Congratulations! You have set the foundation for a lifetime of opportunities. Don't be afraid to explore professional and personal interests. They will certainly enrich your life.

Desiree Sanders '04

Welcome to the Laker Alumni Family! I encourage you to share widely your GV experience, and use this amazing network to propel your next steps.

Amanda Blanchette '13

Congratulations class of 2021! It hasn't been easy but you will do amazing things, GVSU was just the start. Cheers to you all!

Alexis Lewis '20

Congratulations to the new GVSU grads! You are now ready to change the world! Be proud of your GV experience and do what you can to make the world better!

Marion Maier '71

The day has finally come. Though the road to get here might of not gone exactly how you planned, you made it. No matter what lies ahead next, never lose track of where you came from, what you've done, and what you've now become. Best of luck with all future endeavors. Congratulations!

Scott Prater '07

2021 Graduates, This has been a hard year, but your persistence and drive brought you through it to graduation. Those same qualities are what will make you successful as you go out into the world. We need your unique perspectives and experiences to help us make our communities better. Thank goodness you're here! Go Lakers!

Katelyn Hanley Semelbauer, MPA '14

I remember graduating with the excitement and anxiousness of the unknown ahead. Class of 2021, I think you'll do great. You've conquered the unknown with this pandemic--something the world hasn't seen in nearly 100 years. May your resilience and determination see you through on you next adventures ahead. Congratulations to all of you! Anchor Up!

Bridget Hernandez '07

Congratulations to you on your graduation from Grand Valley State University! I am so excited for you to begin the next step on your journey! I continue to look back at my time at GVSU as transformational and fulfilling. Be sure to stay connected to the Alumni Association and engage where you can. Best wishes for a bright future.

Vicka Bell-Robinson '02

I'm so impressed with all of you for making it though. It truly has been a journey, from our GVSU class photo where we packed thousands of students onto the field, until today when we have to practice social distancing. However, you were excited and optimistic about your future then and I hope that optimism and excitement stays with you. Congratulations Class of 2021!

LeaAnn Tibbe '00 & '05

Take some well-deserved rest; take time to process this milestone. Then, work in the direction that feels right. This age has challenges that may seem impossible, but this is still YOUR life. Make it your own and do what will make you proud, whatever that means. Wishing you the very best!

You can get what you want or you can just get old" -(Vienna, Billy Joel)

Ann Cunningham '20

Congratulations, Class of 2021! Welcome to the Laker alumni family.

Mary McConner '08

Congratulations on your graduation! I wish you a bright and successful future!

Amanda Cilla '07 & '14

Congratulations on your graduation from GVSU. Most importantly, find your happy.

Mary Ann Yaeger '76

Congratulations and welcome to nursing, Lakers! You are the leaders America and the world needs! Anchor up!

Cynthia Coviak '85

Congratulations! Make the most of your new adventure. Remember all the hard work you have put forth. Utilize your gifts! Welcome to the real world! A Laker forever.

Diane Knight '79

Congrats to all of you! Remember this is one accomplishment that you earned and can not be taken away. Say Good job to your self and then remember to thank everyone who helped!

Mark Gleason '76, Ph.D

Congratulations on graduating during a pandemic! The agility and perseverance you showed during this time will be a key skill for your careers and something you should be proud of. Go Lakers!

Lily Snyder '10

Congratulations to all of the new graduates! I am so extremely proud of all that this class has overcome during the last year. These are challenging times and you have accomplished great things despite those challenges. Go Lakers!

Morgan Knapp '15

Congratulations Class of 2021! My GVSU degree (1995) was the primary driver resulting in my subsequent career progression. The diploma on my wall still brings a smile to me everyday. Enjoy the success that your diploma will bring to you!

Bill Cousins '95

Congratulations on surviving college! Continue to persevere. Stay strong in the face of challenges and do not hesitate to ask for help. We are stronger together.

Leann Tasma '19

Well done! You will NEVER regret the effort.

