Date: January 21, 2005
Contact: Michael Hopkins
Phone: (708) 534-7090
Fax: (708) 534-8399
Email: m-hopkins@govst.edu
For Immediate Release
University Park, January 21, 2005 - Paula Franklin will be the Student Commencement Speaker for the Governors State University 2005 Commencement on Saturday, January 29.
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Student Commencement Speaker Paula Franklin
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Franklin, who is graduating with her master’s degree in Marriage and Family Counseling, is the former president of the university’s chapter of Chi Sigma Iota, the international honor society for counseling students, as well as professional counselors and educators.
While earning her master’s degree, Franklin gained CADC (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor) and MISA (Mentally Ill Substance Abuse Counselor) certifications and worked as a substance abuse counselor in Chicago’s Englewood community.
“Paula is an exceptional student and intern counselor in training,” said GSU professor Dr. Catherine Sori. “She is positive, enthusiastic, and determined to do her best in everything she sets her hand at doing.”
Sori commended Franklin’s leadership skills, noting that in addition to being voted president of Chi Sigma Iota, Franklin involved her fellow students in continuing education conferences for the American Counseling Association and the Illinois Counseling Association.
While a student, Franklin also acted as coordinator for the university’s Counseling Lab, which provides free counseling services.
“Paula is a giving and caring person,” said the Governors State’s College of Education dean, Dr. Steven Russell. “She’s been an outstanding student, and I’m proud that she’s representing her fellow students at commencement.”
Franklin said, “My professors within the Division of Psychology and Counseling have left a profound impression on me. They taught me the value of self-exploration. The more I learn about myself, the more capable I am of accepting others. They’ve introduced me to the power of helping people and the joy of watching people change.”
Franklin earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of South Alabama. She currently works as a child welfare case specialist for the social service agency Catholic Charities.
