Traditions old and new: Doctoral Hooding 2025
By Sarah Shoaf, Staff Writer
Recognizing traditions old and new in the 2025 Doctoral Hooding, Governors State University’s (GovState) Provost Beverly Schneller welcomed the 58 doctoral candidates from the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) and the College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) in a ceremony that honored the past, celebrated the present, and embraced the future.
In respect of former President Cheryl Green who passed away this April, Provost Beverly Schneller began the ceremony reflecting on Dr. Green's dedicated leadership to putting students first until her retirement in March of this year.
“Tonight, as we celebrate this milestone in our doctoral class’s academic journey, we do so knowing that this celebration embodies former President Green’s highest values and deepest commitment to Governors State University,” said Provost Schneller. “Her passion for the power of education to transform lives and her innovative thinking is being carried on through each of you as graduates from this day forward.”
Following a 15-second reflection, Provost Schneller commended the candidates for their commitment to education.
“Graduates, we know that yours is a story of courage,” said Provost Schneller. “You embraced the challenge of doctoral education, knowing that it would require unwavering dedication, perseverance, and intentionality to earn this degree.”
Provost Schneller was joined by Interim President Corey S. Bradford Sr., members of Cabinet, faculty, staff, and members of the Board of Trustees (BOT).
On the opposite side of the stage sat the candidates from Counseling and Supervision, Educational Leadership, Nursing, and Physical Therapy, all beaming with smiles, anticipating their doctoral hoods.
Dr. Bradford directly addressed the candidates, congratulating them on reaching this milestone.
“This is the highest degree in academia,” said Dr. Bradford. “To accomplish this, only 3% of the U.S. population can call themselves doctor.”
With that, the ceremonial hooding of candidates began. Dating to medieval times, the hooding tradition celebrates academic achievement. Each degree is signified by a special color lining an elegant velvet scarf, which once held a function — to keep warm the shaven heads of monks.
Dressed in a royal blue lined hood, Khadijah Bradford ‘16 soaked in the moment with closed eyes and a warm smile. Earlier, she reflected on the sacrifices her parents made, allowing her to earn her Ed.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision.
“The world they lived in, not so long ago, did not afford them the same opportunities,” she said. “I do not take lightly their sacrifice, and dedication to myself, and my siblings. Governors State University is their answered prayer, and I am so happy to be able to be the living manifestation of their dreams.”
With her degree, Khadijah looks forward to furthering her counseling experience and following her dream to teach at the university level.
Decked out in a hood lined with light blue, Adam Kueltzo ‘06, who earned an Ed.D. in Interdisciplinary Leadership (INLD), found mentors in his professors, helping him grow as a school leader.
“Governors State University has given me the opportunity to learn from some wonderful people, both staff and fellow students,” he said. “GovState has also provided me with the education to advance in my career.”
As principal of Serena High School in Serena, Illinois, Adam has fostered a close-knit atmosphere of students and staffs, greeting others by name. That kind of environment was important to him and he appreciated finding a similar experience with his hybrid class schedule at GovState.
Also wearing a light blue lined hood, Myiti Sengstacke-Rice earned her Ed.D. in INLD with a concentration in Not for Profit/Social Entrepreneurship (NSPE). As CEO of Chicago Defender Charities, Myiti leads the historic Bud Billiken Parade, the nation’s longest running African American parade, an end-of summer staple on Chicago’s South Side, to excite students returning to school.
Driven by the Charities’ mission to improve the quality of life for African Americans, particularly in the Chicago area, through a variety of programs focused on education, arts, health, wellness, and community engagement, Myiti plans to use her degree to identify strategies to advance the more than 100-year-old mission.
“What I appreciate about the NPSE program is that it’s a true community that helps me cultivate the skills I need to carry on the legacy of the Chicago Defender Charities franchise and the Bud Billiken Parade,” she said.
Draped in an apricot lined hood, Sandra Wood ’11 earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice. Sandra is an adjunct faculty member of Prairie State College and works part-time as a family practice nurse in New Lenox.
Having worked on both sides as a nurse and educator, Sandra said she better understands the need for each learning experience.
“Research affects everything that happens in nursing—it’s such a pivotal role and being at the doctoral level, I’m in a position to use what I know about ethical and responsible research to impact this profession,” she said.
Wearing a hood lined with teal, Sessily Gianakos ‘21 flashed an infectious smile as she waved to friends and family who came to watch her receive her hood for her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. For Sessily, this degree is a culmination of her seven-year academic journey, bringing her one step closer to her dream of owning her own multidisciplinary clinic to guide others on their healing journeys.
She credits GovState for offering the space to grow as she pursued her goals.
“I am grateful for GovState for being such a diverse and welcoming environment for all, providing exceptional learning and volunteer opportunities, a place where dreams can become reality at an accommodable and equitable level.”
Marking a beginning and an end, Provost Schneller read GovState’s Land Acknowledgement Statement, which recognizes that the University occupies land that was originally the ancestral homelands of various Native Nations. This was the first time it was read at the University’s doctoral hooding ceremony.
Following the ceremony, Provost Schneller recognized two distinguished faculty members who are retiring, Dr. Patricia Robey in CEHD and Dr. Catherine Tymkow in CHHS. “I want to invite you all to join me in thanking them for the countless hours, dedication, generosity of spirit and love for the students that they have taught over the years.”
With their hoods, the candidates processed out of the auditorium to uplifting music, reminded of the encouraging words spoken earlier by BOT Chair Jim Kvedaras.
“Remember, the future chapters are yours to write. Congratulations Class of 2025. Now, when you’re done tonight, get out there and make your mark on this world—I know you can.”