ONE HUNDRED SEVENTH COMMENCEMENT
APRIL 25, 2024
Share a memory on the BIG screen during the ceremony: text (616) 253-9227
Order of Events
Presiding
Charles W. Lepper, Ph.D., President
Processional
Prince of Denmark March (Trumpet Voluntary) by Jeremiah Clarke, arr. Julius Steffaro
The Star Spangled Banner
by Francis Scott Key, arr. Darmon Meader, Performed by GRCC Shades of Blue
Directed by Jedidiah Scott, M.M., Director, GRCC Shades of Blue Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Adjunct Faculty, Music Department
Welcome
Alex Miranda, Student Government President
Charles W. Lepper, Ph.D., President
Faculty Emeritus Award
Introduction: Sheila Jones, Ph.D., Provost and Executive V. P. for Academic and Student Affairs
Recognition: Robert Long, Ph.D., Professor, Biological Science, 1975-2014
Distinguished Alumni Award
Introduction: Christine Babcock, M.A., GRCC Foundation Board Chairperson
Recognition, Distinguished Alumni: Ruth Kelly, 1974
GRCC Champion Award
Introduction: Charles W. Lepper, Ph.D., President
Recognition: Corewell Health
President's Remarks
Charles W. Lepper, Ph.D., President
Graduates of Excellence Awards
Introduction: Charles W. Lepper, Ph.D., President
Recognition:
Jodi Holland, Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate, School of Business & Industry
Kathryn Waller, Nursing, A.D.N., School of Health Sciences
Linda Morfa Limonte, Pre-Anthropology, A.A., School of Liberal Arts
Yasmina Zimmer, Pathway Degree with Math, Science, and Engineering Concentration, A.A., School of STEM
Ashley Smith, Computer Support Technician, Certificate, School of Workforce Training
Student Government President's Remarks
Alex Miranda, Student Government President
Conferring of Associate Degrees and Certificates
Charles W. Lepper, Ph.D., President
Presentation of Graduates
Pomp and Circumstance by Sir Edward Elgar, arr. Julius Steffaro
Sheila Jones, Ph.D., Provost and Executive V.P. for Academic and Student Affairs
Cleamon Moorer Jr., D.B.A., Dean, School of Business & Industry
Lisa Radak, M.B.A., Dean, School of Health Sciences
Jason Vinson, M.A., Dean, School of Liberal Arts
Kristi Haik, Ph.D., Dean, School of STEM
GRCC Alma Mater
by Carol VanRandwyk and Walter Lockwood, arr. Jedidiah Scott, Performed by GRCC Shades of Blue
Directed by Jedidiah Scott, M.M., Director, GRCC Shades of Blue Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Adjunct Faculty, Music Department
Recessional
Fanfare and Recessional by James Ployhar, arr. by Nick Can Music
Celebration, as recorded by Kool and the Gang, arr. Joe Murphy and Chris Crockarell
Dr. Lepper's message to the Class of '24
"On behalf of Grand Rapids Community College, I extend heartfelt congratulations to the accomplished Class of 2024!"
DR. Charles Lepper
The Class of '24
Award Recipients
Faculty Emeritus Award: Dr. Robert
Long
During his tenure at GRCC, Dr. Robert Long overflowed with academic passion for Biological Sciences, and dedication to his students and peers. He embodied the spirit of community college.
GRCC Champion Award: Corewell Health
The GRCC Champion Award recognizes individuals or organizations whose collaborative efforts have left an indelible mark on our institution, exemplifying the spirit of partnership, innovation and excellence.
Distinguished Alumni: Ruth Kelly
Ruth Kelly has had many careers in her life. She credits GRCC with building a foundation for all those roles by allowing her to explore different interests and introducing her to new perspectives.
Once a Raider, always a Raider!
Congratulations! You now have joined the ranks of our more than 112,000 Grand Rapids Community College alumni who are making a difference in our community, the state and country. As you leave GRCC for your next journey, stay connected with us through GRCC’s Alumni Association.
Stay Connected - Stay Involved - Stay In Touch
- GRCC Facebook - facebook.com/grandrapidscc
- GRCC Instagram - instagram.com/grandrapidscc
- LinkedIn - Group: Grand Rapids Community College Alumni
- Website - grcc.edu/Alumni
- Phone: (616) 234-3939
- Email: alumni@grcc.edu
