Grand Valley celebrates commencement

More than 3,000 Grand Valley State University students participated in commencement ceremonies April 30 at Van Andel Arena.

Students and their families and friends heard addresses from La June Montgomery Tabron, president and CEO of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and George Heartwell, former mayor of Grand Rapids.

During the ceremony, the Alumni Association presented its Distinguished Alumni Award to Nkechy Ekere Ezeh, '92 and '93, an associate professor of education and director of the Early Childhood Education program at Aquinas College. The Outstanding Educator Award was presented to Greg Wolffe, professor of computing and information systems. 

Two individuals each received an honorary degree: Noreen Myers and Peter Renucci. Myer, '72, is a lawyer specializing in employment law and the first alumna to be appointed to Grand Valley's Board of Trustees. Renucci is owner of E&R Investments and is a director on the Grand Valley University Foundation. He and his wife, Pat Renucci, have funded scholarships and equipment to support student achievement.