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.
Commencement 2015
Honorary Degree Citation: Elizabeth Brackett, Governors State University
Honorary Degree Citation: Nikki Giovanni, Governors State University
Commencement 2014
Commencement Program: 2014, Governors State University
Honorary Degree Citation: Orbert Davis, Governors State University
Honorary Degree Citation: Scott Turow, Governors State University
Orbert Davis Speech, Governors State University
Scott Turow Speech, Governors State University
Commencement 2013
Commencement Program: 2013, Governors State University
Honorary Degree Citation: Maria Hinojosa, Governors State University
Commencement 2012
Commencement Program: 2012 , Governors State University
Honorary Degree Citation: Charles Lotton, Governors State University
Honorary Degree Citation: Laurens Grant, Governors State University
Commencement 2011
Commencement Program: 2011 , Governors State University
Honorary Degree Citation: Marca Bristo, Governors State University
Honorary Degree Citation: Vivian Gussin Paley, Governors State University
Commencement 2010
Commencement Program: Spring 2010 , Governors State University
Commencement Program: Winter 2010 , Governors State University
Honorary Degree Citation: Doug Glanville, Governors State University
Honorary Degree Citation: Peter Schjeldahl, Governors State University
Commencement 2009
Commencement Program: Spring 2009, Governors State University
Commencement Program: Winter 2009, Governors State University
Honorary Degree Citation: Dr. Blondean Davis, Governors State University
Honorary Degree Citation: Michael Beschloss, Governors State University
Commencement 2008
Commencement Program: Spring 2008, Governors State University
Commencement Program: Winter 2008, Governors State University