May, 2021
In This Issue: Student Spotlight Page 2 Important Updates Pages 3 - 8 Campus Connections: The CJY Page 9 Event Highlights Pages 10 -12 Congratulations, Grads! Pages 13 - 19 Save the Dates Page 20 Director's Corner Page 21
DDP NEWSLETTER
Name: Alexis Ballard School: Kankakee Community College Major: Clinical Psychology In what ways has the Dual Degree Program influenced your success? The Dual Degree Program has influenced my success by providing incentives for working hard in school. There are so many scholarship opportunities for students who maintain good grades. I take my school funding especially serious given my living situation, so getting rewarded financially for my academics is a huge part of my success! What are your future plans at GSU? I plan to achieve my bachelor's in Clinical Psychology and stay to also receive master's degree at GSU. What are you most excited about in regards to transferring to GSU? I'm most excited about the rigorous psychology /counseling program at GSU. My therapist attended GSU and she loved the courses that are in the program. I’m most excited for a personality course! What tips would you offer students for success? With hard work and dedication, you can accomplish anything! As long as you stay focused on your goals, you will succeed!
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student spotlight
important updates
Fall 2021 Transfer Information aim high SCHOLARSHIPS The AIM HIGH Scholarship is an automatic, merit based award that is renewable at GSU for up to four semesters (not including summers.) In addition to the graduating GPA and Illinois residency requirement, GSU must have your official transcript with your associate degree posted in order to apply the award to your student account. Contact your DDP Transfer Specialist, or the GSU Office of Admissions, for more information! upcoming GSU Admissions deadlines GSU Application Deadlines for Special Admissions Programs are Fast Approaching! DDP students, if you are planning to transfer to GSU for the Fall 2021 semester, please be aware that some programs have application deadlines that are quickly approaching. Below is a list of undergraduate programs that have an application deadline in the upcoming summer months. Please contact your DDP Transfer Specialist for assistance in ensuring that you have all materials submitted before the deadline: Health Administration: June 15 Nursing (RN to BSN): July 1 Community Health: Extended to August 17 Social Work: August 7
Apply for graduation at your community college. Apply for admissions to GSU, or your preferred university. Order transcripts from each institution you have attended to be sent to transfer institution -- Current semester courses allowed to be “In Progress”. You will be admitted conditionally so that you may move forward with class registration in a timely fashion. If transferring to GSU, sent to either: apotranscripts@govst.edu, or Governors State University, Admissions Processing, 1 University Parkway, University Park, IL 60484 Add GSU or other university’s school code to your FAFSA for 2021-2022 -- GSU’s FAFSA code is 009145. Apply for student housing (if applicable) – Be mindful of housing application and deposit deadlines! Receive your program acceptance letter with new student login and email, student ID#, and Academic Advisor contact info. Contact new Academic Advisor for important information regarding your major and course scheduling. Log into your new student portal and register for classes. Receive your new student materials (student ID, class schedule, Financial Aid award letter, etc.) Once your associate degree has been conferred and posted on your community college transcript, be sure to send one final official transcript to your new transfer institution -- A final transcript is necessary to show that you have completed your associate degree, and to provide your final semester’s grades!
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 the 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 on the menu to the right to make sure you have "checked" everything off your list:
The GSU 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 and a book stipend for up to four semesters at GSU (excluding summers). Illinois Dreamers and DACA students are also encouraged to apply for the GSU Promise Scholarship for the chance to earn a $600 book stipend for up to four semesters at GSU! 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). Illinois Dreamers and DACA students are eligible for the full award for up to four semesters at GSU! 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 3.25 GPA or above.There are two (2) scholarship categories; see the DDP Chicago STAR Scholar app for more details! Illinois Dreamers and DACA students are eligible for the full award for up to four semesters at GSU! Applications and recommendation forms can be found on the DDP Scholarships website. Again, application materials are due on Thursday, October 7, 2021!
