More than 1,300 graduates were honored at Davenport University’s 159th Commencement ceremony today at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids.
The graduates, who ranged in age from 18 to 69, hailed from 31 states and eleven different countries.
“Commencement is one of the most exciting times of the year at Davenport, because we get to celebrate our graduates and all of the hard work that led them to this day,” said Davenport University President Richard J. Pappas, Ed.D. “It’s also a wonderful celebration for all those who supported our graduates in their pursuit of a college degree.”
Two students, Lynsey Peters and Destiny Santiago, reflected on their time at Davenport and offered words of encouragement to their fellow graduates, family and friends.
Peters said Commencement isn’t just a celebration of academic success. It’s a celebration of perseverance, growth and the bond shared by the 2025 graduating class of Davenport University.
“Today, I’m reminded of the invisible string theory, which is the idea that people and events are connected by invisible threads that resemble the connection that we can’t always see but shape and change who we are,” said Peters. “This resembles many of our lives at Davenport. While we’re each walking individual paths, we are connected by something greater, the desire to complete our degrees and start our careers.”
Destiny Santiago congratulated the graduates on facing struggles, never giving up and moving forward no matter what stood in the way.
“In any profession, the ability to connect with people from different backgrounds will help define our success,” said Santiago. “The world we are entering as graduates is constantly evolving, filled with diverse perspectives, challenges and opportunities. The more we listen, learn and grow from those around us, the greater our impact will be.”
She went on to say that life will not always be perfect and there will be times when it feels like nothing is going right, regardless of what you do to fix it. Success, she said, is not about avoiding challenges, but about facing them head on and finding the strength to push forward anyway.
“You are stronger than you think, you are capable of more than you’ve ever imagined and you have already proven that you have what it takes to succeed,” she said.
Keynote speaker Jon Husby, president and CEO of ADAC, received an honorary doctorate in business for his successful and long-term leadership before addressing the crowd.
Husby encouraged the graduates to set their compasses to a steady direction, even though it can be tricky at times. “The needle can be awfully sensitive to the winds of change,” said Husby. “Winds manifested in challenges are bound to test your character. It is true that the more you put yourself out there, the more you’re at risk. But with every risk explored, you have more to gain and embrace.”
Husby also advised the graduates not to wait for life’s big moments to come to their doorsteps. Instead, they should go out and make it happen. “Strive for audacious goals and when offered a challenge, even if it sounds ominous or outside your comfort zone, answer how instead of I can’t,” he said.
Click here to watch a recording of the Commencement ceremony.
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