On a warm and sunny Thursday evening, nearly 700 Grand Rapids Community College graduates walked at the 108th commencement held in the Van Andel Arena. Draped in dark blue gowns and yellow stoles, the graduates packed the halls before the ceremony began.
Born and raised in Grand Rapids, 28-year-old Carlos Tenorio, who graduated with a certificate in automotive technology and soon hopes to work in a dealership, decided to come to GRCC after the birth of his daughter.
For anyone thinking about going back to school, Tenorio encourages them to do so, saying, “I’d say do it, do it. I mean, once you get started, it only gets easier. The hard part is getting back on getting used to school, used to all the homework, but once you get used to it, it’s easier. Just keep going.”
Rhiannon Hudson, 28, of Grand Rapids, went back to school during COVID-19 and attended GRCC through the Reconnect program. She earned her associate’s degree in fine art and plans to transfer to Grand Valley State University.
“The Michigan reconnect grant that opened up inspired me to go for something that was passionate and saw myself doing for a career,” she said.
Hudson shared that her GRCC experience was “really nice” overall because of the community she found on campus.
“My professors were very supportive and encouraging in my program and really the relationships that I developed with my friends really helped me get through,” she said.
Other graduates, such as 24-year-old Marissa Chandler, of Kentwood, walk away from GRCC proudly debt-free. Chandler graduated with an associate’s in nursing and will continue her work locally with Corewell Health.
Chandler encourages those still pursuing their degrees to keep going.
“If you fail one class, don’t give up,” she said. “Just come back and use it as motivation.”
As the graduates packed into the main arena, along with their friends and family, the ceremony began with a welcome address from student government president and 2025 graduate Maria Choi.
Choi said that one of the reasons why she was able to earn her degree was because of “GRCC’s amazing student resources,” mentioning programs such as The Rapid bus pass and the Michigan Hunger-Free Campus Program.
“As we move forward, I want us to remember everything we’ve learned here at GRCC and the people we’ve met,” Choi said. “We may be heading in different directions, but we’ll always have this shared chapter, a chapter that shaped who we are today.”
Distinguished among the class of 2025 were the five graduates of excellence.
- Diego Munoz earned his associate’s degree in Industrial Maintenance Technology from the School of Business and Industry.
- Lance Benedict Baje graduated with a degree in Radiologic Technology from the School of Health Sciences.
- Coral De La Garza Ramos earned an Associate’s degree in Pre-Social Work from the School of Liberal Arts.
- Benjamin Lambright graduated with a Pre-Engineering degree from the School of STEM.
- Trent Renner earned a Computer Support Technician Certificate from the School of Workforce Training.
Additional honorees included former Grand Rapids Mayor Emeritus Rosalynn Bliss, who could not attend but received the GRCC champion award from Acting President Lisa Freiburger. Bliss was honored because of her “exceptional service and continued impact” on the community.
The Faculty Emeritus Award was presented to Angus Campbell of the culinary department by Provost Sheila Jones. Campbell worked in the culinary arts program, leading his classroom with a cutting-edge approach for over 25 years before his 2016 retirement.
Erin Van Egmond, Vice President of College Advancement and Executive Director of the GRCC Foundation, presented Darrin Mayweather, a 2014 GRCC graduate and adjunct GRCC professor, with the Young Alumni Award.
Noorthoek Academy Honorary Graduates Gabe McDonald and Emily Shanahan were presented their GRCC diplomas by Freiburger.
After hundreds of diplomas were passed out across the four colleges, Freibueger closed the commencement out by wishing the class of 2025 well.
“While you may think you’re leaving GRCC today, we see that differently,” she said. “We believe you are now working on a new journey as a GRCC alumni. You are now joining the ranks of thousands of proud GRCC graduates who have transitioned to alumni status. We hope you’ll stay connected with us by engaging in the programs, events, and opportunities available to you.”
The full commencement ceremony can be viewed here.
