News and College Life

The tops of mortarboards from members of the Winter Class of 2025 can be seen from the rafters at Van Andel Arena on April 26.

(From left) Recent graduates Alaysha Cannon, Anahi Villeda and Nani Leakehe adjust their regalia before pictures on April 26. The three were wearing leis to honor Leakehe's Polynesian heritage. 

Graduates move their tassels during the Commencement ceremony at Van Andel Arena on April 26.
 

Performers from Grand Valley's Dance and Theater Departments take part in a presentation of "FRAGILE" at the Mary Idema Pew Library on April 9. The performance was directed by assistant professor Edgar L. Page along with assistant professor Demetria Thomas. 

At the latest graduation, the president of Clemson University, Jim Clements, got to catch (and miss) his daughter as she walked across the stage to receive her diploma. 

In an article by Elise Sole with the Today Show, Dr. Clements shared “It was pure joy, total and complete happiness, to see this girl, our beautiful daughter, run across the stage and literally leap into my arms. It was magical." 

"You missed me!" Grace reminded him.

"I did miss you, I missed you, but then when we fell, we helped each other up," Grace's dad said, with a laugh. "And I wanted to turn her to the audience and let everyone see how beautiful and amazing she is. Then, I wanted to give her a big huge hug to let her know how much I love her," he added.

The ClemsonLIFE program offers a collegiate experience that prepares young men and women with intellectual disabilities for competitive employment and independent living through a combination of academic coursework and career exploration. The program incorporates functional academics, independent living, employment and social/leisure skills in a public university setting with the goal of producing self-sufficient young adults. The program not only changes lives but also enriches the entire Clemson Family with its spirit of compassion, empowerment and celebration. Every milestone — whether it’s on-the-job training, having fun at a tailgate, or simply mastering a new life skill — is a testament to what’s possible when opportunity and support meet the drive to succeed. 

Students dive over each other to catch flying frisbees flung in rapid succession by a robot launcher during the Engineering Open House.

Chancellor Miranda cheers on the UIC Pep Band at the IGNITE event 

Student excitedly awaits the start of IGNITE event for incoming freshman at UIC 

Students walk the path through the quad cherry blossoms between classes in April. 

Actors perform in a dress rehearsal of the theatre production: Little Women on Wednesday, April 30.