ALLENDALE, MI (WHTC) – Grand Valley State University (GVSU) is celebrating it’s pioneer class with a 50th reunion this weekend.
From a tent on the Allendale campus on June 28th, 1967, GVSU held it’s first commencement ceremony. On that day, 138 seniors, including 86 members of the pioneer class that started in 1963, received their diplomas from Michigan’s newest college.
Zeeland Congressman Bill Huizenza took to the House floor in Washington, DC on Thursday to recognize the 50th anniversary of Grand Valley State University’s pioneer class.
“On that day, 138 seniors, including 86 members of the pioneer class that started in 1963, received their diplomas from Michigan’s newest college. These first graduates laid the foundation of a university that would grow to currently offer 124 degrees, enroll students from 82 different countries, and boast a 94% employment rate for its graduates. During the very first commencement address, a speaker noted: “no one could possibly chart your course through these years.” It’s hard to imagine that the pioneer class could have dreamed of the role that they would playing in helping Grand Valley State University achieve such great heights.”
This weekend, 51 of the 138 members of Grand Valley’s first graduating class will return to campus and celebrate their 50th reunion.
The Republican Congressman added, “I ask my colleagues to please join me in honoring Grand Valley State University’s pioneer class of 1967 – the original “Lakers for a Lifetime.”
