May 2023
In This Issue: Student Spotlight 2 Class of 2022-2023 3-5 Kudos & Congrats 6-8 Event Highlights 9-11 DDP Scholarship Deadline 12 Important Reminders 13-14 Save the Dates 15-16 Director's Message 17
DDP NEWSLETTER
student spotlight
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Name: Rodolfo Leal School: Kankakee Community College Major: Psychology Hover & Scroll In what ways has the Dual Degree Program influenced your success? DDP has influenced my success by freeing me of any and all worries, by having a transfer specialist work with me, nothing seemed hard or stressful anymore. I have Sharita Walker to thank for all the emails, zoom meetings, in person events and so on! What are your future plans at GSU? I plan on getting my bachelor’s at GSU in Psychology Mindfulness Studies, and right after I want to pursue my master’s degree there as well. I want to immerse myself in club and school activities. What are you most excited about in regards to transferring to GSU? I am most excited about going to GSU for all the psychology classes that I am enrolled in, sounds nerdy, but I love this subject! Also, I hope to dorm in the dormitory! What tips would you offer students for success? Tips for success for future students would be just as simple as enrolling in DDP. We are human, doing human things, taking part in something greater than ourselves!
class of 2022-2023
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ddp Graduation cording ceremony On Tuesday, May 9th, we celebrated the over 65 DDP students graduating from Governors State University. Graduates received a black and white cord braided with the color of their original community college; this symbolizes the attainment of both the associate and bachelor's degrees. We were fortunate to have representation from four partnering community colleges along side GSU faculty, staff, as well as lots of family and friends join us on that evening!
Please join us in congratulating our DDP students who have graduated from Governors State University during the 2022-2023 academic year!
Milley Carmona (HWash) Kayla Cox (KCC) Molly Cronin (MVCC) Elda Cruz (PSC) Latisha Davis (PSC) Rama Diab (MVCC) Martha Esparza (JJC) Brittany Galbreth (PSC)
Jannah Ahmed (MVCC) Ahmad Alsharbini (MVCC) Sydney Armstead (SSC) Alexis Ballard (KCC) Alondra Barajas (KCC) Tamika Bentley (PSC) Grace Bette (JJC) Arika Brittany (K-King) Inala Bruce-Rose (PSC) Douglas Burrage (PSC) Mallory Bush (JJC) Kayla Cardinal (MVCC)
Jessica Garcia (SSC) Zitlali Garcia (KCC) Mya Gilliean (Olv-Har) Brenda Gomez (Daley) Keion Goree (PSC) Dorothy Hall (PSC) David Harper Jr (JJC) Mya Henry (SSC) Brenda Herrejon (MVCC) Sashay Jones (HWash) Youbode Joway (Truman) Faith Keller (KCC)
Continued...
Cordell Payne (Olv-Har) Sandra Qudsi (MVCC) Brenda Reyes (SSC) Matias Reyes (MVCC) Alec Robinson (KCC) Denzail Robinson (HWash) SaLayah Robinson (PSC) John Ruiz (PSC)
Eduardo Sandoval (PSC) Ralph Sansone (KCC) Ashley Scott (JJC) Yasmin Shehab (MVCC) Maya Sheriff (Olv-Har) Frances Stratman (JJC) Jose Torres (Morton) Jermaine Tyler (SSC) Marcus Whittaker (Daley) Charity Wiley (PSC) Charlé Williams (PSC) Heba Yasin (MVCC) Catherine Zamolewicz (MVCC)
Best wishes on your Dual Degrees and beyond!
Jordyn Knapp (PSC) Ashley Kohlman (SSC) Alana Koster (SSC) Reyna Licea (PSC) Marianna Limperis (MVCC) Stephanie Maltos (Daley) Iliana Manrique (Daley) Ryan McCarthy (HWash) Amanda Ochoa (SSC) Nayeli Orozco (MVCC) Kayla Orsi (JJC) Parthavi Patel (PSC) Samantha Patti (PSC)
Alex Szczender (PSC) McKenna Tighe (MVCC) Trent Vahl (JJC) Roberto Valladares (Daley) Annalea Vehe (JJC) Jade Xively Villalobos (HWash) Alima Williams (MVCC) Nayeli Zambrano (PSC)
Jacob Abrams (JJC) Luis Camarena (PSC) Nancy Cordero (PSC) Thomas Daily (KCC) Lillie Futrell (PSC) Ariana Gonzalez (Morton) Ava Gordon (MVCC) Atzihri Guido (Daley) Monquetta Hawkins-Walton (SSC) Heather Keene (KCC)
It's Official- Fall 2023 DDP Scholarship recipients Congrats to all of our DDP Scholarship recipients who will be transferring to GSU this fall semester:
Rodolfo Leal (KCC) David Lonzo (JJC) Grace Meeks (JJC) Hannah Melka (MVCC) Keri Mirabelli (Morton) Anna Mitchell (COD) Christopher O'Farrell (SSC) Angelica Perez (OlvHar) Julissa Sepulveda (SSC) Jessie Stevens (MalX)
Kudos & congrats
GSU Honors Program graduates 2023 Congrats to Faith Keller, Jordyn Knapp, and Parthavi Patel who in addition to their bachelor's degrees have graduated with full University Honors at Governors State University!
