GSU graduates chosen as commencement speakers
May 17, 2012 12:08PM
Erin Fletcher, of Richton Park, has been chosen to be one of the Governors State University graduates to speak at the commencement ceremony May 29, | Supplied Photos
Updated: June 29, 2012 8:11AM
Governors State University will award bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees to more than 2,400 graduates at its commencement ceremony at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. May 29 at the Tinley Park Convention Center.
Two graduating GSU students have been chosen to give commencement addresses. Erin Fletcher, of Richton Park, will speak at the 10 a.m. ceremony. Fredi Parks, of Park Forest, will speak at the 5 p.m. ceremony.
Fletcher and Parks were both nominated as speakers by faculty members and chosen as worthy representatives of the Class of 2012.
Fletcher is receiving a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies.
A mother of four, Fletcher enrolled at GSU in 2009 after she lost her private sector job. She worked for 25 years in logistics management, credit and collection management and accounting.
“It was an epiphany for me, and I found that this particular program was perfect for someone with my experience,” Fletcher said.
Parks is receiving a master’s degree in education.
Parks said she always knew she wanted to be a teacher. After working 12 years for a nonprofit foundation, she entered GSU’s Alternative Certification program, which trains career changers for the classroom and prepares them for careers in underserved schools.
Parks, who has four children, is now teaching sixth grade at Maya School in Harvey.
“I met a new me through the Alt Cert program,” Parks said. “I can’t say enough about my professors. Their standards of excellence made all this possible. Learning here is the best way to learn. GSU, as it turns out, is a bright and shining star.”
Admission to the commencement ceremony is by ticket only.
Provided to the SouthtownStar
