This year, Grand Valley State University’s Convocation ceremony will look a little different.
Instead of holding a traditional gathering in the Fieldhouse Arena, the Aug. 22 ceremony will be combined with Laker Kickoff Week, and is set to include remarks from President Philomena Mantella and the first-year class photo in Lubbers Stadium at 6 p.m. Immediately after, Convocation will include festival activities near the lawn of the Russel H. Kirkhof Center, as well as a fireworks and drone show. The merged event aims to provide ample opportunities for new students to build connections.
In past years, the Division of Student Affairs, the Office of the President and the Office of the Provost have hosted the welcome ceremony. With the event now part of Laker Kickoff, however, additional departments will be in on the activities. Student Affairs Marketing, the Office of Student Life, Campus Activities Board and Recreation and Wellness are also partnering for the celebration.
“Driven by student feedback, we’re implementing a shift from a traditional convocation ceremony to an even more engaging, celebratory, student-centered experience,” said Megan Wierenga, director of Student Affairs Marketing. “Together, Academic Affairs and Student Affairs aim to create experiences during that event, welcome week and beyond that will make college ‘home’ for our newest Lakers.”
The new format of the ceremony is a significant departure from past gatherings at GVSU, which did not include student involvement.
The first ceremony held at GVSU was for its Aug. 28, 1962 Groundbreaking. Thoughtful and idealistic speeches were delivered by University dignitaries, including former GVSU President James Zumberge. That year, former Michigan Governor John Swainson controlled the dynamite blast that broke ground for the University’s first building. However, when he pressed the detonation button, nothing happened. After several attempts, the dynamite finally ignited, and the thunderous explosion marked the beginning of GVSU.
In recent years, campus departments and divisions have expanded upon their own welcome events. The Rainbow Social, an event hosted by the Milton E. Ford LGBT Resource Center, originated as a casual social gathering featuring free ice cream. Set to take place Aug. 27, it has since been reimagined as an outdoor event with performances, a variety of food and campus resources dedicating to supporting marginalized students.
“The Rainbow Social has grown from a casual drop-in to a vibrant celebration of community, connection and identity,” said DL McKinney, director of the LGBT Resource Center. “We’ve intentionally aligned the event with GVSU’s welcome week to ensure LGBTQIA+ students, especially students new to campus, feel seen, celebrated and supported from day one. It’s a way of saying ‘you belong here,’ not just academically, but socially and culturally too.”
McKinney said the first LGBTQ+ events held at GVSU helped them feel at home on campus, and hopes this year’s events have the same effect on student body members.
“It was the first time I remember feeling like my voice and my full, authentic self had a place on this campus,” McKinney said. “Those moments shaped me.”
The merged Convocation ceremony aims to do the same: provide incoming students with opportunities to connect with other students and faculty, as well as provide resources on adapting into the exciting next chapter of their lives. Incoming students and returning community members alike are invited to participate in the newest rendition of the university tradition.
