Alumni Association - Governors State University

10/09/2026

Homecoming is a family affair! Bring the kids and make new memories at . Join us for a free, family-friendly celebration where alumni can share their Jaguar pride with the next generation while enjoying Homecoming festivities and connecting with campus and community resources.

It’s a chance to reconnect, introduce your little Jaguars to the community you’re part of, and make Homecoming a tradition for the whole family.

We can’t wait to welcome you back!

Register here: https://engage.govst.edu/register/?id=f1a2ce7e-3ac4-4d91-aee3-5451cc5d1c12

10/02/2026

Congratulations to Rene Rivas, recipient of the Alumni Impact Award, given at the Hispanic Heritage Month Symposium by Assoc. Director Kim Gonzalez!

Rene continues to make a difference in the GovState community by sharing his time, knowledge, and experience with students. From speaking on panels and providing financial education to volunteering with the Alumni Association and supporting events, he is always finding ways to give back.

Thank you, Rene, for being such a wonderful ambassador for Governors State University and for helping open doors for the next generation of GovState Latinx students! 👏🎓

10/02/2026

Join Alumni and current students at for Business After Dark, an evening designed to bring business professionals together to network, connect, and create new opportunities as part of the 2026 Homecoming Week lineup.

Wednesday, October 28 | 6 p.m. in Engretson Hall at Governors State University

Join us for Business After Dark—an evening designed to bring students, alumni, faculty, and business professionals together to network, connect, and create new opportunities.

10/01/2026

Calling all ! The 2026 season at the Center for the Performing Arts opens this weekend, Oct. 3. This year’s theme, “Electrifying Performances Sparked by Joy,” reflects a season built around curiosity, discovery and connection—a perfect combination for alumni to come home to campus.

By Jane Cox, Guest WriterGovernors State University (GovState) students, faculty, staff, and alumni do not have to travel far to experience live music, theatre, dance, family programming, and more this year.The Center for Performing Arts (The Center) at GovState is launching its 2026–27 season wit...

08/20/2026

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

08/18/2026

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

08/12/2026

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.🧡

08/06/2026

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

07/29/2026

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

07/28/2026

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.

🧡