News Summary
Grand Valley State University will honor former Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalyn Bliss with an honorary doctorate in public service during the commencement ceremony. Bliss, who served as mayor for nine years, will also be the keynote speaker. Her contributions to the community and leadership as the city’s first female mayor make this recognition significant. The ceremony will be held at Van Andel Arena with over 3,200 graduates celebrated during the weekend.
Grand Rapids – Former Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalyn Bliss will be honored with an honorary doctorate in public service from Grand Valley State University (GVSU) during the commencement ceremony on April 25, 2025. The GVSU Board of Trustees approved the decision on the same date. In addition to receiving this prestigious degree, Bliss has been selected to serve as the keynote speaker for the university’s spring graduating class.
Bliss, who played a significant role in the city’s political landscape, served as the mayor for nine years, completing her tenure in 2024 due to term limits. Prior to her mayoral position, she was a member of the Grand Rapids City Commission for a decade. Her leadership has left a notable impact on the community, particularly as she stands out as the city’s first female mayor.
The commencement ceremony is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. at Van Andel Arena. In anticipation of this event, GVSU Vice President Stacie Behler underscored the significance of Bliss’s historical role in the city and her dedication to progress. GVSU President Philomena Mantella affirmed that presenting an honorary degree is the highest honor the university can bestow, recognizing Bliss as a role model for students and community members alike.
Besides her political career, Bliss has contributed to the academic community as a faculty member in GVSU’s School of Social Work and Frederik Meijer Honors College. She is also actively involved in various local organizations, serving on numerous boards, including the Downtown Development Authority, Kent County Convention Arena Authority, Community Rebuilders, ArtPrize, and Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park.
Bliss’s educational background includes bachelor’s degrees in psychology and criminal justice from the University of South Alabama, as well as a master’s degree in social work from Michigan State University. Her academic qualifications complement her public service pursuits and community engagement efforts.
In a statement, Bliss expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to be part of the commencement ceremony. She acknowledged GVSU’s role in empowering its students and having a positive impact on the broader community.
The April 25 ceremony marks the first of three graduation events over the weekend, with a total of 3,238 graduates set to receive their degrees. This presents a significant moment for both GVSU and the graduating students as they celebrate their academic achievements and prepare for their future endeavors.
As GVSU honors Rosalyn Bliss, the event highlights the importance of dedicated service to community and education, fostering a spirit of leadership for the next generation.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Grand Rapids Prepares for 16th Annual City-Wide Cleanup
Additional Resources
- MLive: Grand Rapids’ First Female Mayor
- WZZM13: Keynote Address by Rosalynn Bliss
- WHTC: GVSU Graduation Ceremonies
- WoodTV: Mayor Bliss Reflects on Her Tenure
- The Collegiate Live: GRCC Commencement Ceremony
- Wikipedia: Rosalynn Bliss
- Google Search: Grand Valley State University graduation
- Google Scholar: Rosalynn Bliss
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Graduation Ceremony
- Google News: Grand Rapids Mayor
