Fall 2026 Student Commencement Speaker Application

Grand Valley holds four official Commencement ceremonies during the academic year: three ceremonies in April and one ceremony in December. A special honor is provided to a graduating student to address the University community during each Commencement ceremony. The selected speaker will add a student's voice to address their peers, as well as university faculty and staff, honored guests, and families during the ceremony. The comments will reflect on their experience at Grand Valley State University and how their graduating class will make a difference with their Laker Effect.

Students who are eligible and have applied to graduate may apply to be the student speaker at one of the appropriate ceremonies.

Applications are currently being accepted for the December 12 ceremony. The deadline to apply is Sunday, October 25 at, 11:59 p.m.

Applicant Information

First Name *

Middle Initial *

Last Name *

Student G-number *

Phone Number *

Email *

College of Study *
Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies
College of Computing
College of Education and Community Innovation
College of Health Professions
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Kirkhof College of Nursing
Padnos College of Engineering
Seidman College of Business

Level of Degree to be received: *

Are you intending to graduate and attend the commencement ceremony? *

List the name and contact information for a GVSU faculty or staff member that will serve as your reference

Name *

Email *

Department *

Biographical Narrative

So the Selection Committee can begin to know you, provide a brief narrative about your time at Grand Valley State University. Include information about your educational experience, co-curricular activities, and any accomplishments you want to share. *
Please enter at most 200 words. You currently have entered 0 words.

Video Upload

Upload a video of your intended Commencement comments. Provide a brief introduction of yourself (name and major at a minimum) followed by your comments of no more than three minutes (this translates to approximately 400 words or two double-spaced, typed page). Keep in mind the following guidelines:

Tell the story of how your educational experience at GVSU helped to shape your life, your future profession, or your society/community. Consider reflecting on your overall academic experience, co-curricular involvement, or service opportunities.
Keep themes broad, as fellow students will graduate from more than one program and college. Share common experiences and insights.
Inspire and encourage fellow graduates to carry the GVSU Laker Effect out into the world.

Review Your Link Permissions:
Make sure you have the proper settings on your file. We must be able to access the link in order to review it.
Google Drive - Here's a tutorial on how to share a file on Google Drive

Share a link to your video via Google Drive, YouTube, etc. *

Application Deadline

Applications for the December 12 Commencement ceremony are due Sunday, October 25, 11:59 p.m. Late submissions are not accepted.

I certify that my answers are true and complete to the best of my knowledge *
I agree

Grand Valley State University is committed to a policy of equal access to programs, facilities, and services. If students require additional assistance or accommodations, contact Student Accessibility Resources by calling (616) 331-2490 or email access @gvsu.edu prior to submission of materials.

Human Verification *

Page last modified October 5, 2026

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