Grand Valley State University Commencement Ceremony
May 2026
Processional: Pomp and Circumstance
Sir Edward Elgar arr. Alex Wilson
Grand Valley State University Brass Ensemble (prerecorded)
Opening of Ceremony
Courtney Karasinski, Ph.D., CCC-SLP Chair of University Academic Senate
Star-Spangled Banner*
Friday ceremony:
Saamanthy Rajenthiran, Grand Valley State University student, Soprano
Natalie Tripp, Grand Valley State University student, Soprano
Brianna Hofman, Grand Valley State University student, piano
Saturday ceremonies:
Madeline Cooper, Grand Valley State University student, Soprano
Brianna Hofman, piano
Welcome
Philomena V. Mantella, Ph.D.
President, Grand Valley State University
Student Speaker
Friday ceremony:
Dallas Mathews
Saturday morning ceremony:
Elaina D. Marcum
Saturday afternoon ceremony:
Sarah M. Dudinetz
“For Good”
Friday ceremony:
Saamanthy Rajenthiran, Grand Valley State University student, Soprano
Natalie Tripp, Grand Valley State University student, Soprano
Brianna Hofman, Grand Valley State University student, piano
Saturday ceremonies:
Madeline Cooper, Grand Valley State University student, Soprano
Hannah Fox, Grand Valley State University student, Soprano
Brianna Hofman, piano
Conferring of Honorary Degree
President Mantella
Jennifer Drake, Ph.D., Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
Friday recipient: Steve Wozniak
Saturday afternoon recipient: Judith R. Faulkner
Commencement Address
Steve Wozniak
Conferring of Degrees
President Mantella
Provost Drake
Alma Mater: “Hail to Thee, Grand Valley”*
Arthur C. Hills
Moving of the Tassel
Provost Drake
Closing of Ceremony
President Mantella
Courtney Karasinski
Recessional
For a list of graduates from each college select the link below.
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
College of Education and Community Innovation
Academic Deans
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Donovan Anderson, Ph.D., Interim Dean
Seidman College of Business
Diana R. Lawson, Ph.D., Dean
College of Computing
Marouane Kessentini, Ph.D., Dean
College of Education and Community Innovation
Sherril Soman, Ph.D., Dean
Seymour and Esther Padnos College of Engineering
Adebayo Ogundipe, Ph.D., Dean
College of Health Professions
Jeffrey Potteiger, Ph.D., Dean
Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies
Mark F. Schaub, Ph.D., Dean
Kirkhof College of Nursing
Linda Lewandowski, Ph.D., Dean
University Libraries
Melanie Shell-Weiss, Ph.D., Interim Dean
Graduate degree recipients will be congratulated by Erica Hamilton, Ph.D., Vice Provost for Distributed Learning and Dean of The Graduate School.
Live name reading of candidates will be performed by Pam Wells, Ph.D., Associate Vice President and Registrar (Friday), Mike Przydzial, M.Ed., Director of Alumni Relations (Saturday morning), and Aaron Mowen, M.S., Director of Recreation and Wellness (Saturday afternoon).
American Sign Language interpreting provided by Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (Friday) and Misti Ryefield, M.S., College of Health Professions (Saturday).