SPRING 2022 Transfers: DDP Scholarship Applications are due october 7th, 2021 Would you like to attend GSU for FREE? If you are transferring to GSU in spring 2022, make sure to apply for the GSU Promise Scholarship, DDP Honors Scholarship, and/or the DDP Chicago STAR Scholars Scholarships. These scholarships are only available to DDP students. (Students who qualify for multiple awards are encouraged to apply for several, although students may only be awarded one out of those eligible.) Scroll through the award to the right to learn more:
Kudos and congratulations!! It's official - Fall 2021 ddp scholarship recipients Congrats to all of our DDP Honors, GSU Promise, and DDP Chicago Star Scholars Scholarship recipients: Lydia Swire (CCC-MalX) Zitlali Garcia (KCC) Kayla Cardinal (MVCC) Parthavi Patel (PSC) David Harper Jr. (JJC) Alexis Ballard (KCC) Molly Cronin (MVCC) Joanna Rodriguez (PSC) Martha Esparza (JJC) Basil Mohammad (KCC) Kara De La Leurs (MVCC) Eduardo Sandoval (PSC) Ashley Harding (JJC) Alec Robinson (KCC) Jordyn Knapp (PSC) Jessica Garcia (SSC) Brenda Reyes (SSC) DDP graduating with Univerisity honors @ gsu Congratulations to the following DDP students graduating with University Honors at Governors State University’s upcoming 2020-2021 Commencement: Michael Beauford (CCC-Dal) Elyse Gustafson (KCC) Angela Ehrlicher (MVCC) Ashley Westmoreland (CCC-MalX) Brittany Lafond (KCC) Natasha Ehrlicher (MVCC) Dailah Azam (JJC) Melany Villagomez (KCC) Stefanie Neylon (MVCC) Jessica Brooks (JJC) Megan Allen (MVCC) Shannon Porter (PSC)
Kudos and congratulations!! continued... Congrats, DDP Student Transition Assistants Thank you to our upcoming graduates who once served as a DDP Student Transition Assistant during their time at GSU (listed in order of left to right): Bennett Talaber (JJC), Cordell Payne (CCC-KKng), Isabel Cervantes (Morton), Morgan Langer (KCC), & Rodolfo Garcia (MVCC)!
Kudos and congratulations!! continued... tau sigma national honor society @ gsu Kudos to the recent inductees of 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: Spring 2020 Cohort: Brenda Alvarado (MVCC) Melissa Sidler (PSC) Isabella Reyes (MVCC) Musa Ak Touray (CCC-OlvH) Fall 2020 Cohort: Iliana Manrique (CCC-Dal) Antonia Guarjardo (KCC) Douglas Burrage (PSC) Jack Domanski (JJC) James Langer (KCC) Ruben Lopez (PSC) Allissa Harris (JJC) Ralph Sansone (KCC) John Ruiz (PSC) Elan Benge (KCC) Eunice Gomez (MVCC) Shannon Ryan (PSC) Brandi Castillo (KCC) Mohammad Shehadeh (MVCC) Matthew Smith (PSC) Samantha Fierstein (KCC) Huda Yasin (MVCC) Alana Koster (SSC)
cAmpus connections: tHE Center for the junior year @ gsu
The Center for the Junior Year (CJY) at GSU is a "safe zone" to share student concerns and design solutions that fit your particular educational circumstance; from getting through a class to career preparation. There are CJY Peer Mentors who help students develop a better understanding of college expectations now, and expectations for life after college. In addition to peer mentors, this year the CJY was delighted to welcome, Monika Okitikpi as the new Academic & Career Success Guide in the CJY. Monika joings the CJY with ten years of experience in Higher Education, primarily in Academic Advising. She shared how she fell in love with Higher Education during her undergraduate career as a first time mom and first generation college student, who landed a job on campus through the Federal Work Study program! From there her passion ignited to help those who faced adversities, needed help with navigation and support, and had an overall desire to successfully complete college. In CJY she assists in many ways ranging from course collaborations, one-on-ones, group meetings and workshops. During these various events and meetings, Monika loves to support students with academics, major & career exploration, internships, scholarships, and the list goes on! Interested in meeting with Monika? Email the CLY at cjy@govst.edu to schedule a one-on-one appointment!
spring 2021 virtual induction Bety Lema - CCC-HWash Lynette Shakespeare - CCC-MalX David Harper - JJC Molly Cronin - MVCC Kaitlyn Hasenfang - MVCC Krysslicya Evangelista - PSC Venessa Johnson - PSC Jordyn Knapp - PSC Ruth Lewis Brown - PSC Parthavi Patel - PSC Denisse Recendiz - PSC
Event highlights
On April. 8, 2021, 11 DDP students encompassing five of our partnering community colleges participated in this spring’s 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 or another university for their bachelor’s degree. DDP students pledged to “continuously encourage high standards of scholarship, excellence, leadership, and character” while completing their DUAL degrees. Welcome to the DDP family!
event highlights
DDP Community Service Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we have not been able to conduct as many serivce opportunities. However, this semester we were fortunate enough to be able to host TWO wonderful events! In March, we helped out at the Sugar Creek Preserve in Joliet, and learned about our natural prairies. And then in May, we volunteered at the Habitat for Humanity Restore in Chicago Heights, to safely clear out old donations and made room for the new! As Illinois continues to move closer to phase 5, we are hopeful that we will be able to have even more wonderful events. Continue to check your email for those updates!
