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GVSU in photos: Celebrating Laker graduates at May 2026 Commencement

Students and their families cross the street outside of Van Andel Arena before commencement May 1.
Students and their families cross the street outside of Van Andel Arena before commencement May 1.
Image credit - Simon Zwart
Soon-to-be graduate Nia Yost waits outside Van Andel Arena in the wind before the afternoon Commencement ceremony on May 2.
Soon-to-be graduate Nia Yost waits outside Van Andel Arena in the wind before the afternoon Commencement ceremony on May 2.
Image credit - Cory Morse
Friends and families greet recent graduates to give them flowers, balloons and stuffed animals after the Saturday afternoon Commencement ceremony at Van Andel May 2.
Friends and families greet recent graduates to give them flowers, balloons and stuffed animals after the Saturday afternoon Commencement ceremony at Van Andel Arena on May 2.
Image credit - Kendra Stanley-Mills
Lakeesha Dorkins, left, hugs her daughter, Destini Dorkins, after she received her degree in Human Resource Management during Saturday morning’s Commencement ceremony May 2. “Her faith is her strength,” her mother said about her daughter. “She inspires me and we are forever proud.”
Lakeesha Dorkins, left, hugs her daughter, Destini Dorkins, after she received her degree in human resource management during Saturday morning’s Commencement ceremony May 2. “Her faith is her strength,” her mother said about her daughter. “She inspires me and we are forever proud.”
Image credit - Kendra Stanley-Mills
Wrapped in an embrace, a recent graduate poses for a photo during the Saturday morning Commencement ceremony May 2.
Wrapped in an embrace, a recent graduate poses for a photo during the Saturday morning Commencement ceremony May 2.
Image credit - Kendra Stanley-Mills
Friends and families greet recent graduates to give them flowers, balloons and stuffed animals after the Saturday afternoon Commencement ceremony at Van Andel May 2.
Friends and families greet recent graduates to give them flowers, balloons and stuffed animals after the Saturday afternoon Commencement ceremony at Van Andel Arena May 2.
Image credit - Kendra Stanley-Mills
From left, Jacyln Brubaker hugs Avery Howe, who graduated with a bachelor of science in allied health sciences during Commencement at Van Andel Arena May 2.
From left, Jacyln Brubaker hugs Avery Howe, who graduated with a bachelor of science in allied health sciences during Commencement at Van Andel Arena May 2.
Image credit - Eliana McGlinchey
A soon-to-be graduate shares a hug with a family member before the Commencement ceremony to begin at Van Andel Arena May 2.
A soon-to-be graduate shares a hug with a family member before the Commencement ceremony begins at Van Andel Arena May 2.
Image credit - Ashley Streeter
Amelia VanWyck hugs their grandmother, Lori Boza, left, after VanWyck received a bachelor of fine arts degree during Saturday afternoon’s Commencement ceremony at Van Andel Arena May 2.
Amelia VanWyck hugs their grandmother, Lori Boza, left, after VanWyck received a bachelor of fine arts degree during Saturday afternoon’s Commencement ceremony at Van Andel Arena May 2.
Image credit - Kendra Stanley-Mills
Student speaker Dallas Matthews talks with Mark Schaub, Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies Dean, inside the robing room before Commencement at Van Andel Arena on May 1. Also pictured is B. Donta Truss, vice president for Enrollment Development and College Futures.
Student speaker Dallas Matthews talks with Mark Schaub, Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies dean, inside the robing room before Commencement at Van Andel Arena on May 1. Also pictured is B. Donta Truss, vice president for Enrollment Development and College Futures.
Image credit - Cory Morse
“I’m just a bug girl. I paint a lot of bugs,” said Mattee DeMott as she heads into Saturday afternoon’s Commencement wearing a mortar board decorated with bugs. DeMott received a bachelor of fine arts degree May 2.
“I’m just a bug girl. I paint a lot of bugs,” said Mattee DeMott as she headed into Saturday afternoon’s Commencement wearing a mortar board decorated with bugs. DeMott received a bachelor of fine arts degree May 2.
Image credit - Kendra Stanley-Mills
Joslyn Williams, who earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, takes a selfie with her mother outside Van Andel Arena before Grand Valley State University’s spring commencement on May 1, 2026.
Joslyn Williams, who earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, takes a selfie with her mother outside Van Andel Arena before Commencement on May 1.
Image credit - Emily Riddle
Family members try to get the attention of a graduate as they recess from Saturday afternoon’s Commencement ceremony at Van Andel Arena May 2.
Family members try to get the attention of a graduate as they recess from Saturday afternoon’s Commencement ceremony at Van Andel Arena May 2.
Image credit - Kendra Stanley-Mills
Members of the Senior Leadership Team, including Jenny Hall-Jones, vice president for Student Affairs, take part in the afternoon Commencement ceremony at Van Andel Arena on May 2.
Members of the Senior Leadership Team, including Jenny Hall-Jones, vice president for Student Affairs, take part in the afternoon Commencement ceremony at Van Andel Arena on May 2.
