We invite you to the 2024 GovState
Distinguished Alumni Reception

Join us for the highly anticipated Distinguished Alumni Reception on November 2, 2024. Join us as we honor the exceptional achievements of our alumni & emeriti and celebrate their remarkable journeys.

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Event Details

Keynote Speaker

Kristi DeLaurentiis

Kristi DeLaurentiis
Executive Director of the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association
B.S. ’95 & M.S. ‘98
Date:
Saturday, November 2, 2024
Reception: 5 p.m.
Program: 6 p.m.

Show Details

The Beat Goes On
starring Lisa McClowry as Cher
*The Center for Performing Arts show tickets are sold separately. A 55% off code will be distributed to reception guests after purchase of reception seats.

Reception Details

Check in available at 4:30 p.m.
Semi-formal attire is encouraged.
Dinner and refreshments are provided.

2024 College of Arts and Sciences Distinguished Finalists

Jane Cleland

Dr. Jane Cleland-Huang
B.S. ’95 & M.S. ‘98

Kenneth Rapier

Kenneth Rapier
B.S. ’95 & M.S. ‘98

Jeffery Buford

Jeffery Buford
M.S. ’96

Dr. Terri Winfree

Dr. Terri Winfree
B.A. ’98 & M.A. ‘00

2024 College of Education and Human Development Distinguished Finalists

Sierra Dockery

Sierra Dockery
M.A. ‘16

Dr. Donna Simpson-Leak

Dr. Donna Simpson-Leak
M.A. ’95

Dr. Nicole Randick

Dr. Nicole Randick
Ed.D ‘14

Faye Terrell-Perkins

Faye Terrell-Perkins
M.A. ‘77

2024 College of Health and Human Services Distinguished Finalists

Dr. Lauren Mansell

Dr. Lauren Mansell
D.P.T ‘11

Dr. Carol Alexander

Dr. Carol Alexander
M.S.N.’02 & D.N.P ‘11

Kyla Williams-Tate

Kyla Williams-Tate
M.H.S ‘99

Dr. Kashica Webber-Ritchey

Dr. Kashica Webber-Ritchey
M.S.N ’09 & M.H.A ‘07

2024 College of Business Distinguished Finalists

Jeremy Joyce

Jeremy Joyce
B.A. ’15

Martina Matthews

Martina Matthews
B.S. ‘11

John Schabes

John Schabes
B.A. ’94 & B.S. ‘04

Cheryl Baker

Cheryl Baker
B.A. ’06 & M.B.A ‘09

2024 Emeritus/Retiree Distinguished Finalists Distinguished Finalists

Dr. Rachel Berg

Dr. Rachel Berg

Dr. Susan Gaffney

Dr. Susan Gaffney

Dr. Maristela Zell

Maristela Zell

James Riordan

James Riordan

2024 Rising Star Distinguished Finalists Distinguished Finalists

Ruben Lopez

Ruben Lopez
B.A. ’21

Melany Villagomez

Melany Villagomez
B.A. ’21

Dr. Brie Coleman

Dr. Brie Coleman
D.P.T. ‘20

Dr. Imelda Macias

Dr. Imelda Macias
Ed.D. ‘22


Categories

Distinguished Alumni Award per College (Graduated 1972 to 2018)
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 2019 to 2024)
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
Jillian Klean Zwilling
Stacy Amedeo
Dr. Xueping “Clare” Tang
Dr. Walter Henne
Dr. Rashidah Muhammad
Dan Nearing

College of Business
Dr. Sonia Dalmia
Anne Frosh
Karen Williams
Mike Trendell
Cecil Wagner

College of Health and Human Services
Dr. Catherine Balthazar
Dr. Maryleen Jones
Dr. Nicole Bing
Dr. Catherine Tymkow

College of Education and Human Development
Dr. Shannon Dermer
Siobhan Dalrymple
Dr. Yeojin Rho
Dr. John Steele
Dr. Glenna Howell

Rising Star
Jessica Specht
Darcie Campos
Dr. Janelle Crowley
Dr. David Rhea
Lisa Jameyfield

Emeriti/Retiree
Dr. Stuart Fagan
Judy Ferneau
Joan Johns Maloney
Penny Perdue


This event is sponsored by

GSU Alumni Logo

Old National  Logo

Questions? Email AlumniRelations2@govst.edu for details and ticket information.