GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids Community College leaders are planning a virtual commencement ceremony this summer amid the coronavirus pandemic to celebrate students while allowing as many people as possible to safely participate.
The live, virtual commencement will take place 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug 1. Additional details about how to watch will be released closer to the event.
GRCC will have its first-ever drive-through GRADfest, Tuesday, July 7. Students will be saluted and can obtain everything needed to make the virtual commencement special. Students have a four-hour window from 3 to 7 p.m.
“The coronavirus crisis has challenged us to rethink how we can best serve our students,” said Tina Hoxie, associate provost and dean of Student Affairs, in a July 1 press release.
“We’re extremely proud of our graduates. They worked hard on their studies and also had to overcome obstacles no one could have envisioned.‘'
While this isn’t the commencement ceremony they expected, Hoxie said they will make sure this year’s event is just as meaningful to their graduates and their families and recognizes their accomplishments.
Students participating in GRADfest will be able to drive along Lyon Street NE through the Dr. Juan R. Olivarez Student Plaza, pulling up to stations where GRCC faculty and staff will assist them.
At GRADfest, students will:
- Receive a “grad kit” that includes their cap and Class of 2020 tassel, exclusive GRCC alumni gifts, and more.
- Receive a free, commemorative “Stole of Appreciation” from GRCC Alumni Relations. In this GRCC tradition, students present the sole to someone who has helped the student succeed in their educational journey.
- Pick up cords saluting students for their military service or participation in the Early/Middle College program.
- Pick up a Phi Theta Kappa key medallion, if they are society members.
Students who plan to participate in the virtual Commencement and GRADfest event must register in advance here. Students who cannot attend GRADfest but still plan on participating in the virtual commencement, must still register.
If necessary, an alternative pickup date is scheduled for 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 8. For additional information on commencement, visit the GRCC commencement webpage.
More on MLive:
Calvin University gifted $11M to remain leader in providing Reformed Christian education
More ‘social zones’ to expand outdoor bar, restaurant service opening in Grand Rapids
Call for removal of Confederate statue in West Michigan sparks debates, anger, frustration
Michigan home comes with panoramic views of Saginaw Bay listed for $519,900