GovState Honors College

Home
United States
University Park, IL
GovState Honors College

The Governors State University Honors College provides academic excellence while serving the dual purpose of providing an enriched curriculum.

09/02/2026

**Come see the Honors College at the Welcome Rally!**

We’re excited to kick off the new semester and connect with the GovState community. Stop by the Honors College table at the Welcome Rally this Thursday, September 3, to say hello, learn more about Honors, and meet some of the people who make our community special.

We’ll see you there!

08/31/2026

Welcome back, Jaguars!

The Fall 2026 semester is officially underway, and the GovState Honors College is excited for a new year of learning, growth, leadership, and connection.
Wishing all of our students a strong start and a great semester ahead!

08/11/2026

Every journey has a destination, but the best ones continue long after the trip ends!

After weeks of exploring Italy, Honors College students boarded one final flight home, bringing an unforgettable international experience to a close.

From their departure in Chicago to their return home, this journey was filled with moments of discovery, meaningful experiences, and opportunities to see the world through a different lens. Reuniting with family and friends marked the end of the program while celebrating everything students had accomplished along the way.

Thank you for following our journey through Italy. We look forward to sharing where the next Honors College adventure will lead.

Arrivederci, Italia.

08/06/2026

The Honors College Study Abroad program concluded with moments of reflection, celebration, and connection as students enjoyed their final days together in Italy.

Students spent time along the Mediterranean coast, shared a farewell dinner featuring authentic Italian cuisine, and experienced the warmth of Italian culture through live traditional music and conversation. These moments provided an opportunity to reflect on the experiences, friendships, and memories built throughout the program.

While the classroom provided the foundation for learning, cultural immersion extended beyond the classroom through shared meals, local traditions, meaningful conversations, and the connections formed along the journey.

As the Italy VIII program came to a close, students left with more than photographs and souvenirs. They returned with new perspectives, lasting friendships, and memories that will continue to shape them long after the journey ended.

08/04/2026

Every destination became another classroom during the Honors College Study Abroad experience in Italy.

While in Como, students expanded their understanding of global leadership and destination management through a special presentation by Francesca Biffi, Sport & Entertainment Director for Como 1907. Students learned how sports tourism, community partnerships, and international branding contribute to economic development and shape a city's global identity.

Learning extended beyond the classroom as students visited Castel Baradello, where panoramic views overlooking Lake Como provided a deeper appreciation for the region's history, culture, and geography.

The journey continued to Pompeii, where students explored one of the world's most significant archaeological sites. Walking through preserved streets, ancient architecture, mosaics, and artifacts transformed history from something read in textbooks into an unforgettable firsthand experience. Encounters with the site's famous plaster casts also offered a powerful reminder of the lives forever changed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79.

Every experience is another opportunity to learn!

07/31/2026

Study Abroad continued with a day that blended academic learning and cultural exploration in the beautiful city of Como!

Students partnered with the University of Insubria, where they explored tourism, destination management, and the economic impact of one of Italy's most recognized destinations. Through discussions with faculty and hands-on learning, students gained valuable insight into the opportunities and challenges of managing tourism in a globally recognized region.

After class, students experienced Lake Como from a new perspective, exploring the historic waterfront before traveling by funicular into the surrounding mountains. The breathtaking views provided a memorable backdrop to conversations about sustainability, community development, and the importance of preserving cultural and natural resources.

07/29/2026

The Honors College Study Abroad program continued with a day of discovery, giving students the opportunity to experience Italy's rich artistic and cultural heritage firsthand.

Students explored the world-renowned Vatican Museums, home to one of the largest collections of Renaissance art in the world. Walking through the breathtaking Gallery of Maps and admiring centuries-old masterpieces offered a unique perspective on the history, artistry, and innovation that continue to shape Italy today.

The experience extended beyond the museum walls as students also visited a local leather workshop, where they observed skilled artisans preserving traditional techniques that have been passed down through generations.

Study abroad is more than visiting iconic
destinations, it's about connecting with history, culture, and craftsmanship in ways that bring classroom learning to life.

Through experiences like these, students gain a broader understanding of the world while developing the curiosity, cultural awareness, and global perspective that prepare them to become future leaders.

07/28/2026

Not every lesson during the Honors College Study Abroad program takes place at a historic landmark. During their time at the American University of Rome, GovSate Honors College students explored Italian leadership through presentations led by their classmates.

Students researched influential Italian leaders from different periods of history and examined how their leadership styles shaped Italy's political, cultural, and social development. From Renaissance visionaries like Lorenzo de' Medici to modern leaders who helped rebuild Italy, these presentations encouraged thoughtful discussion about leadership, service, and lasting impact.

07/15/2026

From Rome to Como!

After traveling north from Rome, Honors College students continued their study abroad experience in Como, where classroom learning was enriched by the beauty, history, and culture of one of Italy's most iconic destinations.

Through their collaboration with the University of Insubria, students explored destination management, examining how tourism, sustainability, and local communities work together to shape one of Italy's most celebrated regions.

Experiences like these demonstrate that some of the most valuable learning happens beyond the classroom through collaboration, cultural immersion, and seeing the world from new perspectives.

07/04/2026

Happy Fourth of July from the GovState Honors College!

Today, we celebrate the freedoms that unite us and the opportunities they make possible.

As you gather with family, friends, and your communities, we wish you a safe, joyful, and memorable Fourth of July.

Address

1 University Parkway
University Park, IL
60484

Website

http://www.govst.edu/honors

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when GovState Honors College posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The University

Send a message to GovState Honors College:

Want your university to be the top-listed University in University Park?