In This Issue: Congrats Spring Transfers! Page 2 Student Spotlight Page 3 DDP Scholarship Deadline Page 4 Important Reminders Pages 5-7 Campus Connections Page 8 Kudos & Congrats Page 9 Event Highlights Pages 10-13 Save the Dates Page 14 Director's Message Page 15
February 2025
DDP NEWSLETTER
One Degree Down!
Jamee MaGee (CCC-HWash) Sharita Marshall (CCC-OlvHvy) Brandon McDade (PSC) Chante McDowell (CCC-OlvHvy) Mario Mendez (PSC) Benjamin Meyer (MVCC) Michaela Moir (MVCC)
Sarah AbuAlhawa (MVCC) Silverio Aguayo (SSC) Oluwaseun Ariyo (PSC) Stephanie Ayala Velasquez (PSC) Jeremiah Bedar (PSC) Cory Brown (JJC) Miracle Brown (CCC-OlvHvy) Taylor Burkhalter (WCC) Stephanie Cazares (SSC) Cierra Childs (PSC) Samantha DeSantis (MVCC) Glenford Flowers (CCC-Daley) Chanel Freeman (SSC)
Shavon Motton (PSC) Jessica Nephew (KCC) Yolanda Okeke (CCC-HWash) Emmanuel Owens (PSC) Keyaria Phillips (CCC-KKing) Jason Rebultan (MVCC) Andrea Rodriguez (JJC) Bairon Ruiz (PSC) Alia Shalabi (MVCC) Sidney Stauffenberg (KCC) Taylor Sydor-Soprych (JJC) Lorenzo Vera (CCC-Wright) Kyi'ara Weatherspoon (SSC)
welcome the new ddp transfer students to Govstate! Congratulations to all the DDP students who graduated from their community college and transferred to Governors State this spring semester. We are excited to be welcoming 40 new students to GovState, and nine are DDP scholarship recipients!
Bradly Galarza (KCC) Adrián González (SSC) Debra Greenfield (CCC-OlvHvy) Jonathan Gutierrez (WCC) Alyssa Hrusosky (JJC) Makalia Johnson (SSC) Morgan Krause (KCC)
student spotlight
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Name: Cory Brown School: Joliet Junior College Major: Business Administration Hover & Scroll In what ways has the Dual Degree Program influenced your success? The Dual Degree Program influenced my success by keeping me on track to graduate from JJC using their transfer guide, ensuring that I took the right classes. Also, the program has kept me motivated in my schoolwork, ensuring that I could transfer with high honors. What are your future plans at GovState? My future plans include completing my courses and graduating. I also plan to use GSU’s resources to obtain an internship for credit hours. What are you most excited about in regards to transferring to GovState? I am most excited to form new relationships with students, faculty, and alumni, as well as continue my education. What tips would you offer students for success? The most important habit I’ve developed for success is time management. Starting larger assignments 1-2 weeks ahead of schedule saves you a lot of stress and frustration.
DDP Scholarship Deadline
transferring Fall 2025? Applications DUE Thursday, Feb 20th Would you like to attend GSU for FREE? If you are transferring to GSU in Fall 2025, 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 20, 2025
Important Reminders
The 2025-2026 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 2025, 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 3.15.2025 & Fall 6.15.2025 Nursing (RN to BSN): Summer 5.1.2025 & Fall 8.1.2025 Community Health: Summer 5.15.2025 & Fall 8.17.2025 Social Work: Summer 4.8.2025 & Fall 8.4.2025 Click here if you are ready to apply to GovState for 2025 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
First Generation Center Governors State University The First Generation Center at GovState serves students whose parents or legal guardian have not earned at least a bachelor degree. If you are a First Gen student, learn how you can benefit from the resources that the office offers! Hover & Scroll Why was the "First Gen Center" created at GovState? We are committed to empowering first-generation students by providing equitable access to resources that support academic success, personal growth, and professional development. Since October 2023, we’ve created a dedicated space for our first-gen Jaguars, offering academic support, student advocacy, and opportunities for community-building through peer mentoring and tailored events. Why would a student want to visit/get involved with the center? By connecting with the FGC, students gain access to a support system designed for their unique needs. Many students come to us facing challenges or uncertainty, and leave with a clear plan, valuable resources, and renewed confidence. We also work to support the "First-Gen Collective", a new student-led organization that is dedicated to serve as first-gen students' voice on campus. We currently have a team of 3 peer mentors; all our mentors are first-gen students who offer techniques with soft-skills such as organization and time management as well as share advice based on the things they have learned during their first-gen experience. Students Point of View The Dual Degree Program currently has two DDP Students who are Peer Mentors for the Center. Read what they had to say about their experience! What does it mean to you to be a first-gen student? What do you enjoy most about being a mentor? Anna Mitchell Transferred from College of DuPage, Majoring in Communication Disorders "To me being a first-generation college student means I can expand and grow in multiple aspects of my life. This opportunity can come with many challenges, but each challenge helps me realize I am much stronger and more resilient that I ever knew. The thing I enjoy about being a first-generation peer mentor would be getting to reach out and help other first-generation students. During my first undergraduate experience I had no idea what I was going and was unaware of all the resources available to me as a student. Working in the first-generation center helps me make sure other first-generation students feel supported and welcomed on campus." Anthony Strickland Transferred from Harold Washington College, Majoring in Business Administration "Being a first-generation student means that I am the first in my household to attend and graduate college but to me it means being a product of the hard work, dreams and aspirations of the people that came before me. The first-generation center is great for students like me because it recognizes my identity and gives me courage to walk it every day. I can't express the effect that representation has had on my self- esteem. Being a peer mentor, myself helps me the most with self-correction. A long time ago I came to the conclusion that I can't give anyone else advice I am not taking heed to myself. Being a peer mentor not only makes me better, but it also reinforces my ability to be a positive example in my first-generation community."
