Graduates recognized with pictures, moment with Mantella, at Laker Graduation Celebration

The second part of the weekend celebrating Grand Valley graduates on May 1 allowed Lakers a moment in the spotlight on a Fieldhouse Arena stage while savoring their achievement with family, friends and classmates.

The Laker Graduation Celebration was an opportunity for graduates to have their name projected on a screen and announced while they posed for photos, including one with President Philomena V. Mantella.

According to Student Life officials, nearly 2,200 graduates signed up for the celebration, conducted with social distancing and face covering protocols, along with other requirements such as completed self-assessments, due to COVID-19.

For hours, a steady stream of graduates, separated by college and appearing within an assigned time slot, strode across the stage to the spot where Mantella greeted them as proud and sometimes cheering supporters looked on.

Many were on campus afterward to continue the celebration.

Sierra Tyler, who earned a degree in education, praised the efficiency of the event and said she was glad for this opportunity given the circumstances of COVID-19 limitations.

"Everyone was congratulatory and everyone was celebratory. It was great to be with them," Tyler said.

Her mother, Angela Tyler, noted: "I thought it was really great. Even though it was different than a traditional graduation ceremony might be, I kind of liked it because we were really able to focus on her and her accomplishments, and then focus on a more personal celebration."

Alexandra Weaver said the in-person event was a great cap to the virtual Commencement and Honors College ceremonies that allowed her to celebrate her degree in secondary education and Spanish.

"This event was well executed," Weaver said. "I just appreciate GV trying to do something to honor graduates this year."

For Binayak Subedi, this celebration provided an opportunity for his mother to travel from Nepal to see him recognized on campus for the master's degree in engineering, with an electrical and computer emphasis, that he earned last year. 

"She was happy to be here for this," Subedi said. "All of the energy was there. And seeing other students and parents taking pictures outside was nice."