By Selena Reyes
Expect to see over 500 students in caps and gowns lining up to receive their diplomas Friday, April 28 when Grand Rapids Community College is celebrating its graduates in a commencement ceremony that will be held in the Gerald R. Ford Fieldhouse.
There will be a 4 p.m. program for graduates from the School of Liberal Arts and School of STEM. Following will be a 7:30 p.m. ceremony for graduates from the School of Business & Industry and School of Health Science.
GRCC President, Charles W. Lepper will be the presiding officer and featured speaker for graduation. Honorary awards such as the Distinguished Alumna and the Faculty Emeritus will be presented during the ceremony and the GRCC Concert Choir and GRCC Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble will be performing.
The graduation ceremonies are ticketed, and tickets are only given to graduating students for friends and family. However, a live stream is available for anyone who wishes to attend virtually.
“Every student who graduates is a cause for celebration,” said Dave Murray, the Communications Director for GRCC via email. “It’s a thrill to see the expressions on the students’ faces as they cross the stage – and just as much fun to look into the audience and see the families and supporters, and the faculty and staff who worked so closely to get people to this point.”
Friday’s graduation will bring the total of graduates and applicants for a GRCC degree or certificate to more than 1,000 total for the academic year spanning fall 2022 through summer 2023.
A graduation guide is also available on the GRCC commencement page for graduates on instructions to follow for the ceremony.
Applications to graduate for the next commencement ceremony can be filled through the graduation page.
For any other issues or questions visit Student Life or call (616) 234-3925.
Reporter Braeden Pelton contributed to this article.
