Order of Ceremony
December 12, 2026 | 4 p.m.
Processional: Pomp and Circumstance
Sir Edward Elgar, arr. Alex Wilson
Grand Valley State University Brass Ensemble (prerecorded)
Opening of Ceremony
Courtney Karasinski, Ph.D.
Chair of University Academic Senate
Star Spangled Banner*
composed by John Stafford Smith, lyrics by Francis Scott Key
Welcome and Remarks
Philomena V. Mantella, Ph.D.
President, Grand Valley State University
Student Speaker
Special Musical Performance
Conferring of Honorary Degree
President Mantella
Jennifer Drake, Ph.D.,
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
Commencement Address
Conferring of Degrees
President Mantella
Provost Drake
Alma Mater: “Hail to Thee, Grand Valley”*
composed by Arthur C. Hills
Moving of the Tassel
Provost Drake
Closing of Ceremony
President Mantella
Courtney Karasinski