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 1985
Commencement Program: 1985, Governors State University
Honorary Degree Citation: Jonas Salk, Governors State University
Honorary Degree Citation: Pearl Bailey, Governors State University
Commencement 1984
Commencement Program: 1984, Governors State University
Honorary Degree Citation: Bernard Roizman, Governors State University
Honorary Degree Citation: Newton N. Minow, Governors State University
Commencement 1983
Commencement Program: 1983, Governors State University
Honorary Degree Citation: Elliot Lee Richardson, Governors State University
Honorary Degree Citation: Philip M. Klutznick, Governors State University
Commencement 1982
Commencement Program: 1982, Governors State University
Honorary Degree Citation: Alvin Francis Poussaint, Governors State University
Honorary Degree Citation: Sol M. Linowitz, Governors State University
Commencement 1981
Commencement Program: 1981, Governors State University
Honorary Degree Citation: James M. Furman, Governors State University
Honorary Degree Citation: Julia M. Walsh, Governors State University
Commencement 1980
Commencement Program: 1980, Governors State University
Honorary Degree Citation: Jewel S. R. Lafontant, Governors State University
Commencement 1979
Commencement Program: 1979, Governors State University
Honorary Degree Citation: Sister Ann Ida Gannon, Governors State University
Honorary Degree Citation: Thomas Fraser Pettigrew, Governors State University
Commencement 1978
Commencement Program: 1978, Governors State University
Honorary Degree Citation: Claiborne deBorda Pell, Governors State University
Honorary Degree Citation: John Hope Franklin, Governors State University
Commencement 1977
Commencement Program: 1977, Governors State University
Honorary Degree Citation: Peter W. Rodino, Governors State University