Graduation 2025
Congratulations, Class of 2025!
Congratulations to the Grace Christian University Class of 2025! Your hard work, dedication, and faith have led you to this outstanding achievement. As you step into the future, remember the values and lessons you have learned. We are proud of you and excited to see the incredible impact you will make in the world. God bless you on your journey ahead!
Commencement Ceremony 2025 Overview
On Saturday, May 3, 2025, the sanctuary of Rush Creek Bible Church was filled with celebration as Grace Christian University honored the Class of 2025. President Ken Kemper opened the morning by reminding everyone that this moment was not just a recognition of academic success—but a worshipful response to God’s faithfulness and a bold commissioning of courageous ambassadors for Christ.
Student reflections followed from Jessica Burgett, Eleyna Zichterman, and Brooke Nguyen, each sharing how their faith guided them through uncertainty, loss, and growth. Their stories pointed back to Christ’s goodness and direction in their life.
The ceremony continued with songs of worship, special student awards, and the conferring of degrees by Provost Dr. Kim Pilieci. Alumni Director Rick Pilieci welcomed graduates into their next chapter, urging them to stay rooted in Scripture. A final prayer and powerful rendition of Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) closed the ceremony with gratitude and purpose.
Graduates walked out on a mission, and ready to make an eternal impact wherever they go.
Ability to Graduate
Students who are within 6-12 months of completing their degrees are encouraged to complete an Application for Graduation.
Contact your Academic Advisor to assure that you are on track to complete all degree requirements on schedule.
Eligibility to Participate in Commencement
Degree candidates are expected to have fulfilled all degree requirements prior to participating in the Commencement ceremony.
Students who wish to walk in the Commencement prior to completing all degree requirements may submit an appeal to be allowed to do so. The appeal should include specific rationale for the request to walk early, a detailed description of the remaining degree requirements, and a plan for how/when the remaining requirements will be completed. The Academic Appeal form should be submitted as early as possible, but at least 30 days before the scheduled Commencement date.
Graduation Honors
Undergraduate students participating in the annual Commencement ceremony are eligible to receive honors based on their cumulative grade point average (GPA) at the time the Commencement list is finalized.
Associate and Bachelor degree recipients are eligible to receive the following honors and to wear honors cords at the Commencement:
3.30 – 3.69 GPA Honors
3.70 – 4.00 GPA High Honors
Honors are also posted to the students’ official transcript record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I participate in Commencement?
Please take about 20 seconds to let us know if you plan to participate in the In-Person or Virtual ceremony. Here is the site: 2025 Commencement RSVP. Please plan to submit your RSVP no later than April 11, 2025. Students will only be allowed to participate in Commencement if they have already indicated their desire to participate by checking their eligibility to participate and applying to graduate. Cap and Gown are required for all graduates walking in Commencement.
How do I order a Cap and Gown?
Herff-Jones is ready to take your order for your graduation attire (and any other celebratory items you might wish to purchase). Just specify Grace Christian University and be sure to select the appropriate degree level. The deadline for placing your cap and gown order without paying a late fee is April 7, 2025.
Will I get my diploma at Commencement?
After degrees have been conferred and any account holds have been resolved, diplomas will be sent to the address the graduate specified on the Application for Graduation by the end of June. Each student who participates in the In-Person commencement ceremony will receive a commemorative scroll as they walk across the platform. Virtual ceremony graduates will receive a copy of the printed Commencement program, including all graduates’ names by mail after the In-Person ceremony.
Do I need to attend the Rehearsal?
All participating graduates are expected to attend a brief “walk-through” of the ceremony. Rehearsal begins at 9am. Come already prepared to walk, there will not be additional preparation time. Graduates participating in the Virtual ceremony will receive additional information about submitting photos to be displayed during the reading of their names via email.
What about honor cords?
Honor cords will be distributed to those who earned academic honors during the In-Person pre-ceremony rehearsal. Honor cords are awarded to associate and bachelor degree recipients who earned at least a 3.3 cumulative GPA (Honors) or a 3.7 cumulative GPA (High Honors). Since the graduate programs are considered to be honor programs, academic honors are not awarded to Master degree recipients. Virtual ceremony graduates who qualify for honors will receive their cords via mail.
What is the difference between live-streaming and virtual Commencement?
The In-Person Commencement on May 3, 2025, at 10:30 am EDT in Grand Rapids, MI will be live-streamed, and can be found on our Facebook page here shortly before the ceremony begins. For those who are participating in or inviting guests to view the Virtual Ceremony, that video will premiere on May 16, 2025, at 2:00 pm EDT. The location of the link will be available through our website and will be posted on our Facebook page.