Domestive Violence Symposium

 

Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026

 

Agenda:

 

11:30 am - Check In & Resource Fair

12:00 pm - Presentations

3:00pm - Resource Fair

3:30 pm - Testimonials

4:00 pm - Conclusion of Program

 

Event Description:

The Alumni Association at Governors State University hosts an annual symposium to raise awareness and combat domestic violence, bringing together alumni, community partners, and advocates to promote education, healing, and connection.

Thanks to Dr. Toya Garnes (’08), Co-Chair of the Alumni Association Advisory Board, the symposium was founded in partnership with Stephanie Cooper and has welcomed members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Xi Mu Zeta Graduate Chapter (Markham, IL) as honored guests. Last year, the program was co-hosted by GovState alumna Dr. Denise King (’13), former Domestic Violence Chair for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., with support from Stephanie Cooper. Together, they addressed the realities faced by victims and families while equipping attendees with strategies for advocacy, survivor support, and access to critical resources, including Anew, GovState’s Self-Help Legal Clinic, and the Southland Juvenile Justice Council of Park Forest, IL.

Building on this history of collaboration, this year’s symposium partners with Bonneville Event Solutions, led by Stephanie Cooper, whose parents, Roberta and Larry Bonner, were both GovState alumni and employees.

The Domestic Violence Symposium highlights holistic support, accountability, and collective action, demonstrating the power of alumni leadership and partnerships to create lasting change. We invite you to join us in continuing this tradition.