DDP Graduation CORDING CEREMONY, class of 20-21 On Wednesdsay, May 12th, the Dual Degree Program celebrated 90 GSU graduates who either graduated in the fall of 2020, of who will graduate spring or summer of 2021. Although we could not celebrate traditionally together on the big Center for Performing Arts Stage, it was still nice to see everyone virtually and see everyone wearing their braided cords, representing their community college colors as well as GSU's colors. Scroll below to see some of our graduates!
congrats grads!
Abigail Gerstenkorn (JJC) Brenda Colunga (CCC-MalX) Dorolyn Peters (MVCC) Abrea Ramadan (MVCC) Brian Blewitt (PSC) Dylan Webb (PSC) Aejaaz Vahora (SSC) Brittany Lafond (KCC) Elan Benge (KCC) Amya Orr (PSC) Brittany Sims (SSC) Elisa Medina (MVCC) Angela Baker (PSC) Cascian Loonam (PSC) Elyse Gustafson (KCC) Angela Ehrlicher (MVCC) Clay Briscoe (JJC) Eman Morad (MVCC) Ashley Martin (SSC) Cordell Payne (CCC-KKng) Fozia Abuali (MVCC) Ashley Westmoreland (CCC-MalX) David Kopec (MVCC) Hannah Mata (MVCC) Ayooluwa Ayamolowo (PSC) Dejenae Bradshaw (PSC) Isabel Cervantes (Morton) Bedour Elbeitoni (MVCC) Derron Jackson (CCC-KKng) Jacqueline Estrada (PSC) Bennett Talaber (JJC) Destinee Grey (CCC-HWash) Jaliyah Mitchell (CCC-Dal) Brandon Denton (KCC) Dialah Azam (JJC) James Zumhagen (PSC) Breighanah Starkey (JJC) Dianna Mireles (SSC) Janet Herrera (MVCC)
Please join us in congratulating our DDP students who have or will graduate from GSU during the 2020-2021 academic year!
Janeya Beaton-Burton (CCC-MalX) Liliana Arroyo (CCC-MalX) Mohammad Abu-Romman Jeanine Latrice Koger (PSC) Lorena Diaz (SSC) (MVCC) Jenna Abed (MVCC) Maciek Kozlowski (MVCC) Morgan Langer (KCC) Jennifer Aponte Cruz (PSC) Madeline Poole (MVCC) Natasha Ehrlicher (MVCC) Jessica Hale (JJC) Madison Herlan (JJC) Pamela Wrencher-Gordan Jessica Brooks (PSC) Mathena Crawl (MVCC) (CCC-OlvH) Jimmy Ellis (CCC-OlvH) Max Hall (CCC-KKng) Parthenia Jones (CCC-OlvH) Jonathan Anrango (CCC-Tru) Megan Allen (MVCC) Quincy Crump (PSC) Jose Lopez (MVCC) Megan Dearden (CCC-Dal) Rachel Kamp (KCC) Joshua Wisniewski (KCC) Meghan Tomsovic (JJC) Rachel Sebastian (MVCC) Juana Barajas (JJC) Melany Villagomez (KCC) Raymond Phillips (MVCC) Justyce Patrick (PSC) Michael Beauford (CCC-Dal) Riziq Abdelruhman (MVCC) Lakia Lloyd (SSC) Michael Vargas (MVCC) Rodney Lucas (CCC-Dal)
Continued...
Rodolfo Garcia (MVCC) Sondos Issa (MVCC) Saja Issa (MVCC) Stefanie Neylon (MVCC) Sanaa Alkhatib (CCC-Dal) Stephanie McToy (CCC-HWash) Shaila Ruiz (KCC) Syed Bilal Mansoor (JJC) Shamar Riggins (CCC-OlvH) Timothy McDowell (SSC) Shannon Porter (PSC) Tyler Remenschneider (KCC) Sheveece Montgomery (PSC)
Best wishes on your Dual Degrees, and beyond!
