A university president and a former U.S. Cabinet member will
address Grand Valley graduates at commencement ceremonies on April 30
at Van Andel Arena.
Shirley Ann Jackson, president of Rensselaer Polytechnic
Institute, will address morning graduates and Norman Mineta, former
secretary of transportation, will speak in the afternoon.
The 10 a.m. ceremony will include the College of Community and
Public Service, Padnos College of Engineering and Computing, College
of Health Professions, Kirkhof College of Nursing and Seidman College
of Business. The 3 p.m. ceremony will include the College of
Education, Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies and College of
Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Jackson is a past chair of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory
Commission and has held senior leadership positions in government,
industry, research and higher education. She was appointed by
President Obama in 2009 to serve on the President’s Council of
Advisors on Science and Technology.
Mineta now serves as global vice chairman of Hill &
Knowlton. He was appointed by President George W. Bush as secretary of
transportation in 2001 and held that post until 2006. He helped
establish the Transportation Security Administration, the largest
mobilization of a new federal agency since World War II.
MEDIA NOTE: Skybox 101B has been reserved for media. The box
offers a mult box and an elevated, unobstructed view of the podium and
platform. For more information, contact Grand Valley’s News and
Information Services Department at (616) 331-2221.
During the ceremonies, the Alumni Association will present two
awards. James Sanford, professor of business law, will receive the
Outstanding Educator Award and Lt. Col. Nancy Steele will receive the
Distinguished Alumna Award.
NOTABLE STUDENTS
During the 10 a.m. ceremony, a father and
daughter will graduate together. Michael Miller will receive a
bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and his daughter, Stacie Miller,
will receive a bachelor’s degree in health professions.
Mike left Grand Valley in 1982 with three years completed toward his
bachelor’s degree. He worked as a sheriff’s deputy and police officer
in Colorado before moving back to Michigan. Mike has been a sergeant
with the Rockford Police Department since 1990. Mike said he wanted to
finish college and get his degree because it was one of his mother’s
greatest wishes (she died six years ago). He also said he wanted to
graduate with his daughter.
For more information on commencement call Grand Valley News and
Information Services at (616) 331-2221.
