2025 Distinguished Alumni Reception
Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Location: Governors State University, Hall of Governors
You're invited to an extraordinary evening at the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Reception! Join us as we pay tribute to the outstanding accomplishments of alumni and emriti in our remarkable GovState community.
Know an outstanding alumnus or emeritus deserving of recognition? Nominate them for the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Awards! Help us spotlight those whose achievements and impact reflect the best of the GovState community.
We invite you to nominate deserving alumni and emeriti for this Distinguished Honor.
Nominations are open until June 30.
Categories
Distinguished Alumni Award per College (Graduated 1972 to 2019)
Recognizes one who has contributed to their field of study or has achieved a record of major distinction in their career.
Rising Star Alumni (Graduated 2020 to 2025)
Recognizes a graduate from within the last five years for superior accomplishments
Retiree and Emeriti Category
Recognizes one GovState emeritus/retiree who demonstrates extraordinary commitment to their community and Governors State University demonstrated through service and distinction.
Process
Six committees of 28 individuals carefully read over each nomination. Each committee member scores each entry individually. Final scores are then collected for an overall score. This means each nominee has been selected through a rigorous process.
Committee Members
College of Arts and Sciences
Dr. Jason Zingsheim
Dr. Terri Winfree
Dr. Jillian Klean Zwilling
Stacy Amedeo
Dr. Xueqing "Clare" Tang
Dr. Walter Henne
Dr. Rashidah Muhammad
Dan Nearing
College of Business
Dr. Sonia Dalmia
Martina Matthews
Cecil Wagner
Karen Williams
Mike Trendell
College of Education and Human Development
Dr. Shannon Dermer
Siobhan Dalrymple
Dr. Yeojin Rho
Dr. John Steele
Dr. Amy Vujaklija
Dr. Glenna Howell
College of Health and Human Services
Dr. Catherine Balthazar
Mr. Vernard Alsberry
Dr. Nicole Bing
Dr. Catherine Tymkow
Dr. David Diers
Dr. Maryleen Jones
Rising Star
Dr. David Rhea
Melany Villagomez
Darcie Campos
Lisa Jameyfield
Hajja Madinah
Emeriti/Retiree
Penny Perdue
Dr. Stuart Fagan
Judy Ferneau
Joan Johns Maloney
Dr. Stephen Wagner
Josh Sopiarz
This event is sponsored by
Questions? Email AlumniRelations2@govst.edu for details and ticket information.