Autocam Medical president will speak at commencement

More than 1,150 students will participate in Grand Valley's fall semester commencement ceremony, set for Saturday, December 8, at 10 a.m. at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids.

John C. Kennedy, member of Grand Valley's Board of Trustees, will give the commencement address. Kennedy, president and CEO of Autocam Medical, will end his second term as a trustee at the end of December. 

An active community member, Kennedy serves as a board member for Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy, Lacks Enterprises, Shape Corporation, Van Andel Institute, Acton Institute, West Michigan Policy Forum, and the Right Place. He is an advisory board member of the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business, and Samuel Zell and Robert H. Lurie Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies.

State Sen. Arlan B. Meekhof and Raleigh J. Finkelstein will receive honorary degrees.

Meekhof (R-West Olive) was first elected to serve the 30th Senate District in 2010. He was chosen by his Republican colleagues to serve as majority floor leader for the 2011-2014 term, and was elected as Senate Majority Leader for his second term. He serves as chair of the Government Operations committee and the Michigan Capitol committee.

Finkelstein was the lead donor for the initial building in Grand Valley's expanding Health Campus and the building was named in his honor. He worked with his brothers to grow their parents' business into what was MC Sporting Goods. After selling the retail chain, the brothers maintain an active real estate business. 

The ceremony will be webcast live at gvsu.edu/commencement.