Robert Denison '71

Hard work, talent, drive and vision will always outlast tough times. That's how I know you're going to make the world what you want it to be. I am proud of you, my fellow Lakers!

Kristina Green '12

Congratulations graduates! Take time to rest and reflect on the lessons learned over the years. Focus on what impact you want to have on your community. The world needs thoughtful people like you who carry themselves with integrity and treat all people with dignity. Best of luck!

Mike Michalski '18

My four years at GV were four formative years. All of the ups and downs, friendships, education, community, and laughter with my roommates will be forever cherished. Although you are all graduating amongst a weird time in life, hold on tight to the good and keep on pushing forward!

Olivia Starzynski '19

My best piece of advice is that as you enter this next incredible phase of your lives you continue to be a lifelong learner. This way you never become complacent and will always be in a state of improvement. I wish each and everyone of you the best of luck!

Michael Walsh '98 & '05

Congratulations on your graduation! Just having gone through this again, I know the last year has been such a challenge, but you have persevered and can now count yourself as part of the growing family of Lakers for a Lifetime! You should be so proud of your accomplishments and the foundation you have laid for your future. The world is wide open ahead of you. Do great things!

Susan Proctor '98 & '20

When I graduated, I remember having the biggest feeling of hope for the future. 2021 graduates, as you go on about your careers and your lives, never lose that sense of hope. Hope is what keeps us going. Continue to grow, continue to learn, and continue to inspire others. Good luck on your future and congratulations on your accomplishment!

Elizabeth Gaunt '19

Congratulations on the completion of your first step to life-long learning. You should be proud that you have achieved something that can not be taken away and will always say to others that you were willing to put in the effort and time to advance your knowledge.

Robert Cross, Professor Emeritus

I'm so happy for all of you who have persevered in your education to make a better life for yourselves, your community and your world. Congratulations!

D. Roger Houston '68

Enjoy your next adventure! It will not all be easy but it will be rewarding.

Terese Acou '07

Congratulations on this great accomplishment. While I know that this past year has been nothing like we ever expected, you should hold your head high knowing that you made it through and graduated! Good luck in your endeavors. Don't forget, you're a Laker for a Lifetime!

Dakota Vradenburg '14

Congratulations on your accomplishment after a difficult past senior year! The COVID pandemic has been challenging, but with virtual technology you have prevailed! As a member of the Pioneer 1967 Class, I'm amazed at how OUR Alma Mater has grown. You can rightly be proud of your accomplishment. Welcome to the Laker for Life family!

Thomas Teachout '67

Be proud to be an alum! My wife and I both went to GVSU, graduated (me '93, her '92) and we married in '94. Both of us went on to get advanced degrees, succeed in our fields, and raised two children - now young adults and recent college graduates. Carry the Laker torch, go forth, and make a positive difference in the world!

Lee Stacey '93

Congratulations everyone! I hope you feel accomplished and ready for the next stage of life! Some unsolicited advice: Never count on someone else's imagination. Bring a portfolio, pictures, website, or something physical to talk around in your interviews. If you know what you want, that first job is very important. Be selective and choose wisely. Otherwise do what you want and make a living from the years of investment in your brain! 

Daniel Altenritter '12

Congratulations class of 2021! A word of advice: 1. Define yourself with values and not opinions, 2. Do what you love in the company of people who love what you do, and 3. Collect knowledge with reckless abandon, the moment you stop learning, it is time to retire. Remember - there will be college grads next year who will be well versed in the latest technology and theories just itching to take your place.

Patrick Saam '89

Congrats as you complete your education and begin your career. I am sure you are very excited. Remember the world is open to many possibilities. Don't be afraid to ask for help when needed and help those who need a hand. Congrats once again and have a wonderful future!

Laura Schmidt, DNP, FNP-BC

 We are proud of you! You will not be alone. The Laker alumni will support you. Feel free to ask.

