Date: February 8, 2007
Contact: Lindsay Gladstone
Governors State University
Phone: (708) 534-7090
Fax: (708) 534-8399
Email: l-gladstone@govst.edu
For Immediate Release
Governors State University Commencement
University Park, Illinois, February 8, 2007 — Graduates earning both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in 47 different programs will cross the stage as they are honored for their hard work and academic success.
“We are very proud of our graduates. They have excelled in school, many balancing work and family, to earn their degrees,” said Dr. Stuart Fagan, President of Governors State University. “Now they will excel as graduates, armed with the knowledge and skills they need for the future.”
The 2007 Honorary Degree Recipient is Dr. Margaret Burroughs. Dr. Burroughs is a noted artist, author, and educator who, with her husband, Charles, founded the DuSable Museum of African American History in Chicago. She is also known for her creative artwork, poetry, and her work helping and inspiring others to strive for their goals no matter what obstacles they may face.
Maria M. Barksdale of Park Forest will give the student address at Commencement. Barksdale will receive her Master of Arts in Communication and Training with a 4.0 grade point average.
After graduation, Barksdale plans to use her degree to continue to help others. As a student she was active in community and university programs which help the underrepresented and underserved. In the future, she hopes to work with high-risk youths to reduce disparities in access to higher education, health care, and economic empowerment.
