As I walked into the beautifully lit Pinnacle Center in Hudsonville, Michigan, for the 2024 Grace Gala, the elegant ambiance immediately struck me, with guests dressed in their finest attire, ready for an evening of fellowship, celebration, and reflection. The Grace Gala is always a special occasion, but this year felt particularly meaningful, with alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of Grace Christian University coming together to honor the past year and look toward the future.
Meet and Greet with SELAH
The night began at 5:30 PM with a VIP meet and greet with the night’s music guests, SELAH, a Dove Award-winning Christian Contemporary group from Nashville, Tennessee. The meet and greet provided a perfect opportunity to get to know the group and share stories about how SELAH’s music has impacted the lives of many who experienced their ministry.
As the meet and greet wrapped up, I could see the excitement growing as more guests continued to arrive. Alumni and guests, many of whom hadn’t seen each other in years, greeted one another with warm hugs and smiles. It was like a family reunion, sharing a deep bond of friends we met during our time at Grace. The soft sounds of music played in the background as guests found their seats in anticipation for the night ahead.
The Evening Kicks Off
An announcement reminded us that the program would start in five minutes This was the perfect time to refill our drinks, take a final look around, and settle into our seats. The stage was set, and everyone was ready for the evening to begin.
President Ken Kemper took the stage, warmly welcoming the attendees. He began with a heartfelt introduction, thanking the evening’s sponsors and recognizing the many Grace Gospel Fellowship (GGF) churches represented in the room. It was a humbling reminder of how interconnected we all are, bound not only by our shared experiences but by a greater mission to serve Christ and impact the world.
President Kemper also took a moment to recognize the hard-working members of the Pinnacle Center staff, who would serve dinner throughout the evening. He reminded us that the award portion of the night might begin while we were still eating and reassured us that this was part of the relaxed, yet formal, flow of the evening.
Following the introduction, past President Dr. Sam Vinton was invited to the stage to say a prayer over the meal. He expressed gratitude in his prayer for the food, the honorees, and the mission of Grace Christian University.
Dinner and Awards
The staff served dinner shortly after, offering a delightful spread, including a fresh salad, savory chicken, and cake for dessert. As we enjoyed our meal, soft background music played, providing the perfect balanced atmosphere for conversation.
As dinner wrapped up, the evening’s highlight began, the presentation of awards. President Kemper introduced this portion of the night, explaining why these awards were a critical part of the Gala. He spoke of the importance of recognizing the achievements of Grace alumni, faculty, and athletes and how their dedication continues to shape the future of the university and the broader Christian community.
Alumni Awards
Rick Pilieci took the stage to present the prestigious Alumni Awards. It was inspiring to see alumni like Dan and Nancy Spooner, Tom and Karen Drenth, Troy Sergey, and Kerri Shultz, Grace’s beloved women’s volleyball coach, recognized for their contributions. Their stories reminded us all of the incredible impact Grace Christian University has had on its students and how alumni continue to carry the mission of Grace into the world.
Following the alumni awards, Cory Jamieson, Athletic Director at Grace, presented the Athletic Hall of Fame awards. Randy Lockyear and Jared Bradford, both basketball standouts, along with Jeremy Leffring and Stella Follett from soccer, were honored for their remarkable achievements. It was a nostalgic moment for those of us who had watched them play, knowing the dedication and hard work they poured into their sports while representing Grace.
Next came the Faculty Leadership Awards, presented by Dr. Pam Sherstad and Dr. Scott Shaw. Dean Dykstra and Jan Schregardus were both honored for their leadership and lasting influence on the student body. Their dedication to Grace Christian University was evident in the heartfelt words spoken about them.
Brian Sherstad presented the final award of the night, the Servant Leadership Award. Becky Karsten received this honor, recognized for her tireless efforts in serving both the university and her community. It was clear that she embodies the spirit of service that Grace seeks to instill in all of its students.
A Look Toward the Future
After the awards concluded, President Kemper returned to the stage to give an update on the exciting developments happening at Grace Christian University. He spoke passionately about Vision 2025, a bold initiative designed to guide students on a path to an affordable and excellent education through a transparent tuition model that ensures every student is set up for success. The university’s commitment to providing a Bible-centered education was evident as President Kemper introduced the new theme, Learn. Grow. Serve. This vision encapsulates how Grace equips students to become courageous ambassadors for Christ, ready to make an eternal impact wherever they go.
It was during this moment that President Kemper reminded us of the vital role alumni and donors play in supporting the university. He expressed gratitude for the gifts alumni and donors provide and emphasized how these contributions help Grace continue to graduate students prepared to serve Christ and make a difference in the world.
SELAH Takes The Stage
The evening still had more in store. President Kemper introduced the night’s musical guests, SELAH, a well-established Christian contemporary group that has sold over 4 million records (including 2 gold albums), won 11 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, and has over 900 million streams across all digital music platforms. Their performance was nothing short of breathtaking, mixing new songs with beloved classics. They captivated the audience with renditions of songs like “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” “Sweet By and By,” and “I’ll Fly Away.”
One of the best moments came when Pastor Randy, a longtime friend of the university, was invited to the stage to sing with the band. His voice blended beautifully with SELAH’s, and the entire room joined in as they worshiped together. It was a powerful reminder of the strong ties between Grace Christian University, its alumni, and the Christian community.
Final Remarks and Closing
As the concert wound down, President Kemper took the stage one last time to make a final appeal. He spoke from the heart about the opportunities available to support Grace Christian University and how every contribution helps ensure the university can continue its mission. Handouts and envelopes were distributed, allowing attendees to give as they felt led.
SELAH concluded the evening with two more songs, encouraging everyone to sing and clap along to the tunes. The 2024 Grace Gala was a celebration of faith, hard work, community, and the enduring mission of Grace Christian University.
Thank you to everyone who came out to the 2024 Grace Gala and for your continued support of Grace’s mission to graduate courageous ambassadors for Christ who make an eternal impact wherever they go.
