By Jack Kostrzewski
It is finally time for the Grand Rapids Community College class of 2025 to call it wraps for their time at GRCC. To celebrate this exciting time for all of these individuals, GRCC will be holding a special event called GradFest to celebrate this special moment for GRCC’s graduates. GradFest is a celebratory event where students can get everything they need for graduation.
GradFest 2025 takes place on March 25 from 2:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. in the Secchia Piazza, located in GRCC’s Wisner-Bottrall Applied Technology Center at 151 Fountain St. NE, Grand Rapids. On March 26 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Lakeshore Campus Atrium, located at GRCC’s Lakeshore Campus at 12335 James St, Holland, MI 49424. Any student that is planning on receiving a degree or certificate should plan on attending this event.
GradFest is not a requirement for graduating GRCC students to attend, but it is recommended. If students are not able to attend the event they can visit the Center for Student Life & Leadership afterward to pick up everything they need for their commencement in April.
“After attending GradFest, students should stop by the bookstore to purchase their cap and gown. There will also be a cap decorating table in front of the Center for Student Life & Leadership where students can personalize their caps,” stated Jenna Mencarelli and Valerie Hargraves who are both co-leaders of the GradFest event.
If students are wondering about how to acquire and what the price is for a cap and gown for their commencement. The cost for a cap and gown is $59.30, and they can be purchased at the Bookstore. However, for students who may not be able to afford this, GRCC offers a program that provides donated gowns, caps, & tassels to ensure cost is not a barrier to participating in Commencement.
“GradFest is a one-stop celebratory event where students can prepare for Commencement,” Mencarelli stated.
At this event, students will be able to verify their degree information and make sure the pronunciation of names is correct, receive an alumni gift from others and receive the Graduation Stole of Appreciation.
The stole is to be worn at commencement with your cap & gown, and afterwards students are encouraged to present the stole to someone who provided extraordinary support to them throughout their educational journey.
There will also be representatives to discuss Financial Aid resources at the event. There will also be snacks provided by the Campus Activities Board.
The commencement ceremony will take place on Thursday, April 24 at 7 p.m. at Van Andel Arena. Graduates should arrive between 5:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. at Van Andel Arena’s Main Entrance off Fulton St. to ensure there is no delay of the commencement.