Matthew Atwong '81

When I graduated from GVSU many years ago, I expected that my goals and aspirations would suddenly come together tied with a big red bow. Instead what happened was a foray into many fields and life-enriching experiences that are still unfolding as I reach retirement and, I hope, beyond. My advice to you is to make your plans but be fearless in embracing change and opportunity. Temple Grandin would tell you when a door opens, decide to walk through it. See the best in yourself and others and go out there and make the world a better place...starting right where you are...right now...this moment...and all the moments that make up your life. Congratulations on your achievement! The best is yet to come!

Jodie Alexiev '85

Welcome as our latest additions to Laker for a Lifetime! Hope to see you at Freshmen Move In (lots of fun) or other alumni events. Congrats to all of you and good wishes for your future.

Vicki Broge '83

Congratulations, Lakers! Welcome to the finish line and the next chapter of your life. When you head into your careers, don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. I've had to learn to be okay with being uncomfortable, but that's how you make the most growth professionally and personally. It might feel weird at first, but it will definitely be worth it.

Alissa Merril '20

Hello fellow graduates! Awesome job! You did it, graduation has arrived and now it is time to open the next door of life. Enjoy and keep your head up... you got this!

Angelia Carter '95

The fact that you are graduating during one of the toughest periods in human history is a huge accomplishment. No matter how daunting or discouraging the job search may seem, remind yourself of what you managed to do at GVSU. Don't be afraid to network and use your college connections heavily - both for yourself and for the benefit of others.  Congratulations, and see you out here soon!

Valerie Phillips '11

Congratulations to all the graduates! You should be very proud of all your accomplishments. The best advice I can offer is to not be locked into any specific job right away. You'll be amazed at where your career will take you if you just let it evolve as you do. If you would have told me what I'd be doing now when I graduated, I would have said that you're crazy but it's true!! The world is open to you all! Good luck!

Jim VerPloeg '83

Congratulations Class of 2021! You have a lot to be proud of. This past year was like no other and you accomplished a lifetime achievement. One piece of advice as you navigate the next chapter is to never be afraid to ask for help. Lean on your family, friends, classmates and Grand Valley Faculty & Staff. You have a network of people who care about you and want to help you transition into the next phase of life.

Steven Nicolet '95

The memories I had at Grand Valley are still embedded on my heart. The friendships I made, the freedom I had from my parents, and also the things I learned. Grand Valley took very good care of me. One of the greatest times of life was right there on the campus of GVSU. Cherish the memories you created there and Grand Valley will be right there in your heart wherever you go.

Samsona Kong '04

Congratulations, from the oldest "1967" graduate to the newest "2021" go out and make your mark in the world.

Don Paton '67

Be the best version of whom you decide to be in this glorious world.

Alfred Rodriguez '12

Congratulations to the Class of 2021!

Vanessa Allen '13

Welcome to the Laker Alumni Family!

David Curley '06

Congratulations on your accomplishments!! Much success to you in the future!!

Juli Lepley '03

Congratulations to the GVSU class of 2021!

Alyson Sybesma '05

Congratulations 2021 graduates! You have made it through an incredibly tough year and have come out the other side ready to take on new possibilities. Life after graduation can be daunting especially with life's unknowns but keep pushing forward! Each one of you will find your own way in life and it will be perfect and unique to you.

Allie Shareghi '15

This accomplishment is one in which many will never have the opportunity to achieve. We are very fortunate and should never take this for granted. You worked extremely hard to meet your goal, and you should be very proud! Never stop learning and don't be afraid to ask questions. Go Lakers!

Kathleen Reaney '17

Congratulations class of 2021! Undoubtedly, it has been a very different experience for you to complete your final year, and graduation. Great job achieving this milestone! I wish you success as measured in the pursuit of a career with deep meaning and guided by values! Go Lakers!

Brian Diephuis '86

Congratulations! You should be extremely proud of yourselves! Never give up on your dreams, no matter how impossible they may seem to obtain. You are unstoppable!

Megan Bravo '08 & '14

In all things you choose to do, set your course, and invest your energy on helping people. Along the way, don't miss the fact that you are a person. Be strong. Be courageous. 

