Congratulations to the 2025 College of Arts & Sciences Distinguished Inductees!

This year’s inductees from the College of Arts & Sciences have demonstrated exceptional creativity, scholarship, and service that embody the spirit of Governors State University. Each inductee has made an inspiring impact in their field and community. Join us on Saturday, November 8, as we celebrate their achievements!

Category Leader

Dr. Jane Cleland-Huang

BS '95, MS '98

Dr. Jane Cleland-Huang is the Frank M. Freimann Professor and Chair of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Notre Dame. Her research focuses on Requirements Engineering, Software and Systems Traceability, and Safety Assurance for Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS). She leads the DroneResponse project, initially developed for research in multi-agent CPS, now a key platform for deploying small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) in emergency response.

Dr. Cleland-Huang also heads a NASA University Leadership Initiative grant and has chaired several major conferences. She is a passionate advocate for diversity in Software Engineering and is involved in two spin-off companies, DroneResponse and SAFA.

Inductee

Cassandra Bell

BA '07

Cassandra Bell is an award-winning filmmaker, director, and advocate known as “The Directoress.” A Chicago native and Governors State University alumna, she founded Cassandra Bell Studios and the Save Me 2 Live Foundation to uplift underrepresented voices and empower youth through the arts.

Honored with the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award and 2024 Woman of the Year Award, Bell’s acclaimed works include A Little Piece of Heaven (ALLBLK) and Paradigm Gray (Tubi). She continues to inspire through storytelling that drives social change.

Inductee

Cmdr. Christopher Calhoun

MA '13


Commander Christopher “Juice” Calhoun Sr. of the Cook County Sheriff’s Police has over 25 years of law enforcement experience, serving as a Homicide Detective, Federal Task Force Supervisor, and leader dedicated to public safety. A proud Governors State University alumnus, he also founded The Calhoun Foundation, a nonprofit empowering youth and strengthening communities.

Honored with the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award and Prince Hall Mason of the Year, Calhoun continues to mentor and advocate for youth development and social justice.

Inductee

John Kirksey

MA '76

John Kirksey is a best-selling author, executive coach, and acclaimed HR leader. He served as the first Chief Human Resources Officer at Governors State University and held senior roles at Johnson & Johnson, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and Marsh & McLennan Companies.

A Fellow of the Foreign Policy Association, Kirksey has been featured on major media outlets including CNN and Bloomberg, and has served on boards for NYU, Cornell University, and the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans. A former Wharton lecturer, he helped develop one of the nation’s first 401(k) plans and continues to shape leadership and organizational strategy.

Join us on November 8th as we celebrate and

honor our distinguished inductees!

Saturday, November 8, 2025

Check-In: 4:30 p.m.

Center for Performing Arts, Governors State University

You’re invited to an extraordinary evening for the 5th Annual Distinguished Alumni Reception!

Join us as we honor the remarkable accomplishments of our alumni and emeriti whose leadership, service, and impact continue to inspire the GovState community.

🎟️ Reserve your spot today—and consider sponsoring a student registration so the next generation of leaders can be part of this special celebration.

This Event Is Sponsored By