Marshals
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Friday, May 1 at |
Saturday, May 2 at |
Saturday, May 2 at |
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Student Marshals Roderick Morgan, Ph.D., College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Karyn Rabourn, Ph.D., College of Education and Community Innovation |
Student Marshals Shari Bartz-Smith, Ph.D., College of Health Professions Esteban Hernandez, Ph.D., Seidman College of Business |
Student Marshals Robert Deaner, Ph.D., College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Robin Spring, M.S., College of Liberal Arts and Sciences |
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Faculty Marshals Jack Mangala, Ph.D., Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies Wendy Reffeor, Ph.D., Padnos College of Engineering |
Faculty Marshals Andrew Booth, DHEd, PA-C, College of Health Professions Ana Gonzalez, Ph.D., Seidman College of Business |
Faculty Marshals Kelli Damstra, DNP, Kirkhof College of Nursing Kimberly Oosterhouse, Ph.D., Kirkhof College of Nursing |
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Stage Marshals Kyle Barnhart, M.Ed., Alumni Relations Elizabeth Chase, M.Ed., Student Academic Success Center |
Stage Marshals Alisha Davis, Ph.D., Division of Student Affairs, Social Justice Centers Katie Perschbacher, M.Ed., Dean of Students Office |
Stage Marshals Colleen Bailey, M.A., Housing and Residence Life Alisha Davis, Ph.D., Division of Student Affairs, Social Justice Centers |
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Platform Marshals Samah Mansour, Ph.D., College of Computing Justin Pettibone, M.A., Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies |
Platform Marshals Theresa Bacon-Baguley, Ph.D., College of Health Professions Steven Dahlquist, Ph.D., Seidman College of Business |
Platform Marshals Genevieve Elrod, Ph.D., Kirkhof College of Nursing Dwayne Tunstall, Ph.D., College of Liberal Arts and Sciences |
Grand Marshal
Courtney Karasinski, Ph.D. , Chair of University Academic Senate
Mace Bearer
Anne Sergeant, Ph.D. , Vice Chair of University Academic Senate
Doctoral Graduate Hooding
May 2 at 10 a.m. Ceremony
Doctor of Audiology hooding will be performed by:
Kara Hotaling, Au.D
Jennifer Smart, Ph.D.
Doctor of Physical Therapy hooding will be performed by:
Michael Shoemaker, PT, DPT, PhD
Brianna Chesser, PT, MPT, EdD
Ashley Van Dam, PT, DPT, CCS
Lisa Kenyon, PT, DPT, PhD, PCS
May 2 at 3 p.m. Ceremony
Doctor of Nursing Practice hooding will be performed by:
Nicole Harpold, DNP
Katherine Moran, DNP
Congratulations on earning your degree from Grand Valley State University! This is a moment to celebrate all that you’ve accomplished and the hard work, determination, and perseverance that brought you here. You’ve faced challenges, pushed through long days and late nights, and grown in ways that will shape your future for years to come.
Today is your day to celebrate not only your journey but also the people and experiences that helped you along the way.
I hope you’ll carry forward the curiosity and love of learning that defined your time at Grand Valley. Those qualities will continue to open doors and guide you as you positively impact the world.
As your journey continues, remember that Grand Valley is always with you as you are a Laker for a Lifetime!
Philomena V. Mantella, Ph.D.
President
Congratulations on reaching this incredible milestone! Today we celebrate your hard work, resilience, and growth, and we’re grateful you chose Grand Valley State University as the place to learn, explore, and pursue your goals.
At Grand Valley, we believe education is more than a series of classes. I hope your time here has sparked your curiosity, deepened your understanding, and inspired you to think and grow in new ways. I hope you’ve discovered your passions and sharpened your sense of purpose. The achievements of our alumni show that Lakers are well prepared for lives of meaning and impact.
As you step into what comes next, carry forward Grand Valley’s spirit of learning, curiosity, and connection—and stay in touch. We look forward to celebrating your future successes as part of the Laker family.
Know that Grand Valley will always be proud to be part of your story.
Jennifer Drake, Ph.D.
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
Officers of the University
Philomena V. Mantella, Ph.D.
President
Laura Aikens, M.S.W.
Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Stacie R. Behler, J.D.
Vice President and Chief Public Affairs and Communications Officer and Secretary, Board of Trustees
Jennifer A. Drake, Ph.D.
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
Jenny Hall-Jones, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs
Gregory J. Sanial, Ph.D.
Vice President for Finance and Administration
and Treasurer, Board of Trustees
Robert Shorty, Ph.D.
Vice President for People, Equity, and Culture
Miloš Topić, Ph.D.
Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Digital Officer
B. Donta Truss, Ed.D.
Vice President for Enrollment Development and College Futures
Kara Van Dam, Ph.D.
Vice President and Chief Executive of GVSU Omni
Jessica Karbowski Weare, J.D.
Vice President and General Counsel
Board of Trustees
Mikyia S. Aaron, J.D., ’10
Vice Chair
Westland
Elizabeth C. Emmitt, B.A.
Chair
Byron Center
Ronald E. Hall, J.D.
Bloomfield Township
Brandon J. Hofmeister, J.D.
Ann Arbor
Susan M. Jandernoa, B.S.
