91³Ô¹Ï

 

 

 

 

Upcoming Events

Abstract digital artwork featuring vibrant, multicolored hand shapes layered and intertwined

World Day of Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development
(World Diversity Day)

“Listening and Healing Across Differenceâ€

Date: Thursday, May 7, 2026
Time: 9:30 – 3:30 p.m.


Overview

World Diversity Day at Governors State University is a dialogue-rich, day-long experience celebrating cultural diversity, pluralism, and collective well-being. Through panel discussions, breakout sessions, reflective activities, music, and community dialogue, participants will explore themes of racial healing, wellness, restorative justice, and public health.

Attendees may earn a digital badge, micro-credentials and continuing professional development credit while engaging in meaningful learning and connection. The Community Resource Fair will feature local partners, including a Kidney Screening and Vaccination Clinic, offering opportunities to support personal and community health.

Come for a conversation, stay for transformation - join us for a single session or immerse yourself in the full day of dialogue, discovery, and action.


Event Schedule

Doors Open

Time: 8 a.m
Location: Sherman Hall and Hall of Governors

Continental Breakfast Available (RSVP Required)

Time: 8:30 a.m
Location: Sherman Hall Atrium

Research & Resource Fair, Kidney Screening, Vaccine Clinic

Time: 9 a.m – 3:30 p.m.
Location: Hall of Governors

Opening Why Dialogue Matters Now (RSVP Required)

Time: 9 – 9:30 a.m.
Location: Sherman Hall
Speaker: Dr. Joi Patterson, Chief of Institutional Engagement and Excellence

Cultural Perspectives on Care, Restoration, and Community Panel Discussion (RSVP Required)

Time: 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Location: Sherman Hall
Facilitated by:

Joyce Ester

Joyce C. Ester, Ph.D.
President – Governors State University

Contance Edwards

Dr. Constance Edwards
Health Perspective

Ashley Gaddy Robbins

Dr. Ashley Gaddy Robbins
Mental Health Perspective

Father Michael Pfleger

Father Michael Pfleger
Spiritual Perspective

Edward C Valandra

Dr. Edward Valandra
Indigenous and Restorative Justice Perspective

Break + Research & Resource Fair

Time: 10:30 – 11 a.m.
Location: Hall of Governors

Concurrent Dialogue Sessions

Time: 11 – 11:45 a.m.
Location: Various Classrooms

Spoken Word, Community Lunch & Table Dialogue

Time: Noon – 12:45 p.m.
Location: Hall of Governors
Featuring:

Amber Whitted

Amber Whitted

Concurrent Dialogue Sessions

Time: 1 – 1:45 p.m.
Location: Various Classrooms

Break + Research & Resource Fair

Time: 1:45 – 2:15 p.m.
Location: Hall of Governors

From Dialogue to Commitment: A Call to Collective Action

Time: 2:15 – 3 p.m.
Location: Hall of Governors
Speaker:

Candace Smith

Dr. Candace Smith
Assistant Professor of Educator

Break + Research & Resource Fair

Time: 3 – 3:30 p.m.
Location: Hall of Governors


National Kidney Foundation of Illinois LogoNational Kidney Foundation of Illinois Van

Free Kidney & Diabetes Screening

Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: D1496
Must be 18 years or older
Walk-ins are also welcome

Please go to our website to pre-register and complete your questionnaire prior to screening!

  • • Blood pressure
  • • Blood Glucose*
  • • HbA1c for diabetics
  • • Body mass index (BMI)
  • • Waist circumference
  • • Urinalysis**
  • • Blood draw (if necessary)
  • *Fasting not required
  • **Urine sample will be required

Talk about your results with a health care professional and receive a copy of your test results same day.

For more information, contact the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois at (312) 321-1500 or .


JEWEL OSCO VACCINATION CLINIC

Protect Your Health. Protect Your Family.

Join us for a comprehensive vaccine clinic open to the public. We are providing a wide range of immunizations to keep our community safe and healthy.

When & Where

Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: D1497

Vaccines Available

We are offering immunizations for all stages of life:

  • • Respiratory Health: Flu, COVID-19, Pneumonia, and RSV.
  • • Pediatric Care: Full suite of Childhood Immunizations.
  • • Global Travel: Specialized Travel Vaccines.
Eligibility & Requirements
  • • AGES: Open to everyone Ages 4 and older.
  • • RESIDENCY: Open to all insured residents and the general public.
  • • WHAT TO BRING: Insurance Card (Required)
    • ‣ Photo ID
    • ‣ Immunization records (recommended for children)
Directions & Parking

Parking: Free parking is available in Lot B or Lot C, which are closest to the D-Wing entrance.

Finding the Room: Enter through the Main D-Wing entrance. Look for directional signage leading to Room D1497 near the Lakeside Lounge area.


2025 - 2026 Cultural Events Calendar

September

9/19 Hispanic Student Success PD
9/24 Lunch and Learn
9/29 - 9/30 IRJ Pre-Conference
9/30 Retention Mini Grant Due
9/30 Sign Language Workshop

October

10/1 - 10/3 International Restorative Justice Conference
10/8 Lunch and Learn
10/10 Hispanic Heritage Month Symposium
10/22 Lunch and Learn
10/22 Sign Language Workshop

November

11/6 Native American Event
11/12 Lunch and Learn
TBD Campus Climate Survey

December

12/10 L&L: Human Rights
12/18 DEIC Retreat

January

1/20 National Day of Racial Healing
1/22 MLK Breakfast
1/28 Lunch and Learn
1/30 World Hijab Day

February

2/11 Lunch and Learn
2/19 Black History Symposium
2/25 Lunch and Learn

March

3/11 Lunch and Learn
3/12 Developmental Disability Symposium
3/25 Lunch and Learn
3/26 Women History Month Tea

April

4/8 Lunch and Learn
4/22 Lunch and Learn
4/22 Arab American Event
4/22 Safe-Zone Training

May

5/7 World Diversity Day Event
5/7 Asian American Event

June

6/1 Mini-Grant Duet
6/11 Chicago Southland Educator Consortium Conference
6/19 Juneteenth

July

7/4 Independence Day

August

8/1 - 8/31 National Civility Month

Cultural AcknowledgementsIEE Past Events