GVSU Class of 2026 to be celebrated through three Commencement ceremonies

Over 3,200 GVSU students are scheduled to cross the stage during the Winter 2026 Commencement ceremonies on May 1-2 at Van Andel Arena.

The webpage, What to Expect on Commencement Day , includes important information for graduates and attendees, including arrival times, parking information, the arena's no-bag policy and more.

Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak is this year's Commencement keynote speaker and will address graduates at all three ceremonies.

"I'm honored to return to Grand Rapids and celebrate this important milestone with the Grand Valley graduates and the GVSU community," Wozniak said.

President Philomena V. Mantella will give the welcome address. Courtney Karasinski, chair of the University Academic Senate, and Jennifer Drake, provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs, will also give their remarks.

MORE: Read more about Wozniak as Commencement guest speaker.

Ceremony details for the 3,263 graduates are outlined below:

Friday, May 1, at 7 p.m.:

• College of Computing
• College of Education and Community Innovation
• Padnos College of Engineering
• Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies

Saturday, May 2, at 10 a.m.:

• Seidman College of Business
• College of Health Professions

Saturday, May 3, at 3 p.m.:

• College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• Kirkhof College of Nursing

MORE: Read about some graduates and their paths as Lakers.

At each ceremony, a member of the graduating class will speak. The student speaker at Friday's ceremony is Dallas Matthews, who will receive a bachelor's degree in integrative studies. At the Saturday morning ceremony, the student speaker will be Elaina Marcum, who will receive a master's degree in recreational therapy. At the Saturday afternoon ceremony, the student speaker will be Sarah Dudinetz, who will receive a master's degree in business administration.

A livestream will be available for those unable to attend.