April 2025 Commencement
Order of Ceremony
Processional: Pomp and Circumstance
Sir Edward Elgar, arr. Alex Wilson
Grand Valley State University Brass Ensemble (prerecorded)
Opening of Ceremony
Courtney Karasinski, Ph.D.
Chair of University Academic Senate
Star Spangled Banner*
Welcome and Remarks
Philomena V. Mantella, Ph.D. President, Grand Valley State University
Student Speaker
Musical performance
Conferring of Honorary Degree
President Mantella
Jennifer Drake, Ph.D., Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
Commencement Address
Conferring of Degrees
President Mantella
Provost Drake
Alma Mater: “Hail to Thee, Grand Valley”*
Moving of the Tassel
Provost Drake
Closing of Ceremony
President Mantella
Courtney Karasinski
Friday Musicians
National Anthem:
Anna Bremmer – GVSU student, soprano
A Million Dreams:
Saamanthy Rajenthiran – GVSU student, soprano
Anna Bremmer – GVSU student, soprano
Hannah St. Andre – GVSU student, soprano
Brianna Hofman – GVSU student, piano
Saturday 10 a.m. Musicians
National Anthem:
Hannah St. Andre – GVSU student, soprano
A Million Dreams:
Hannah St. Andre – GVSU student, soprano
Natalie Tripp – GVSU student, soprano
Lindsey O'Donnell – GVSU student, mezzo-soprano
Brianna Hofman – GVSU student, piano
Saturday 3 p.m. Musicians
National Anthem:
Lindsey O'Donnell - GVSU student, mezzo-soprano
A Million Dreams
Saamanthy Rajenthiran - GVSU student, soprano
Ava Grillo - GVSU student, soprano
Lindsey O'Donnell – GVSU student, mezzo-soprano
Brianna Hofman – GVSU student, piano
Commencement is coordinated by the Division of Student Affairs of Grand Valley State University.