In This Issue: DDP Scholarship Deadline Page 2 Student Spotlight Page 3 Class of 2024-2025 Page 4-6 Kudos & Congrats Page 7-8 Important Reminders Pages 9-10 Event Highlights Pages 11-13 Save the Dates Page 14-15 Director's Message Page 16
may/june 2025
DDP NEWSLETTER
DDP Scholarship Deadline
transferring spring 2026? Applications DUE Thursday, oct 2nd Would you like to attend GSU for FREE? If you are transferring to GovState in Spring 2026, make sure to apply for the GovState 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 GovState for up to four semesters at GovState (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 GovState 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 2, 2025
student spotlight
click here
Name: Mayra Suarez School: CCC - Richard Daley College Major: Media Studies Hover & Scroll In what ways has the Dual Degree Program influenced your success? "The Dual Degree Program has influenced my success by helping me strive forward. This program has offered me many opportunities and the advisors I have met with have helped me with any questions or concerns I have. I was able to be successful because this program gave me the resources I needed" What are your future plans at GovState? "My plans at Governors State University are to further my education and become more extroverted. I want to join the Latinx club the school has and get to meet new people." What are you most excited about in regards to transferring to GovState? "I am excited to explore the different clubs Governors has. I am also excited to begin a new chapter in my life." What tips would you offer students for success? "The tip I would offer regarding success is to let yourself breathe. If an assignment is stressing you out, take a step back for a bit and come back when you are more relaxed. I advise you to not be afraid of reaching out when you need help."
ddp Graduation cording ceremony On Tuesday, May 13th, we celebrated the nearly 80 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 GovState faculty, staff, as well as lots of family and friends join us on that evening!
class of 2024-2025
Click for full album!
Nataly Acosta (CCC-Daley) Oluwasegun Ajala (PSC) Joanna Bieniek (PSC) Alison Borschnack (KCC) Theresa Bourgess (MVCC) Madelyn Boylan (JJC) Kahlilah Burnett (PSC) Ariss Burton (SSC) Luis Camarena (PSC) Aarianna Clay (CCC-HWash) Gregory Collins (CCC-HWash) Thomas Daily (KCC) Brenda Encinas Vega (CCC-Daley)
Ivette Gomez (Morton) Ariana Gonzalez (Morton) Ava Gordon (MVCC) Laretta Graves (KCC) Jade Groble (CCC-HWash) Atzihri Guido (CCC-Daley) Dalayna Hampton (PSC) Tyler Hartke (JJC) Julia Hernandez (PSC) Kelsie Hiatt (KCC) Taiya Hollis (CCC-MalX) Edward Horath (KCC) Philip Hrdina (Harper)
Please join us in congratulating our DDP students who have graduated with their bachelor's degrees from Governors State University during the 2024-2025 academic year!
Sarai Espinosa (PSC) Mary Filec (Triton) Brian Fitzgerald (MVCC) Allison Flaws (MVCC) Karen Fleming (PSC) Ivette Flores (MVCC)
Rose Hynds (CCC-HWash) Rasmeia Jabarah (MVCC) Laila Jaber (MVCC) Aarquisha Jackson (SSC) Nina Jackson (WCC) Yareli Jaimes (CCC-Daley) Brittany Johnson (SSC) Latrice Jones (SSC) Mayra Kaladi (MVCC) Karolina Kaminska (MVCC) Kennedy Kennedy (PSC) Yasmin King (JJC) Carlee Lankford (PSC) Loren Lazzara (JJC) Ryan Leblanc (PSC) Leticia Lopez (CCC-Daley)
Nathan Rodriguez (JJC) Sandra Ruiz (JJC) Yakhori Smith (PSC) Andrew Snider (KCC) Joi Springs (SSC) Anthony Strickland (CCC-HWash) Destiny Talley (PSC) Leslie Taylor (KCC) Lakeyda Thompson (CCC-OlvHvy) De Vonte Turner (PSC) Roberto Valladares (CCC-Daley) Nathan Vandenbosch (SSC) Annalea Vehe (JJC) Alima Williams (MVCC) Daysia Williamson (PSC) Nayeli Zambrano (PSC)
Bryan Mcgee (PSC) Grace Meeks (JJC) Najelli Mendoza (PSC) Keri Mirabelli (Morton) Anna Mitchell (COD) Vanessa Moss (KCC) Celine Mui (COD) Abel Oliva (SSC) Alejandro Perez (MVCC) Angelica Perez (CCC-OlvHvy) Vanessa Perkins (PSC) Arielle Powell (MVCC) Kristal Reddick (PSC) Chloe Richards (JJC)
Continued...
Class of 2024-2025
Kudos & congrats
(Left to Right) Atzhiri Guido Loren Lazzara Nayeli Zambrano Ava Gordon Grace Meeks Anna Mitchell Not pictured, but also graduated University Honors:
Annalea Vehe Brenda Encinas Rasmeia Jabarah Leticia Lopez
GovState 2025 Honors Program Graduates Congratulations to this year's DDP graduates who have received full University Honors!
