Commencement programs are an important archival resource for Governors State University. Not only do they include the list of graduates and the program of events for the ceremonies including the names of speakers, most of them also include biographical information on the honorary degree recipients, a description of the academic costume worn by participants, and a description of the Governors Mace. Some programs also include titles of theses, biographies of community service award recipients, and names of retiring employees and their years of service.

A new addition to our collection are copies of the Honorary Degree Citations provided by Penny Purdue of the President's Office. Please note this collection is missing citations for Eric Hoffer (1977), Henry Mark Petrakis (1980), Robert Petty, Sr. (2005), Dr. Quentin Young (2006), and Dr. Edward Hirsch (2006). The Doctor of Humane Letters honorary degree was first conferred at GSU's 5th commencement ceremony in 1975.

Learn more about commencements at Governors State University.

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Commencement 2023

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Commencement Program: 2023, Governors State University

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Doctoral Hooding Program: 2023, Governors State University

Commencement 2022

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Commencement Program: 2022, Governors State University

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Doctoral Hooding Program: 2022, Governors State University

Commencement 2021

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Commencement Program: 2020, Governors State University

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Commencement Program: 2021 - College of Arts and Sciences, Governors State University

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Commencement Program: 2021 - College of Business, Governors State University

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Commencement Program: 2021 - College of Education, Governors State University

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Commencement Program: 2021 - College of Health and Human Services, Governors State University

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Doctoral Hooding Program: 2020-2021, Governors State Unviersity

Commencement 2019

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Commencement Program: 2019, Governors State University

Commencement 2018

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Commencement Program: 2018, Governors State University

Commencement 2017

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Commencement Program: 2017, Governors State University

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Diversity at GSU's 2017 Commencement, Governors State University

Commencement 2016

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Board of Trustees Chair Brian D. Mitchell Speech, Governors State University

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Commencement Program: 2016, Governors State University

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Debra Earl Speech, Governors State University

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Faculty Senate President Barbara Winicki Speech, Governors State University

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Felice Kimbrew Sings the National Anthem, Governors State University

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Jamelia Hand Speech, Governors State University

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Joseph Klis Speech, Governors State University

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Phillip Richardson Sings the National Anthem, Governors State University

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President Elaine P. Maimon Speech, Governors State University

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Thank You Letter, Karen Caesar-Smith

Commencement 2015

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Commencement Program: 2015, Governors State University