In This Issue: Student Spotlight Page 2 DDP Scholarship Deadline Page 3 Important Reminders Pages 4-6 Campus Connection Page 7 Kudos & Congrats Page 8 Event Highlights Pages 9-13 Save the Dates Page 14 Director's Message Page 15
JANUARY 2024
DDP NEWSLETTER
student spotlight
click here
Name: Gloria Ruiz School: South Suburban College Major: Business Administration Hover & Scroll In what ways has the Dual Degree Program influenced your success? The Dual Degree Program has influenced my success in having peace of mind, knowing that I have a transfer specialist that will help me by making sure that I am taking the proper classes prior to my transition. Also, being grouped with other students that are going through the same transfer process. What are your future plans at GovState? I plan to complete my Bachelors Degree in Business Administration, and soon after I want to complete my Masters degree at GSU. What are you most excited about in regards to transferring to GovState? I am looking forward to joining clubs like ALAS and enjoying the college experience. What tips would you offer students for success? One thing that I could suggest for students is to get involved in clubs and organizations to make connections within the college setting. Surrounding yourself with people who are also aligned with a similar path to success. Having those connections can help in having a prosperous college experience.
DDP Scholarship Deadline
transferring Fall 2024? Applications DUE Thursday, Feb 22nd Would you like to attend GSU for FREE? If you are transferring to GSU in Fall 2024, make sure to apply for the GSU 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, February 22, 2024
Important Reminders
The 2024-2025 fafsa is open! Students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to maximize financial aid opportunities including the Illinois MAP grant. What’s required? FSA ID to sign electronically Your Social Security Number or Alien Registration Number (if you are not a U.S. citizen) Your 2022 federal income tax returns, W-2s, and other records of money earned. (Note: You should be able to transfer your federal tax return information into your FAFSA using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool) Bank statements and records of untaxed income (if applicable) When asked what institutions you wish your report to be sent to, please include GSU's Code: 009145 UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS: 
Have you heard of the RISE Act's 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. Completing either of the above will allow you to compete for a DDP scholarship! 
Ask your DDP Transfer Specialist for more information on how you may be eligible.
deadlines for special programs are fast approaching! If you are planning to transfer in Summer or Fall 2024, 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 months. Please 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 deadline. Health Administration: Summer 3.15.2024 & Fall 6.15.2024 Nursing (RN to BSN): Summer 5.1.2024 & Fall 8.1.2024 Community Health: Summer 5.15.2024 & Fall 8.17.2024 Social Work: Summer 4.8.2024 & Fall 8.4.2024 Click here if you are ready to apply to GovState for 2024 admissions! Graduating this semester?
Don't forget to apply to graduate! Many schools (including GovState) have deadlines as early as February 1st. Speak with a counselor/advisor at your campus or DDP Transfer Specialist for deadline and application info.
Important reminders
Alexandro Venegas
City Colleges of Chicago 
(all seven campuses)
Sharita Walker
Kankakee Community College
Prairie State College 
South Suburban College
Juan Gonzalez
College of DuPage 
Harper College 
Joliet Junior College 
Moraine Valley Community College Morton College Triton College Waubonsee Community College
Don't forget to CHECK IN WITH YOUR TRANSFER SPECIALIST! Still at the community college? Do not forget to check in with your DDP Transfer Specialist! Although virtual appointments are still available, you can now schedule an in person meeting with your Transfer Specialist. Check out your Transfer Specialist’s on campus hours, and stop by to say hello! Click on your community college below for more information:
Campus Connection
Here we feature one of our fabulous DDP Liaisons from one of our 17 partnering community colleges, so that you know who is a master at DDP when we are not around! It is also a way for DDP students to see the many different paths that can lead to a rewarding career in higher education. Hover & Scroll William Berkley
Male Success Initiative Coordinator, Prairie State College What colleges and/or universities did you attend as a student, and for what degrees? I studied Exercise Physiology at West Virginia University and earned a B.A. [Bachelor of Arts] in Business Administration at Governors State University. What is your most memorable moment of college? My most memorable moment in college was graduating. What was something you couldn't live without in college? Pizza is something I had to have in college. If you could do a (college/degree) all over again, what would you do differently? If I could go back to college, I would attend graduate school immediately after earning a degree. Your most valuable "words of wisdom" for transfer students. Remember, there is more to college than attending class; get involved in other things, such as joining a student club. It allows you to explore your passions, meet like-minded people, and have fun outside the classroom.
Spring 2024 Dual Degree Program Scholarship recipients The DDP Promise, Honors, and Chicago STAR Scholars Scholarships are competitive scholarships awarded annually. All Degree Program students who may be eligible are encouraged to apply. Let's celebrate the 17 students were selected for a two-year scholarship starting Spring 2024 (pending final Financial Aid and GPA eligibility.) Kudos to all! Rylee Bancsy (JJC) Jade Groble (CCC-HW) Lucely Perez (Triton) Lisette Casas (CCC-OH) Saleh Hussein (MVCC) Alana Pourroy (KCC) Gabriela Chaparro (SSC) Tina Kuester (PSC) Michael Sealy-Bakos (MVCC) Fanely Feregrino (Triton) Leticia Lopez (CCC-RD) Leslie Taylor (KCC) Alexa Fortu (MVCC) Dean Olszewski (JJC) James Torrey (CCC-KK) Nathan Garza (Morton) Samantha Ontiveros (JJC) 2023 Lincoln Laureate Congrats to our very own DDP Student Laila Atra-Yassin on being named as the 2023 Illinois Lincoln Laureate from Governors State University! Each Fall the Lincoln Academy of Illinois selects an outstanding senior from each four year higher ed institution. They are then honored for their leadership and service. For their outstanding achievements, they are awarded the Abraham Lincoln Civic Engagement Award, bestowed by the Governor. Congrats, Laila!