West Olive
Noreen K. Myers, J.D., D.P.S., ’72
East Grand Rapids
Shelley E. Padnos, J.D., D.P.S.
Fennville
Jason R. Trice, B.S., ’01
Flint
Philomena V. Mantella, Ph.D.
(ex officio) President of the University
Graduation Honors
The cords, stoles, sashes, and flags of different colors worn by some of the graduates are part of a special commencement tradition. They represent honors distinctions and recognize academic excellence or achievements in leadership. Some of the honors are based on grade point averages; other honors involve meritorious scholarship in fields of study or notable work for a particular organization.
For the graduates who may qualify for the honors distinction once final grades are posted, the designation of “honors candidate” has been granted.
Honors will be awarded as follows:
Summa cum laude — 3.9–4.00
Magna cum laude — 3.75–3.899
Cum laude — 3.5–3.749
A list of honor societies, awards of distinction, and recognition can be found at gvsu.edu/commencement/honors.
Tradition of Regalia
Academic dress consists of a gown, cap, and hood, which indicate the degree held by the wearer and the college or university that awarded that degree. Learn more about the significance of the various gowns, hoods, and more at gvsu.edu/commencement/regalia.
Honorary Degree Recipients
Steve Wozniak
Friday, May 1, 2026
A Silicon Valley icon, technology entrepreneur and philanthropist for more than fifty years, Steve Wozniak has helped shape the computing industry with his design of Apple’s first line of products the Apple I and II. He also influenced the popular Macintosh. In 1976, Wozniak and Steve Jobs founded Apple Computer Inc. with Wozniak’s Apple I personal computer.
Wozniak is the author of iWoz: From Computer Geek to Cult Icon (Norton Publishing), his New York Times best-selling autobiography. His television appearances include: ABC’s Dancing with the Stars, The Big Bang Theory, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Conan, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Celebrity Watch Party.
Wozniak continues to pursue his entrepreneurial and philanthropic interests to this day. In October 2017, Steve co-founded Woz U — a postsecondary education and training platform focused on software engineering and technology development.
During it all Wozniak has delivered thousands of talks and fireside chats, thrilling audiences and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs and engineers.
Judith R. Faulkner
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Judy Faulkner is CEO and founder of Epic, which she began in 1979 in the basement of an apartment house with $70,000 in start-up money and 2 half-time assistants. Epic has grown by its bootstraps, without venture capital or going public.
Judy received honorary doctorates from the University of Wisconsin, Rush University, Temple University College of Public Health, Dickinson College, and Mount Sinai, an MS in Computer Science from the UW, and a BS in Mathematics from Dickinson College. After teaching computer science for several years she then worked as a software developer, creating one of the first databases organized around the patient.
Judy currently is a member of the National Academy of Medicine’s Leadership Roundtable, The Scottsdale Institute, and of the Aspen Health Strategy Group. She has pledged that 99% of her assets will go to philanthropy.
Are you a graduate?
“Sign” the digital yearbook! Upload a photo, share your favorite memory at GVSU, or highlight an individual who positively influenced your time at Grand Valley. Family and friends can share your yearbook entry, too!
Welcome to your Alumni era
Today you join a global network of 150,000+ alumni who support each other and stay connected to Grand Valley.
Stay Connected
Keep the Laker pride alive in your feed! Follow us on Instagram for alumni stories, events, career resources, and giveaways. Check out our lastest post: Where's Louie?
Alumni Events
Join us for a variety of alumni events throughout the year, across the country, and online. Connect with fellow Lakers, build your community, and grow your career.
Make the most of your Alumni network
You’ll always have access to the GVSU Career Center for support. Build community and grow your network with Lakers who share your city, interests, or identity. Explore alumni benefits and ways to stay involved.
Wherever life takes you, you’ll always be a Laker for a Lifetime!
Stop by the Laker Store on Monroe Center during Commencement weekend to grab your alumni gear!
101 Monroe Center St NW | Grand Rapids, MI
Hours:
Friday, May 1, from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
(the first 10 graduates to visit the store will receive a free swag bag)!
Saturday, May 2, from 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
(the first 10 graduates to visit the store after 5 p.m. will receive a free swag bag)!
Limit one bag per visitor; only available in person at this location. Some sales exclusions apply; see store for details.