We’re 150,000 Lakers strong and growing!

A grad smiles while receiving her diploma cover and shaking hands with a faculty member

Grand Valley has officially crossed a major milestone: more than 150,000 alumni around the world!

This moment was made official last weekend at the 2025 Commencement ceremonies, as more than 3,000 graduates joined the GVSU alumni community. From classrooms to boardrooms, nonprofits to startups, Lakers are leading, innovating, and making a difference.

Here’s to 150,000 stories of impact, and thousands more still to come.

Anchor up!

Commencement ceremonies through the years

Procession at 1967 Commencement

Procession at 1967 Commencement.

Female student, possibly Patricia Mose, in cap and gown holding program from the first at commencement in June 1967. Participants and tent are seen in the background.

A student in cap and gown holding program from the first at commencement in June 1967.

Faculty, graduates, families, and friends at Grand Valley's Commencement ceremony in 1973.

Faculty, graduates, families, and friends at Grand Valley's Commencement ceremony in 1973.

President Arend D. Lubbers speaking at the 1988 commencement ceremony, 1988.

President Arend D. Lubbers speaking at the 1988 commencement ceremony.

Group of students at the 1988 commencement ceremony. One student's cap reads, "Thanks Dad", 1988.

Group of students at the 1988 commencement ceremony.

Graduating members of Delta Zeta sorority at 1992 commencement.

Graduating members of Delta Zeta sorority at 1992 commencement.

GVSU Class of 2025

Two students smile during Commencement.
A student Commencement speaker addresses the crowd.
2025 Commencement ceremony in Van Andel Arena
A student poses with a small emblem of her grandmother that hangs from her graduation tassel.
A graduate poses with his family, all holding cut-outs of his face

Check out the 2025 Commencement recap


Page last modified May 2, 2025
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