Cheers to the Governors State University Dual Degree Program Class of 2020 & 2021! While unable to celebrate in person at Commencement, we hope that you are still able to celebrate with your family while we celebrate you from a distance! The following students elected to be featured, and are listed are in no particular order of AWESOME!
ddp graduation yearbook
Melany Villagomez Kankakee Community College Alumna Bachelor of Arts, Political Science "I am so honored to be a Kankakee Community College and Governors State University Alumna. My collegiate experience has been filled with nothing but amazing experiences! As a first generation graduate, I am forever grateful for all of the support I have received."
Derron Jackson City Colleges of Chicago - Kennedy King College Alum Bachelor of Science, Computer Science "I stayed up long hours to cross the finish line. Never give up, people might look up to you."
James Zumhagen Prairie State College Alum Bachelor of Science, Biology "My time spent at Prairie State College served me extremely well for my transfer to GSU. Through the help of the DDP program I was more than adequately set up for success not only at GSU, but for my future career in biology"
Abrea Ramadan Moraine Valley Community College Alumna Bachelor of Arts, Psychology "Those who say it cannot be done, should not interrupt those doing it. As a first generation college student who belongs to multiple diverse underrepresented communities, DDP through Moraine Valley and Governors State made sure I felt a sense of belonging. Thanks to these universities, I'm a proud graduate of both institutions and will be pursuing a Masters degree. Go Jags!."
Sheveece Montgomery Prairie State College Alumna Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration 'Working hard for what you want is an understatement! You must commit and sacrifice your wants to achieve what you desire! Never give up on your DREAM, no mater how old it is or you are."
Jeanine Latrice Koger Prairie State College Alumna Bachelor of Arts, Psychology "I once was a hidden gem, however I am no longer a diamond in the rough. My service at GSU & Prairie State College has allowed me to shine among each of the jewels here."
Morgan Langer Kankakee Community College Alumna Bachelor of Social Work "I wanna be defined by the things that I love, Not the things I hate, Not the things that I'm afraid of [I'm afraid of], or the things that haunt me in the middle of the night, [I] I just think that, You are what you love. -TS"
Lorena Diaz South Suburban College Alumna Bachelor of Arts, Psychology "There were many sleepless nights and many tears. It has been a roller coaster ride, but It was all worth it in the end. I have created many beautiful memories at GSU, and I am thankful for having the opportunity to be part of DDP. Thank you, DDP, for supporting me and helping me on this long journey."
Be sure to check your email for further details on the events mentioned here!
Save The Dates
DDP Welcome Cording Ceremony Thursday, August 26, 2021, (Time TBD). To honor DDP students who have graduated with their associate degree and have transferred to GSU in 2021 (spring, summer, and fall.) Details to come! Ceremony may be held virtually. Students will be notified by personal invitation. DDP Welcome Back Social September 8, 2021 (Time TBD) Stop by to grab a snack, play some games, and make new DDP friends from GSU and our partnering community colleges! Event will have both virtual and in-person options for participation. DDP Scholarship Symposium September 14-16th, 2021 Participants will learn about helpful resources to find ways to fund their DUAL degrees, and much more! Event will have both virtual and in-person options for participation. Students interested in applying for a DDP scholarship are highly recommended to attend. DDP Scholarship Deadline for Spring 2022, Thursday, October 7, 2021 See page five of the newsletter, or the DDP Scholarship page for details about the GSU Promise, DDP Honors, and DDP Chicago STAR Scholar scholarship awards.. #TransferStudentWeek / GSU Homecoming October 18-22nd, 2021 Come celebrate with DDP! Details to come… Fall DDP Induction November 5th (Time TBD) For DDP students who are still pursuing an associate degree at their local community college, and have not yet attended a past Induction. Students are required to attend a DDP Induction event prior to transferring to GSU. Ceremony may be held virtually. Students will be notified by personal invitation.
fall 2021
Dear DDP Students and Supporters, YOU DID IT! It has been a challenging year that has touched each and every one of our lives. No one expected to endure a full year of remote learning, but here we are. While juggling personal and professional life changes due to the global pandemic, 89 DDP students still persisted and transferred to Governors State this academic year. You continue to excel in your studies, and remain engaged with your campuses and your peers. We at DDP and GSU, are so proud of all you have accomplished! Congratulations to all of our DDP graduates, both those completing their associate degree at the community college, and those graduating from GSU with their bachelor's degrees. Continue to be curious, confident, and compassionate! The next chapter of your journey is yours to define. We hope you and your families have a safe and restful summer! Please contact the Dual Degree Program if you need anything along the way :) Best, Jessica Specht, Director of DDP
director's corner