Megan Taylor '04

Congrats, Lakers! You've accomplished so much in this historic year. Rest, celebrate and enjoy!

Josie Vargas '19

Congratulations! This is the end of a great chapter and the beginning of a new one. I love new starts! It is the opportunity to stretch yourself, set goals, and reshape your direction. This is not the only new start you will have. Look for any opportunity to see life through fresh eyes, especially if things are not going your way. Embrace the idea that you can always change and learn and grow and you will find happiness! Best wishes!

Trisha Stevens '07

Congratulations class of 2021! You should be very proud of all your hard work and accomplishments while at GVSU. Best wishes to you in your future endeavors. Know that graduating as a Laker, you are prepared to be successful in whatever you choose to do next.

Anna Fortier '10

 You'll always experience highs and lows, but you've demonstrated today you have the strength with which to weather them. Finishing your degree in the middle of a pandemic will always be an extra special accomplishment. Don't forget to safely celebrate, even if this experience isn't what you imagined. You did it! Congratulations!

Ashley Renkes-Jenkins '06 & '15

Congratulations class of 2021! You have shown perseverance, grit and commitment this year. You should be very proud of yourselves! I am sure proud of you!

As you look forward to the next step, here is my question: What gives you joy? My advice: Do more of that!

Krista Harmon '88

Congratulations grads, while life may never be as "fun" as it was in college, it gets a lot more meaningful and fulfilling. GVSU gave me the missing tools to my success and I hope it did the same for you. As a first-generation college student in 2003 I remember wondering if I ever really would graduate. Now 18 years later with a master's degree and as a small business owner, I thank the football program and the university for what it gave me. My only advice is...if you do what is easy your life will be hard, but if you do what is hard your life will be easy. Go Lakers!

Antione Trent '08 & '13

Congratulations, Laker class of 2021! May your hats fly as high as your dreams!

Gina Karasek '16

Congratulations to the graduating members of Alpha Sigma Tau! We're so proud of you, and can't wait to see what you are able to accomplish.

Katie Perschbacher '07 & '10

Congrats on graduating! Many exciting experiences still ahead! Don't get discouraged if things aren't as you expect them to be at any time. Keep pushing forward and you'll make it as long as you give it your all!

Tyler Beyer '18

Don't take life too seriously - enjoy it while you can! Congratulations!

Lauryn Nett '19

Congratulations class of 2021! Welcome to a group of elite alumni. I know you'll make us proud!

Nichole Neumann '07

Never forget where you came from. Wherever life takes you, Allendale (and GVSU) will always be home.

Abby Mead '01

The world is a very, very big place and most of it probably lies just outside your comfort zone. Dare to go there. Dare to explore beyond the boundaries of what you have always known. I promise there are life lessons to be learned. I promise you will not regret taking a leap - whatever that means for you. Whether leaving West Michigan for a day, a month or several years, dare to go experience all that the world has to offer. If you feel drawn, bring back to the places you love all that you have learned. Enrich your community in that way. Your adventure awaits.

Sarah Cullip '17

I have two key pieces of advice for new graduates. The first is to push yourself outside of your comfort zone. Take on the project or opportunity that makes your heart pound a little because you're not sure you're qualified. The learning and growth will be worth it, even if you misstep along the way! The second is to force yourself to come up with the opposing view. When you quickly agree or are drawn to an idea or decision, make yourself take the other side and work through that argument. You will be better prepared to field criticism and consider dissenting viewpoints if this is a regular practice. Wishing you all the best!

Penelope Rose-Morrison '09

Congratulations! Although this ceremony may not be what you envisioned, be proud of your "Laker Effect"! You are a Laker for a Lifetime and you have achieved so much!

Robin Leclerc '87 & '89

Not many people will be able to say they completed their senior year during a global pandemic - but you did it. No matter the circumstances, nothing can take away this accomplishment. Way to go Lakers!

Sarah Tibbe '16 & '19

Comparatively, our biggest concern might have been the speed limit in Standale... you have already battled through so much more! Congratulations, go change the world!

John Keating '79