Image credit - Cory Morse
Soon-to-be graduates listen to the Commencement speakers during the Saturday morning ceremony held at the Van Andel Arena May 2.
Soon-to-be graduates listen to the Commencement speakers during the Saturday morning ceremony held at the Van Andel Arena May 2.
Image credit - Kendra Stanley-Mills
A soon-to-be graduates take part in the afternoon Commencement ceremony at Van Andel Arena May 2.
Soon-to-be graduates take part in the afternoon Commencement ceremony at Van Andel Arena May 2.
Image credit - Cory Morse
Graduates take a selfie together as they recess out of Saturday morning’s ceremony.
Graduates take a selfie together as they recess out of Saturday morning’s ceremony.
Image credit - Kendra Stanley-Mills
Jacob North, a finance major, waves to his loved ones in the crowd during Commencement at Van Andel Arena May 2.
Jacob North, a finance major, waves to his loved ones in the crowd during Commencement at Van Andel Arena May 2.
Image credit - Eliana McGlinchey
Annah Stang hugs Katie Perschbacher from the Dean of Students office, left, after Stang earned a degree in marketing during Saturday afternoon’s Commencement.
Annah Stang hugs Katie Perschbacher from the Dean of Students office, left, after Stang earned a degree in marketing during Saturday afternoon’s Commencement on May 2.
Image credit - Kendra Stanley-Mills
Emily Nevin shares a moment with Nevin’s father, Thomas Nevin, after walking the stage to receive a degree in Natural Resources Management during the Saturday afternoon Commencement at Van Andel Arena.
Emily Nevin shares a moment with Nevin’s father, Thomas Nevin, after walking the stage to receive a degree in natural resources management during the Saturday afternoon Commencement at Van Andel Arena on May 2.
Image credit - Kendra Stanley-Mills
Student Commencement speaker Sarah Dudinetz embraces Vice President for Student Affairs Jenny Hall-Jones after receiving her Master of Business Administration at Grand Valley State University's afternoon Commencement on May 2, 2026.
Student Commencement speaker Sarah Dudinetz embraces Vice President for Student Affairs Jenny Hall-Jones during the afternoon Commencement ceremony on May 2.
Image credit - Macayla Cramer
Student speaker Dallas Matthews addresses the audience during Commencement at Van Andel Arena on May 1.
Student speaker Dallas Matthews addresses the audience during Commencement at Van Andel Arena on May 1.
Image credit - Cory Morse
Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak is hooded by Provost Jennifer Drake, right, and his wife, Janet Hill, while receiving an honorary degree during Commencement at Van Andel Arena on May 1.
Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak is hooded by Provost Jennifer Drake, right, and his wife, Janet Hill, while receiving an honorary degree during Commencement at Van Andel Arena on May 1.
Image credit - Cory Morse
Delia Gale, a graduate of Grand Valley State University's Seidman College of Business, is conferred a Master of Business Administration during the university's morning Commencement on May 2.
Delia Gale is conferred a master of business administration during the university's morning Commencement on May 2.
Image credit - Macayla Cramer
Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, center, talks with Student Commencement speaker, Elaina Marcum, right, before Wozniak gave the Commencement Address at Van Andel Arena on May 2.
Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, center, talks with student Commencement speaker, Elaina Marcum, right, before Wozniak gave the Commencement address at Van Andel Arena on May 2.
Image credit - Kendra Stanley-Mills
Founder of Epic Systems Judith R. Faulkner is hooded by Provost Jennifer Drake and Tina Freese Decker, CEO of Corewell Health,  left, while receiving an honorary degree during Commencement at Van Andel Arena on May 2.
Founder of Epic Systems Judith R. Faulkner is hooded by Provost Jennifer Drake and Tina Freese Decker, CEO of Corewell Health, left, while receiving an honorary degree during Commencement at Van Andel Arena on May 2.
Image credit - Kendra Stanley-Mills
A graduate being hooded
Image credit - Macayla Cramer
Student Commencement speaker Elaina Marcum addresses the crowd. Marcum graduated with a master’s degree in recreational therapy.
Student Commencement speaker Elaina Marcum addresses the crowd. Marcum graduated with a master’s degree in recreational therapy.
Image credit - Kendra Stanley-Mills
A person singing with green foliage in the foreground.
Image credit - Macayla Cramer
President Philomena V. Mantella speaks during Commencement at Van Andel Arena on May 2.
President Philomena V. Mantella speaks during Commencement at Van Andel Arena on May 2.
Image credit - Cory Morse
Graduates react while walk past the stage after receiving their diplomas during the Commencement ceremony at Van Andel Arena on May 1.
Graduates react while they walk past the stage after receiving their diplomas during the Commencement ceremony at Van Andel Arena on May 1.
Image credit - Cory Morse
A graduate celebrates across the stage after receiving their diploma during the Commencement ceremony at Van Andel Arena Friday, May 1.
Image credit - Ashley Streeter
A graduate receives their diploma during the Commencement ceremony at Van Andel Arena on May 2.
