By Koy Flores
The time has come for the Grand Rapids Community College Class of 2024 to prepare for graduation at the annual GRADfest event. Whether you’re turning the tassel and swapping your grad gear for a police cap, dropping that textbook for a stethoscope, or raiding the internet for scholarships to pay for your transfer school, the next chapter of your life is beginning.
GRADfest 2024 will be held on the second floor of the Student Center at the main campus on Tuesday, March 26. At the Lakeshore Campus, it will be in Room 121 on Wednesday, March 27. The event will take place from 3 – 6 p.m., and any student planning to receive a degree/certificate this April should attend.
The GRCC Alumni Association and the GRCC Student Life Office will host the event. The GRCC Alumni Association is comprised of former graduates.
“GRADfest is where you can get everything you need for commencement all in one place,” said Jenna Mencarelli, the Development Manager of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving.
GRADfest organizers will assist in the selling of both regalia and Phi Theta Kappa medallions (for members of the National Honor Society). The price for the medallions is $25. The price for the cap, gown and tassel bundle is $55 plus tax.
The Main Campus will take cash, check, credit card or RaiderCards. The Lakeshore Campus will only take RaiderCards.
GRCC Alumni Relations will be passing out free Stoles of Appreciation. These are to be worn with your cap and gown at commencement, before bestowing it to a person who has supported your academic journey after the graduation ceremony.
There will also be representatives to discuss Financial Aid resources. Snacks and coffee will be provided by the Campus Activities Board.
If you can’t make it to GRADfest, you will have to visit the Student Life Office to gather everything you need for commencement.
The commencement ceremony will take place on April 25, at 7 p.m., at the Van Andel Arena. There is neither a charge nor limit for tickets this year.
The deadline to apply for the 2024 winter graduation is March 27.
