On the morning of Saturday, May 3, 2025, anticipation filled the sanctuary of Rush Creek Bible Church. Family, friends, faculty, and graduates of Grace Christian University gathered to celebrate a moment that has been years in the making—the commencement ceremony for the Class of 2025.
Opening Remarks
President Ken Kemper opened the ceremony with a heartfelt. “Congratulations,” he said simply, as the audience settled into their seats. With warmth and sincerity, he emphasized the privilege of coming together not only to honor academic success but to glorify the God who made it all possible.
He reminded the audience that this day marked the embodiment of Grace Christian University’s mission: to graduate courageous ambassadors for Christ who make an eternal impact wherever they go. encouraging the crowd to celebrate with enthusiasm, he added, “We are not in the practice of asking for quiet; we want them to know they are celebrated.”
Continuing, President Kemper explained that commencement at Grace Christian University centers on worship. “We honor the God who made this day possible,” he declared, pointing to the sacrifice and victory of Jesus Christ. Following his remarks, graduate Tristan Murray stepped forward to lead the congregation in a prayer that grounded the moment in gratitude and anticipation: “Lord, bless this moment as we honor our students and honor You.”
Graduate Reflections
Jessica Burgett: Fall in Love with Jesus
The first student to speak, Jessica Burgett, earned her Bachelor of Science on campus. She spoke with honesty and humility, reflecting on her journey through doubt, stress, and leadership challenges. “Beginnings are not just handed to you,” she explained. “You have to make them.”
Jessica focused her message on falling deeply in love with Jesus. That love, she shared, carried her through the toughest seasons of college. “Continue to sit with Him. Learn from Him, and let your heart be set on adoring Him.” Through her experience, she encouraged her classmates to keep Christ at the center and to let His love fuel their mission.
Eleyna Zichterman: Trust in the Storm
Next, Eleyna Zichterman took the stage representing online students. She shared the emotional experience of watching her mother face cancer for the second time. “We aren’t called to live on explanations,” she said. “We’re called to live on God’s promises.”
Her testimony offered comfort and clarity. Even when life felt chaotic, Elena held tightly to her faith. “Even in a broken world,” she reminded her classmates, “there is hope beyond the suffering, and hope beyond the grave.”
Brooke Nguyen: Stepping into the Unknown with Faith
Concluding the reflections, Brooke Nguyen shared her story of pursuing a master’s degree. When she first heard about Grace, she had no idea how important the university would become in her life. “I had never even heard of Grace two years ago,” she admitted. “And now I’m standing here.”
Brooke spoke about trusting God through uncertainty. “God is working behind the scenes on His own path for us,” she said. Her message called fellow graduates to take bold steps forward. “Trust that God is with you. Will you trust Him enough to take this next step?”
A Song of Worship
After the final reflection, graduates led the congregation in singing “Goodness of God.” The sanctuary came alive with voices. The lyrics—“All my life You have been faithful”—became a unified anthem of gratitude.
Following that, the worship continued with the hymn I Love You, Lord, shifting the atmosphere into quiet reverence. Gratitude overflowed in raised hands, teary eyes, and hearts stirred by the Spirit.
Student Awards
At this point in the ceremony, the focus shifted to honoring outstanding student achievement. Faculty presented awards across several disciplines, including communication, theology, preaching, youth ministry, business leadership, social sciences, and Christian service.
The audience responded with warm applause for each name, affirming lives already making an impact. A special tribute followed for Provost Dr. Kim Pilieci, who transitions into a full-time faculty role after 12 years of faithful leadership as provost. President Kemper praised her as “the most excellent provost we have ever had,” honoring both her academic leadership and spiritual insight.
Degrees Awarded
Dr. Pilieci then began the conferring of degrees. Backed by the authority of the state of Michigan and the Board of Directors, she called each group by degree level—associate, bachelor’s, and master’s.
With each announcement, graduates rose proudly, and the room erupted in cheers and applause. This moment was more than a formality; it symbolized a calling. These students were stepping boldly into their purpose as ambassadors for Christ.
A Word to the New Alumni
Welcoming the graduates into a new chapter, Alumni Director Rick Pilieci—himself a two-time Grace graduate—offered heartfelt words. He encouraged them to remain rooted in Scripture and committed to God’s truth. “Stay grounded in the Word,” he said. “The Bible is not just for coursework. It’s your lamp, your guide, and your counselor.”
A Song of Worship: Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)
Following Rick’s address, worship continued with a powerful rendition of “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone).” Graduates led the room in singing. “My chains are gone, I’ve been set free. My God, my Savior has ransomed me,” they sang. The lyrics rang out as a testimony of God’s redemptive power. In that moment, freedom, grace, and purpose stood at the center of the celebration.
A Final Prayer
As the ceremony drew to a close, Marc stepped forward to offer the final prayer. He thanked God for the graduates, their calling, and the journey ahead.
In his prayer, Marc also expressed gratitude for the faculty who invested deeply in each student’s life. “Thank you, Lord, for giving us the chance to live and to serve You,” he prayed. “Thank you for this community, for this mission, and for the impact these graduates will have.”
The Recessional
With the final “Amen,” the recessional began. Faculty led the way, Following them, the graduates walked down the aisle with joy in every step.
No longer just students, they stepped forward as leaders. Their walk was the beginning of a new mission.
Making an Eternal Impact
More than a celebration of academic success, the 2025 Commencement Ceremony served as a pause. It recognized God’s faithfulness, honored perseverance, and commissioned a new generation of courageous ambassadors for Christ.
Congratulations, Class of 2025.
You’ve studied, You’ve grown, You’ve served.
Now go—walk boldly in the love of Christ, and make an eternal impact.
