NSSLHA Chapter Spotlight: Governors State University

By Allison Gladfelter, member of the Student Membership Committee

The Governors State University (GSU) NSSLHA Chapter is making a remarkable difference this year through its dedication to leadership, service, and advocacy. Guided by its mission to promote academic and professional excellence among students in Communication Sciences and Disorders, the chapter continues to strengthen community connections and foster professional growth while championing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

GSU’s NSSLHA chapter proudly maintains its Gold Chapter Honors distinction, and this fall has been filled with impactful initiatives. In October, members volunteered in Griffith, Indiana, for an inclusive Halloween celebration with the Unified Sports Team. This event provided a fun and rewarding opportunity to engage with individuals of diverse abilities in a festive setting. Later that month, the chapter hosted a vibrant display in GSU’s Hall of Governors during Culture Fest 2025, spotlighting Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) culture. Members shared educational materials, led interactive activities, and offered mini ASL lessons to showcase the richness of Deaf culture and its contributions to global communication. Additionally, on October 23, GSU NSSLHA members participated in the national Virtual Student Advocacy Day, sending letters to Congress to support legislation benefiting individuals with communication disorders and the professionals who serve them. This effort highlighted the strength of collective student advocacy and the importance of professional unity.

The chapter is also celebrating a major achievement: their advisor, Dr. Angela Riccelli, will receive the prestigious Making Waves Chapter Advisor Award at the ASHA Convention in Washington, D.C. This honor recognizes advisors who empower their chapters to create lasting change through leadership and advocacy. Dr. Riccelli’s guidance has been instrumental in GSU NSSLHA’s success and continued growth.

For GSU students, NSSLHA involvement is more than an extracurricular activity—it is a pathway to becoming informed, compassionate professionals. Through hands-on experiences in leadership, service, and advocacy, members connect classroom learning to real-world application while building a strong sense of community and professional identity.