Image credit - Kendra Stanley-Mills
Business and marketing graduate Liam Boppel’s family, including his mother, center, erupts in cheer as Boppel crosses the stage during the Saturday morning Commencement May 2.
Business and marketing graduate Liam Boppel’s family, including his mother, center, erupts in cheers as Boppel crosses the stage during the Saturday morning Commencement May 2.
Image credit - Kendra Stanley-Mills
A graduate in a blue cap and gown pointing
Image credit - Macayla Cramer
A graduate in a blue cap and gown pointing
Image credit - Macayla Cramer
Sociology graduate Bwana Miller dances on the stage after receiving their diploma during the afternoon Commencement ceremony at Van Andel Arena on May 2.
Sociology graduate Bwana Miller dances on the stage during the afternoon Commencement ceremony at Van Andel Arena on May 2.
Image credit - Cory Morse
A graduate reacts while walk past the stage after receiving their diploma during the Commencement ceremony at Van Andel Arena on May 1.
Image credit - Cory Morse
 A graduate celebrates after receiving their diploma during the Commencement ceremony at Van Andel Arena Friday, May 1.
Image credit - Ashley Streeter
Avery Howe, who graduated with a bachelor of science in allied health sciences, excitedly holds up her diploma while walking across the stage during Commencement at Van Andel Arena May 2.
Avery Howe, who graduated with a degree in allied health sciences, excitedly holds up her diploma while walking across the stage during Commencement at Van Andel Arena May 2.
Image credit - Eliana McGlinchey
A graduate walks past the stage after receiving their diploma during the afternoon Commencement ceremony at Van Andel Arena on May 2.
Image credit - Cory Morse
A graduate walks past the stage after receiving their diploma during the afternoon Commencement ceremony at Van Andel Arena on May 2.
Image credit - Cory Morse
A graduate reacts while walk past the stage after receiving their diploma during the Commencement ceremony at Van Andel Arena on May 1.
Image credit - Cory Morse
A graduate reacts while walk past the stage after receiving their diploma during the Commencement ceremony at Van Andel Arena on May 2.
Image credit - Kendra Stanley-Mills
A graduate celebrates after receiving their diploma during the Commencement ceremony at Van Andel Arena Friday, May 1.
Image credit - Ashley Streeter
A graduate walks past the stage after receiving their diploma during the afternoon Commencement ceremony at Van Andel Arena on May 2.
Image credit - Cory Morse
Paige VanStee raises her rings while crossing the stage during Commencement at Van Andel Arena on May 1.
Paige VanStee raises her rings while crossing the stage during Commencement at Van Andel Arena on May 1.
Image credit - Emily Riddle
A graduate reacts while walk past the stage after receiving their diploma during the Commencement ceremony at Van Andel Arena on May 1.
A graduate reacts while walk past the stage after receiving their diploma during the Commencement ceremony at Van Andel Arena on May 1.
Image credit - Cory Morse
Graduates react walk past the stage after receiving their diplomas during the Commencement ceremony at Van Andel Arena on May 1.
Image credit - Cory Morse
A masters graduate celebrates after receiving their diploma during the Commencement ceremony at Van Andel Arena Friday, May 1.
Image credit - Ashley Streeter
A graduate in a blue cap and gown holding a diploma
Image credit - Macayla Cramer
A graduate walks across the stage after receiving their diploma during the Commencement ceremony at Van Andel Arena Friday, May 1.
Image credit - Ashley Streeter
A photo of a cat adorns the mortar board of a graduate during Saturday morning’s Commencement ceremony.
Image credit - Kendra Stanley-Mills
Graduates wait their turn to walk past the stage after receiveing their diplomas during the afternoon Commencement ceremony at Van Andel Arena on May 2.
Image credit - Cory Morse
From left, Reagan, Emmalyn, Ally and Aliana, all education graduates, turn their tassels during Grand Valley State University’s spring commencement at Van Andel Arena on May 1, 2026.
Education graduates turn their tassels during Commencement at Van Andel Arena on May 1.
Image credit - Emily Riddle
Vice chair of faculty senate and professor of accounting, Anne Sergeant, peps up the graduates as they recess out of Saturday morning’s Commencement ceremony at Van Andel Arena May 2.
Vice chair of Faculty Senate and professor of accounting, Anne Sergeant, peps up the graduates as they recess out of Saturday morning’s Commencement ceremony at Van Andel Arena May 2.
Image credit - Kendra Stanley-Mills
Graduates wait their turn to walk past the stage after receiveing their diplomas during the afternoon Commencement ceremony at Van Andel Arena on May 2.
Graduates wait their turn to walk past the stage after receiving their diplomas during the afternoon Commencement ceremony at Van Andel Arena on May 2.
Image credit - Cory Morse
From left to right, Camille Lafluer, Abagail (Bee) Scannel and Katelyn Schuler pose with confetti during Grand Valley State University’s spring Commencement at Van Andel Arena on May 1, 2026.
From left, Camille Lafluer, Abagail (Bee) Scannel and Katelyn Schuler pose with confetti during Commencement at Van Andel Arena on May 1.
Image credit - Emily Riddle

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