Alumni Association - Governors State University

Liam Kirschbaum '26 & '24 was recently promoted to Senior Accountant at JLL, and he's grateful for the alumni, staff and faculty who've supported him throughout his accounting journey, both at Governors State University and beyond.

Among the mentors who helped shape his path:
🔹 Laura Galvin, CPA
🔹 Dr. David M. Rhea
🔹 John Schabes
🔹 Professor Michael Trendell
🔹 Dr. Laura White
🔹 Professor William Kresse (Professor Fraud®)

"I have many people to thank and recognize at GovState," he says. "Everyone is deserving of their own paragraph."

Learn about Liam's journey from student to Senior Accountant: https://bit.ly/4qASBIn

Explore local artistry at the 2026 Prairie Party in the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park! During this event, you will discover 34 masterworks in the collection, 5 visiting artists’ installations, and more!

Date: September 12, 2026
Time: 4:00 p.m.

Please register by September 4, 2026.

Register today: https://bit.ly/45ByUGH
Learn more: https://bit.ly/4xTPaz3

From an early age, Michelle Hayes '02 understood the value of quality education, having seen the benefits of Governors State University firsthand through her mother's time there. When it was her turn to choose a university, she chose Governors State University — the place she now calls “home.”

Michelle graduated from the College of Business at GovState in 2002 and now serves as a Central Relationship Manager and licensed financial broker at Fidelity Investments. Beyond her career at Fidelity Investments, Michelle is a principal partner at Math Language LLC, helping hundreds of young learners perform above grade-level in math.

In recognition of her professional achievements and community contributions, Michelle was inducted into GovState’s Distinguished Alumni Class of 2025.

Watch Michelle’s full interview to learn how GovState empowers her success and service: https://bit.ly/4z433fg

We appreciate our talented Digital Learning & Media Design team for producing this amazing interview.🧡

After 20+ year career in education, GovState alumna, Dr. Teresa Polson '05 rejoins Valley View School District (VVSD) as Superintendent!🧡

Dr. Polson received her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Governors State University in 2005. She began her teaching career at VVSD shortly after.

Congratulations, Dr. Polson! We know the VVSD community is glad to have you back home.

Learn more about Dr. Polson’s appointment: https://bit.ly/47NPNjt

Meet GovState alumna, Tammy Brown ‘25 a community-minded teacher who has cultivated confident learners for the past 30 years.

Tammy reflects on her time at Governors State University with gratitude saying, “I love GovState and I shout it from the rooftops often…the professors were the absolute cherry on top.”

As an early childhood educator at Prairie Hills School District 144, Tammy is currently pursuing a post-graduate Educational Leadership certificate to support new teachers.

Learn more about Tammy's journey here: https://conta.cc/3ToJlKZ
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GovState College of Education and Human Development

We appreciate our emergency response and support teams for protecting us during the storm.

We understand that these workers are now managing the aftermath.

We hope everyone is safe and are praying for those who have been impacted by the storm.

🧡

Join us for a guided tour and outdoor art project in the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park this Thursday, July 23, 2026! You will spend an evening with your family designing a creative piece based on Jason Pickleman's artwork, Hand Heart.

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $15 per guest (includes materials for a hands-on project for all ages)

Location Details:
- Park in Lot West 2.
- Walk to the Red Sculpture at the north side of the parking lot.

Register for Family Fun Night here: https://bit.ly/4pwB9nT

Today, Governors State University is 57 years young!🧡

We are grateful for the place that equips students with the tools to excel and serve in our global community.

Click here to support GovState students: https://bit.ly/4ajnKJk

Through “Tears Are Holy Water”, GovState alumna, RoseRita Walsh James, LCSW encourages those who have suffered trauma to embrace healing — with self-compassion.

RoseRita reflects on her pathway to authorship, citing Governors State University’s major role in shaping both her clinical perspective and her commitment to socially conscious healing work.

“In many ways, this book is an extension of the values that were reinforced during my education: compassion, critical reflection, advocacy, creativity, and service.” — RoseRita “Rita” James, MSW '17

Explore RoseRita's full reflection here: https://conta.cc/4pq1YtX

If you’re a certified paraprofessional, SPEED School District 802 has an opportunity for you!

As a paraprofessional, you will help students navigate classroom activities and educational curriculum. Join SPEED School District 802 and become an advocate for student empowerment!

Apply today: https://bit.ly/4vxhEwY