Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga spoke on the House floor to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Grand Valley State University’s pioneer class. This weekend, 51 of the 138 members of Grand Valley's first graduating class will return to campus and celebrate their 50th reunion.
Congressman Huizenga's Remarks:
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 50th anniversary of Grand Valley State University’s pioneer class.
In June of 1967, in a tent on its Allendale, Michigan campus, Grand Valley held its long-dreamed-of 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.
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.
After that first graduation ceremony in 1967, GVSU had 138 alumni. Today, the University has over 110,000 proud alumni throughout West Michigan and around the globe.
Under the leadership of the first president, James Zumberge, followed by the continued guidance of Arend Lubbers, Mark Murray, and current President Thomas Haas, Grand Valley has grown to become a renowned institution and one of the 100 largest universities in the nation.
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.
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.”
