explore giving options.
Lauren Rademacher is an Administrative Aide in Institutional Advancement at GovState.