Grand Valley celebrates northern Michigan graduates

About 75 Grand Valley State University students participated in the 16th annual Traverse City commencement ceremony May 2 at Grand Traverse Resort.

Sen. Howard Walker, who has served in northern Michigan as a state representative and senator, addressed undergraduate and graduate students. He has served on the Traverse City Area Public Schools board, and during a decade-plus career in Lansing, championed funding equity for public schools, renewable energy and legislation to protect the state’s agricultural heritage. He received a degree from Michigan Technological University and lives in Grand Traverse County.

Grand Valley serves approximately 250 students across northern Michigan with classes offered in Traverse City, Cadillac, Boyne City, and Sault Ste. Marie. Students from all of those sites participated in the commencement ceremony.

Grand Valley became part of the Northwestern Michigan College University Center in 1996. The university offers undergraduate degree programs in education and liberal studies. It also offers graduate programs in education and social work. Grand Valley is the only institution at the University Center that holds a formal commencement ceremony in Traverse City.