GSU Chapter - Tau Sigma National Honors society Kudos to all the DDP students who were inducted on April 19 into Tau Sigma National Honors Society, a national honor society specifically for transfer students. The following achieved a 3.5 or above GPA in their first semester at Governors State University, and one will also be a new Executive Board member! In alphabetical order: Laila Atra-Yassin Incoming Vice President Mia Gasperini Jason Gonzalez Kimberly Gonzalez Sonya Hoard Desiree Horton Anyi Leon Luis Martinez Kevin Milani Deborah Smyles Lisa Wilcox
GSU Student leadership awards 2023 On April 21, GSU's Student Affairs recognized student leaders in an annual award ceremony. Twelve GSU-DDP students were recognized with a "DDP Service Award Certificate" for their outstanding involvement with DDP such as participating in DDP Community Service events, serving as a DDP Induction helper or tour guide, or even suiting up as GSU's mascot "Jax" at DDP events. Kudos and thanks to each of you! Pictured left to right: Amanda Johnson, Parthavi Patel, De Vonte Turner, Samantha Patti, Luis Martinez, and Inala Bruce-Rose Not pictured but honored with certificate (alpha order): Laila Atra-Yassin, Brenda Banuelos, Molly Cronin, Jessica Garcia, David Harper Jr., Najellli Mendoza, Melek Mohamad, Vanessa Perkins, Brenda Reyes, Eduardo Sandoval and Janice Taylor.
Event highlights
spring 2023 induction On April 7, 2023, DDP students from nine of our partnering community colleges participated in our spring DDP Induction event. Students learned about the many benefits of DDP, as well as steps to successfully complete their associate degree and transfer to GSU for their bachelor's degree. DDP students pledged to continuously encourage high standards of scholarships, excellence, leadership, and character while completing their dual degrees. Welcome to the DDP Family!
Hannah Melka (MVCC) Aeron Mendoza (JJC) Jacob Morales (Olv-Hvy) Diego Perez (SSC) Jose Pizano (KCC) Roberto Valladares (Daley) Nayeli Zambrano (PSC)
Induction Attendees: Gabriela Chaparro (SSC) Gregory Collins (HWash) Fanely Feregrino (Triton) Judith Fonseca (PSC) Shaelyn Hatcher (JJC) Julia Hernandez (PSC) Rodolfo Leal (KCC) Edith Lwanyaga (PSC)
event highlights
DDP Monthly Community service The Dual Degree Program coordinates community service activities to raise awareness of each other's communities, and learn from each other's experiences. For the month of March, DDP volunteered at Rich Township Senior Center, in Park Forest, IL. DDP volunteers decorated, served food, helped carry senior items to their tables and joined in on conversation, during the Senior Luncheon.
Community service, Cont. For the month of April, DDP volunteered at Eggers Grove, Cook County Forest Preserve in Chicago, IL. Volunteers helped identify and remove invasive plants that threaten to crowd our native species.
DDP Scholarship Deadline
spring 2024 Scholarships Applications DUE: Thursday, October 5th Would you like to attend GSU for FREE? If you are transferring to GSU in Spring 2024, make sure to apply for the DDP Promise Scholarship, DDP Honors Scholarship, and/or the DDP Chicago STAR Scholars Scholarships this semester! These scholarships are only available to DDP students. Students who qualify for multiple awards are encouraged to apply for all they are eligible to (if chosen by multiple committees, the recipient will have final choice of award.)
