Steve Wozniak, a visionary in the field of personal computing and the technological pioneer behind the formation of Apple, will be the guest speaker for Grand Valley State University’s three Commencement ceremonies on May 1-2 at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids.
“GVSU is sincerely grateful to Steve Wozniak for donating his time to return to Grand Rapids and share his wisdom and guidance with our graduates,” GVSU President Philomena V. Mantella said.
“His career exemplifies the innovation, curiosity and impact that we strive to nurture in every GVSU student. From pioneering personal computing to advancing education through technology, he exemplifies how vision and perseverance can transform ideas into reality.”
Wozniak will speak at each of Grand Valley’s three Commencement ceremonies — 7 p.m. on May 1, and 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on May 2. A livestream of the ceremonies will be available on GVSU’s Commencement webpage.
The ceremonies mark Wozniak’s second visit to Grand Rapids since his appearance in September, when he helped kick off Tech Week. During that visit, Wozniak visited with Mantella and other senior university leaders.
“I’m honored to return to Grand Rapids and celebrate this important milestone with the Grand Valley graduates and the GVSU community,” Wozniak said.
“GVSU’s commitment to innovation and community reflects the kind of environment where ideas take shape. The curiosity and collaboration I’ve seen in Grand Rapids reminds me why investing in people and ideas matters.”
A Silicon Valley icon, technology entrepreneur and philanthropist for more than 50 years, 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 continues to pursue his entrepreneurial and philanthropic interests to this day. In 2017, Steve co-founded Woz U — a postsecondary education and training platform focused on software engineering and technology development.
