Convocation 2025
Date: Thursday, September 4, 2025
Check-in and Welcome Activities: 12:00 p.m. in the Hall of Governors
Convocation Ceremony: 1:00 p.m. in the Center for Performing Arts
Ice-cream Social: 2:00 p.m. in the Hall of Governors
Overview
Kick off the fall semester at Convocation 2025!
Join your fellow GovState Jaguars on Thursday, September 4 at 12:00 p.m. in the Hall of Governors for check-in and welcome activities.
The ceremony will begin at 1:00 p.m. in the Center for Performing Arts.
All students are welcome, and first-year undergraduate students are especially encouraged to attend as we officially mark the beginning of your academic journey at Governors State University.
Register for the Student Convocation Ceremony!
Convocation is an official Governors State University tradition that welcomes students to the start of the academic year. Many courses will be released during this time to allow students to attend.
Freshmen who attend will receive the cords they will wear when they graduate from Governors State University. These cords represent your journey from the start of your academic experience to Commencement.
The Welcome Back Ice-cream Social will immediately follow the ceremony.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Order of Convocation
Master of Ceremonies and Land Acknowledgement Statement
Dr. Beverly Schneller, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs,
Processional and Order of Marshals
Lead Marshal, Dr. David Conrad
Class of 2029 – Flag Placed and Cording
Mr. Sean O’Brien, Student Senate President
Recognition of Trustees, Dignitaries and Key Stakeholders
Dr. Beverly Schneller
Official Beginning of the New Academic Year
Mr. Joshua Sopiarz, Faculty Senate President
Honor Guard and Placement of United States of America Flag
University of Chicago Honor Guard
The Star-Spangled Banner
Ms. Amber Whitted, Vocalist and Admissions Analyst
Mr. Evel Knight, Keyboardist
Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing
Ms. Amber Whitted, Vocalist and Admissions Analyst
Mr. Evel Knight, Keyboardist
Presidential Remarks
Dr. Joyce C. Ester, President
Speakers, Lessons Learned and Recommendations
Ms. Gillian Vinson, Alumni Associate
Mr. Delton Pierce, Student Affairs
Mr. Sean O’Brien, Student Senate President
Keynote Speaker
Alumna, Kaylie Dahms, KTIV-TV News Anchor/Reporter (Class of 2025)
Closing and Recessional
Lively Music, Boots on the Ground,803Fresh (Douglas Furtick)