Alex Szczender Lakeyda Thompson McKenna Tighe Alima Williams
Fatima Carbajal-Hernandez Gregory Isaiah Collins Kneandra Cooper Amira Dolah Rebecca Fassbender Karen Fleming
Jaylon Garner Victoria Gomez De 'Borah Johnson Michael Jones Yasmin King
Trinity Adams Jane Akpan Melissa Barker-Strong Kamil Biernat Madelyn Boylan Emma C. Caise
LaShandra Adams (KCC) Tyree Anderson (PSC) Matthew Anderson (SSC) Liam Crotty (MVCC) Hailey Erhardt (JJC) Nora Fraider (MVCC)
Jessica Garcia (JJC) Genesis Hill (PSC) Olivia Jeziorczak (MVCC) Paris Lane (PSC) Tia Miller (PSC) Jennifer Osborne (JJC)
Charli Palmateer (KCC) Darius Perry (PSC) Sarah Pozdal (JJC) Delia Puckett (JJC) Karen Reyes (MalX) Billy Richard (PSC)
It's Official- Fall 2025 DDP Scholarship recipients Congrats to all of our DDP Scholarship recipients who will be transferring to GovState this upcoming fall semester:
Aeron Mendoza Dionne Nelson Sean O'Brien Samantha Ontiveros Nekhiyah Patton Lucille Perkins
Esmeralda Rodriguez (SSC) Marisol Rosas-Reyes (MVCC) Mayra Suarez (Daley) Carlos Zamora (MalX)
Tau Sigma National Honors society @ GovSTATE Kudos to DDP’s newest inductees to Tau Sigma (transferred in 2024 and achieved a 3.5+ GPA in their first semester):
Joy Sapp Robert Szwet Destiny Talley Leslie Taylor Socorro Unzueta Lindsey Wesley Madgett
deadlines for Fall programs are fast approaching! If you are planning to transfer to GovState in Fall 2024, 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 6/15/25 Nursing (RN to BSN): Fall 8/1/25 Community Health: Fall 8/17/25 Social Work: Fall 8/4/25 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: GovState's Financial Aid Code: 009145 Have you heard about ISAC's Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid? The Illinois Student Assistance Commission's (ISAC) 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!
Important Reminders
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 GovState (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 GovState 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!
Grace Dwyer (MVCC) Nora Fraider (MVCC) Caroline Jagodka (MVCC) Oliva Jeziorczak (MVCC) Marisol Rosas-Reyes (MVCC)
Event highlights
DDP spring 2025 orientation (formerly "DDP Induction") On March 28, we welcomed 19 of our newest DDP students to this spring's DDP Orientation. Students learned about the many benefits of DDP, as well as steps to successfully complete their associate degree and transfer to GovState for their bachelor’s degree (visit the DDP Facebook page for the full photo album.) Congrats and welcome to DDP! Haven't attended DDP Induction yet? See the "Save the Dates" section for details about the Fall '25 Orientation Ceremony!
Ryan Hlado (JJC) Lashandra Adams (KCC) Sam Shimmin (KCC) Cameron Testa (KCC)
DeAnna Rogers (CCC-KK) Erminia Luna (CCC-OH) Carlos Zamora (CCC-MX) Karen Reyes (CCC-MX) Abigail Flores (JJC)
Tyree Anderson (PSC) Ayanna McKenney (SSC) Tyler Isaiah Odems (SSC) Esmeralda Rodriguez (SSC) Melissa Santiago (TC)
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 events that took place over the course of this spring semester!
February 2025 Greater Chicago Food Depository (Chicago, IL)
DDP Monthly Community service events (continued) March 2025 May 2025 Bridge Teen Center (Orland Park, IL) Patriot's Park (Homewood, IL) Donation Center Park Pride Day
Welcome Week @ GovState Aug 25-29, 2025 Stay tuned for event updates! DDP Back-2-School Social Hall of Honors (D1490) @ GovState Wednesday, Sept 3, 2025, 3-5pm Meet fellow DDP friends from all stages of transfer at GovState. Enjoy food, games, and win DDP merch. Spring 2025 Scholarship Deadline Thursday, Oct 2, 2025, 11:59pm For those transferring to GSU in the Spring of 2026, the deadline to apply for a DDP Honors, DDP Promise, or DDP Chicago Star Scholars Scholarship. See page two for more details! DDP Welcome Cording Ceremony Hall of Governors @ GovState Friday, Oct 24, 2025, 6-7pm Dual Degree Program students who transferred to Governors State University in the Spring, Summer, or Fall of 2025 will be honored at a cording ceremony to acknowledge the completion of their associate degree and successful transfer to GovState.
FALL 2025
Be sure to check your email for further details on the events mentioned here!
Save The Dates
National Transfer Student Week Oct 20-24, 2025 Stay tuned for event announcements Homecoming Week @ GovState Oct 26-Nov 1, 2025 Stay tuned for event announcements DDP Orientation (Fall Option) Engbretson Hall @ GovState Friday, Nov 14, 2025, 1-4pm Semi-annual Orientation for DDP students who are still attending community college. Students are asked to attend an Orientation prior to transferring to GovState. Stay tuned for Fall 2025 monthly DDP community service opportunities!
Fall 2025 Continued...
Dear DDP Students and Supporters, Another year, and another DDP cohort has graduated! Congratulations to all of the Dual Degree Program (DDP) graduates that walked across the Commencement stage at Tinley Park Convention Center on May 17th, and to the over 100 DDP students that completed their associate degrees at our community college partners. The next chapter of your journey is yours to define, and we can't wait to see what you do! While we prepare for the fall semester, the DDP team is ready to assist if you need anything. Give us a call, email, or stop by our offices and we'll be happy to help. Unsure how to reach out? Visit www.govst.edu/ddp-contact/ for more info. Thank you for a great spring semester and see you soon! Best, Jessica Specht, M.A. Director of the Dual Degree Program
Director's message