Kudos & Congrats
Samantha Hernandez (JJC) Robert Johnson (KCC) Michael Jones (PSC) Leticia Lopez (CCC-RD)
Event highlights
fall 2023 induction Ceremony On November 10, we welcomed 16 of our newest DDP students to this fall’s DDP Induction. 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 completion. Visit the DDP Facebook page for the full album. Congrats and welcome to DDP! Haven't attended DDP Induction yet? See the "Save the Dates" section for details about the Spring '24 Induction Ceremony!
Marielle Frierson (SSC) Victoria Gomez (MVCC) Jade Groble (CCC-HW) Kesha Hardy (CCC-OH)
Rylee Bancsy (JJC) Jenna DeMarco (PSC) Rebecca Fassbender (PSC) Alexa Fortu (MVCC)
Daniela Nieves (PSC) Allie Rheinheimer (JJC) Michael Sealy-Bakos (MVCC) Leslie Taylor (KCC)
2023 Welcome Cording Ceremony On October 20th, the Dual Degree Program hosted our "DDP Welcome & Cording Ceremony"! Student who transferred to GSU in the spring, summer, or fall 2023 semesters were honored with a cord representing the color of the community college where they recently graduated with their associate degree. In the company of several GSU administration, students were corded by their respective DDP Transfer Specialists. Visit the DDP Facebook page for the full album!
DDP Monthly Community service events The Dual Degree Program coordinates community service activities to raise awareness of each other's communities and learn from other's experiences. Check out photos from the events that took place over the course of this fall semester! Sept 2023 October 2023
South Suburban Humane Society (Matteson, IL) Thorn Creek Woods & Nature Center (Park Forest, IL)
Putts & Paws Fundraiser at Odyssey Country Club Prairie Sampler and Trail Workday
DDP Monthly Community service events (cont.) On November 11th, DDP hosted its largest community service in the history of the program! Organized by DDP Student Transition Assistant, Latrice Jones, DDP partnered with GovState alumna, Archana Liggins, founder of “The B.A.G. Lady Outreachâ€; Archana’s work has been featured multiple times on WGN, the Kelly Clarkson Show, among other awards and accolades. The 35 volunteers consisted of students from the Dual Degree Program, Black Student Union, and National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS). Our goal was to assemble 400 essential care bags for Hunger & Homelessness Week, but we were able to assemble 1,000 bags!! DDP also provided four volunteers to distribute the original 400 bags at a Thanksgiving Food Drive at Faith Movers Church (Crete, IL) on Nov 18th.
2023 Gov State Distinguished Alumni Reception On October 21st, Governors State University hosted it second annual Distinguished Alumni Reception. We are proud to say that two Dual Degree Program alumni were nominated this year! Congratulations to College of Business Distinguished Alumni nominee, Kayla Siam (class of '14), and Rising Star Alumni nominee, Jarrell Harris (class of '21). Bravo, DDP alumni! Gov state & Prairie state mix and mingle On October 30th, Governors State hosted a mix and mingle event at Prairie State College. The two schools came together to network and meet Deans, Faculty, staff and other stakeholders, as we celebrated our continued partnership and sparked up conversations about future collaborations. Over 85 faculty and staff attended to support YOU!
Save The Dates
DDP Back-2-School Social GovState, Hall of Honors (D1490) Wednesday, January 24, 2024, 3:00-5:00pm Meet fellow DDP friends from all stages of transfer at GovState. Enjoy food, games, and win DDP merch. DDP Spring Orientation (formerly "Induction") GovState, Engbretson Hall Friday, April 12th, 2024, 1:00-4:00pm For DDP students who are still pursuing an associate degree at their local community college and have not yet transferred. Participants will receive an orientation to the Dual Degree Program, an opportunity to meet GovState administration and staff, and receive helpful resources in preparation for their transfer. DDP Graduation Cording Ceremony GovState, Center for Performing Arts Tuesday, May 14, 2024, 6:00-7:00pm Dual Degree Students who are earning their bachelor's degrees will be honored with their second and final DDP cord. During the ceremony, students will receive a black and white cord braided with the color of their community college, representing the attainment of both the associate and bachelor's degree. Stay tuned for monthly community service invitations in your student email!
Spring 2024 Be sure to check your email for further details 
on events mentioned here!
Dear DDP Students and Supporters, I hope each of you had a restful winter break and a great new year. I'd like to start by congratulating our DDP Student Transition Assistants for coordinating five successful service events this academic year. So far, the DDP has gathered 92 volunteers for a total of 242 service hours between September and January. Connecting with our communities is what makes DDP different from other transfer programs, and we are SO PROUD of what you accomplish together! Please keep an eye on your email for future community service opportunities and ways to engage with DDP. The DDP team is also ready to assist if you need anything. Thank you, and have a safe and successful spring semester. Best, Jessica Specht, M.A.
Director of the Dual Degree Program
Director's message