Hover & Scroll The DDP Promise Scholarship is a competitive scholarship for DDP students who receive the Federal Pell Grant and have at least a 2.75 GPA. It covers full tuition and fees at GSU for up to four semesters at GSU (excluding summers). The DDP Honors Scholarship is a competitive scholarship for DDP students who are current members of their community college Honors Program or chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and have at least a 3.5 GPA. It covers full tuition and fees at GSU for up to four semesters (excluding summers). DDP students at the City Colleges of Chicago may also be eligible for the DDP Chicago STAR Scholars Scholarship. It is open to DDP students who are enrolled in the Chicago STAR Scholars program, are active members of CCC’s Honors Program or chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society, and have a 3.50 GPA or above. Depending on your transfer term (spring or fall) there are two (2) scholarship categories; see the DDP Scholarship Application for more details. Undocumented students eligible for in-state tuition and complete the ISAC Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid are welcome to apply! Links to the DDP Scholarship Application and DDP Recommendation Forms can be found on the DDP Scholarships website. Again, application materials are due on Thursday, October 5, 2023
Important Reminders
deadlines for Fall programs are fast approaching! If you are planning to transfer to GSU in Fall 2023, please be aware that some programs have special application deadlines. Below is a list of undergraduate programs that have an application deadline in the upcoming months. Remember, you are strongly encouraged to submit all application materials/materials for admission as soon as possible to avoid any last-minute delays! Please contact your DDP Transfer Specialist for assistance in ensuring that you have all materials submitted before the following deadlines: Health Administration: Fall 6/15/23 Nursing (RN to BSN): Fall 8/1/23 Community Health: Fall 8/17/23 Social Work: Fall 8/4/23 IS your Financial Aid ready for fall semester? Students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to maximize financial aid opportunities including the Illinois MAP grant. When asked what institutions you wish your report to be sent to, be sure to include GSU's code: 009145 Have you heard of the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid? The Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid provides a way for undocumented and transgender students to apply for Monetary Award Program (MAP) grants, the state's largest need-based grant program for low-income college students. Pre-screening questions at the beginning of the application help students determine which application (Alternative Application vs. FAFSA) should be completed.
DDP transfer checklist Getting Ready to Transfer? For those preparing to make your transfer to a university this fall semester, here is a checklist designed to make sure that you have completed all necessary steps to make a seamless transition to your final transfer destination. For assistance with any of the checklist items, please contact your DDP Transfer Specialist. They are ready to help you make a smooth transition towards your bachelor's degree. Scroll down the list to make sure ▶ Unsure about something? Contact DDP today!
Hover & Scroll Apply/petition for graduation at your community college Apply to GSU (and other institutions of interest) Be mindful of special program deadlines! Order transcripts from each institution you have attended. Have them sent to: Electronically to:apotranscripts@govst.edu By mail: Governors State University, Admissions Processing, 1 University Parkway, University Park, IL 60484 Add GSU's school code (009145) to your FAFSA Apply for student housing (if applicable). Be mindful of housing application and deposit deadlines! Receive your program acceptance e-letter with new student login, ID#, and advisor contact info Contact your new academic advisor for important information regarding your major and course scheduling Log into the MyGSU student portal and register for classes - Fall Class Schedule is available now! Receive your new student materials (student ID, textbooks, etc.) Once your associate degree is complete, send final official transcript to GSU Submit your immunization forms, and other necessary documents (such as Financial Aid verification) to begin on time this fall semester!
Be sure to check your email for further details on the events mentioned here!
Save The Dates
Hover & Scroll DDP Back-2-School Social Hall of Honors (D1490) @ GSU Wednesday, August 30, 2023, 2-5pm Meet fellow DDP friends from all stages of transfer at GSU. Enjoy food, games, and win DDP merch. GSU Convocation Center for Performing Arts @ GSU Thursday, September 7, 2023, 1-3pm Convocation is a ceremony to welcome students to the start of the academic year. Many courses during this time will be released to attend this official ceremony of the University. DDP Career & Scholarship Symposium Room TBD @ GSU Friday, September 22, 2023, Time TBA Professional development day focused on providing resources to help you graduate with as little academic debt as possible and prepare you to your career passion into action. Spring 2024 Scholarship Deadline Thursday, October 5, 2023, 11:59pm For those transferring to GSU in the Spring of 2024, the deadline to apply for a DDP Honors, DDP Promise, or DDP Chicago Star Scholars Scholarship. See page three for more details!
FALL 2023
Fall 2023 Continued...
Hover & Scroll National Transfer Student Week October 16-20, 2023 Stay tuned for event announcements! DDP Welcome Cording Ceremony Hall of Governors @ GSU Friday, October 20, 2023, 6-7pm Dual Degree Program students who transferred to Governors State University in the Spring, Summer, or Fall 2023 will be honored at a cording ceremony to acknowledge the completion of their associate degree and successful transfer to GSU. DDP Induction Ceremony (Fall Option) Engbretson Hall & E-Lounge @ GSU Friday, November 10, 2022, 9:30am-1pm Semi-annual Induction Ceremony for DDP students who are still attending community college. Students are asked to attend an Induction Ceremony prior to transferring to GSU. Stay tuned for Fall 2023 monthly DDP community service opportunities!
Dear DDP Students and Supporters, Congratulations to the over 65 DDP students who walked the stage on May 13th at the Tinley Park Convention Center, celebrating the completion of their bachelor's degrees from Governors State University. An additional congratulations to all of the DDP students who completed their associate degree at one of our 17 community college partner campuses this spring or summer. We can't wait to see what you do with your Dual Degrees and beyond! Please keep an eye on your email for summer opportunities to engage with DDP. The DDP team is on campus throughout the summer semester, so let us know if you need anything! Have a safe and sunny summer, and we'll see you soon! Best, Jessica Specht, M.A. Director of the Dual Degree Program
Director's message