Spring 2025 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 eight students were selected for a two-year scholarship starting Spring 2025. Kudos to all! Miracle Brown (CCC-OlvH) Chanel Freeman (SSC) Michaela Mior (MVCC) Andrea Rodriguez (JJC) Samantha DeSantis (MVCC) Jonathan Gutierrez (Waub) Jessica Nephew (KCC) Lorenzo Vera (Wright) 2024 Lincoln Laureate Congrats to our very own DDP Student, Latrice Jones, on being named as the 2024 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, Latrice!
Kudos & Congrats
Emilia Ordaz (KCC) Emmanuel Owens (PSC) Charli Palmateer (KCC)
Event highlights
fall 2024 Orientation On November 15, we welcomed 13 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 '25 Orientation!
Sean Storer (KCC) Keisha Toguem (PSC) Lorenzo Vera (CCC-Wright)
Cheyenne Probst (JJC) Janice Quezada (CCC-Daley) Jason Rebultan (MVCC)
Diego Acuna (MVCC) Daniela Aguilera (CCC-Daley) Cory Brown (JJC) Nadia Fox (PSC)
Visit the DDP Facebook page for the full album!
2024 Welcome Cording Ceremony On October 11th, the Dual Degree Program hosted our "DDP Welcome & Cording Ceremony"! Student who transferred to GSU in the spring, summer, or fall 2024 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 GovsState and community college administration, students were corded by their respective DDP Transfer Specialists.
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! September 2024 October 2024 Village of Richton Park (IL) Cancer Support Center (Homewood IL) YourParty Family Music Festival Annual Walk of Hope
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! November 2024 December 2024 Greater Chicago Food Depository (Chicago, IL) Olive Harvey College (Chicago IL) Greater Lawn Mental Health Center Olive Harvey Wellness Center
Save The Dates
Hover & Scroll February Community Engagement Greater Chicago Food Depository (Chicago IL) Friday, February 21, 2025, 9:00-11:45am Join fellow DDP friends unpack, sort, and repack food and dried goods for distribution to those in need. REGISTER BY CLICKING HERE DDP Scholarship Deadline for Fall 2025 Thursday, February 20, 2025, 11:59pm Planning to transfer to GovState in Summer/Fall 2025? Visit www.govst.edu/ddp-scholarships/ or see page 4 for more information to apply. DDP Spring Orientation (formerly "Induction") GovState, Engbretson Hall Friday, March 28th, 2025, 1:00-4:00pm Dual Degree Program students currently attending community college are invited to GovState to learn more about the benefits of DDP, how to apply for a DDP Scholarship, opportunity to win a bookstore gift card and other prizes, and receive helpful resources in preparation for transfer. DDP students are encouraged to attend Orientation as early as possible after joining DDP. Registration coming soon! DDP Graduation Cording Ceremony GovState, Center for Performing Arts Tuesday, May 13, 2025, 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. Invitations will be mailed in early April! Stay tuned for more opportunities to volunteer via your student email!
Spring 2025 Be sure to check your email for further details on events mentioned here!
Dear DDP Students and Supporters, Welcome back to classes and happy February! I hope each of you had a restful winter break and a great start to the new year. We are excited to welcome 40 new DDP students to GovState this spring, and look forward to welcoming our next cohort in Summer/Fall 2025! During the year, don't forget to join us for our monthly volunteer opportunities, as well as our other annual events to help you make the most of your experiences throughout your DUAL DEGREES. Connecting with each other is what makes DDP different from other transfer programs, and we are so proud of all that you accomplish! Thank you, and have a safe and successful spring semester! Best, Jessica Specht, M.A. Director of the Dual Degree Program
Director's message