{"id":110856,"date":"2025-05-09T12:57:13","date_gmt":"2025-05-09T16:57:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gracechristian.edu\/?p=110856"},"modified":"2025-09-02T14:12:48","modified_gmt":"2025-09-02T18:12:48","slug":"celebrating-the-grace-christian-university-class-of-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gracechristian.edu\/blog\/celebrating-the-grace-christian-university-class-of-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Celebrating the Grace Christian University Class of 2025","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"\" data-start=\"348\" data-end=\"627\">On the morning of Saturday, May 3, 2025, anticipation filled the sanctuary of <a href=\"https:\/\/rushcreekbc.org\/\">Rush Creek Bible Church<\/a>. Family, friends, faculty, and graduates of Grace Christian University gathered to celebrate a moment that has been years in the making\u2014the commencement ceremony for the Class of 2025.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"629\" data-end=\"648\"><strong data-start=\"629\" data-end=\"648\">Opening Remarks<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"650\" data-end=\"972\">President Ken Kemper opened the ceremony with a heartfelt. \u201cCongratulations,\u201d he said simply, as the audience settled into their seats. With warmth and sincerity, he emphasized the privilege of coming together not only to honor academic success but to glorify the God who made it all possible.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"974\" data-end=\"1316\">He reminded the audience that this day marked the embodiment of Grace Christian University\u2019s mission: to graduate courageous ambassadors for Christ who make an eternal impact wherever they go. encouraging the crowd to celebrate with enthusiasm, he added, \u201cWe are not in the practice of asking for quiet; we want them to know they are celebrated.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1318\" data-end=\"1761\">Continuing, President Kemper explained that commencement at <a href=\"https:\/\/gracechristian.edu\">Grace Christian University<\/a> centers on worship. \u201cWe honor the God who made this day possible,\u201d he declared, pointing to the sacrifice and victory of Jesus Christ. Following his remarks, graduate Tristan Murray stepped forward to lead the congregation in a prayer that grounded the moment in gratitude and anticipation: \u201cLord, bless this moment as we honor our students and honor You.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"1763\" data-end=\"1787\"><strong data-start=\"1763\" data-end=\"1787\">Graduate Reflections<\/strong><\/h3>\n<h5 data-start=\"1789\" data-end=\"1833\"><strong data-start=\"1789\" data-end=\"1833\">Jessica Burgett: Fall in Love with Jesus<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1835\" data-end=\"2115\">The first student to speak, Jessica Burgett, earned her Bachelor of Science on campus. She spoke with honesty and humility, reflecting on her journey through doubt, stress, and leadership challenges. \u201cBeginnings are not just handed to you,\u201d she explained. \u201cYou have to make them.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2117\" data-end=\"2467\">Jessica focused her message on falling deeply in love with Jesus. That love, she shared, carried her through the toughest seasons of college. \u201cContinue to sit with Him. Learn from Him, and let your heart be set on adoring Him.\u201d Through her experience, she encouraged her classmates to keep Christ at the center and to let His love fuel their mission.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2117\" data-end=\"2467\"><img decoding=async data-opt-id=41907625  fetchpriority=\"high\" class=\"wp-image-110869 size-full aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/mlii5e30p1dq.i.optimole.com\/cb:hFP7.217\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:mauto\/ig:avif\/https:\/\/gracechristian.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Jessica-Burgett-Payne.webp\" alt=\"Jessica -burgett- Payne \" width=\"957\" height=\"634\" \/><\/p>\n<h5 data-start=\"2469\" data-end=\"2509\"><strong data-start=\"2469\" data-end=\"2509\">Eleyna\u00a0Zichterman: Trust in the Storm<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2511\" data-end=\"2766\">Next, Eleyna Zichterman took the stage representing online students. She shared the emotional experience of watching her mother face cancer for the second time. \u201cWe aren\u2019t called to live on explanations,\u201d she said. \u201cWe\u2019re called to live on God\u2019s promises.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2768\" data-end=\"2992\">Her testimony offered comfort and clarity. Even when life felt chaotic, Elena held tightly to her faith. \u201cEven in a broken world,\u201d she reminded her classmates, \u201cthere is hope beyond the suffering, and hope beyond the grave.\u201d<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2768\" data-end=\"2992\"><img decoding=async data-opt-id=958935261  fetchpriority=\"high\" class=\"wp-image-110868 size-full aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/mlii5e30p1dq.i.optimole.com\/cb:hFP7.217\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:mauto\/ig:avif\/https:\/\/gracechristian.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Elyena-Zictherman.webp\" alt=\"Eleyna-Zichterman\" width=\"955\" height=\"627\" \/><\/p>\n<h5 data-start=\"2994\" data-end=\"3049\"><strong data-start=\"2994\" data-end=\"3049\">Brooke Nguyen: Stepping into the Unknown with Faith<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3051\" data-end=\"3337\">Concluding the reflections, Brooke Nguyen shared her story of pursuing a master\u2019s degree. When she first heard about Grace, she had no idea how important the university would become in her life. \u201cI had never even heard of Grace two years ago,\u201d she admitted. \u201cAnd now I\u2019m standing here.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3339\" data-end=\"3604\">Brooke spoke about trusting God through uncertainty. \u201cGod is working behind the scenes on His own path for us,\u201d she said. Her message called fellow graduates to take bold steps forward. \u201cTrust that God is with you. Will you trust Him enough to take this next step?\u201d<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3339\" data-end=\"3604\"><img decoding=async data-opt-id=1212084354  data-opt-src=\"https:\/\/mlii5e30p1dq.i.optimole.com\/cb:hFP7.217\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:mauto\/ig:avif\/https:\/\/gracechristian.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Brooke-Nguyen.webp\"  class=\"wp-image-110866 size-full aligncenter\" src=\"data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20100%%20100%%22%20width%3D%22100%%22%20height%3D%22100%%22%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%%22%20height%3D%22100%%22%20fill%3D%22transparent%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"Brooke-Nguyen\" width=\"952\" height=\"631\" \/><\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"3606\" data-end=\"3644\"><strong data-start=\"3606\" data-end=\"3644\">A Song of Worship<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3646\" data-end=\"3870\">After the final reflection, graduates led the congregation in singing <em data-start=\"3716\" data-end=\"3736\">\u201cGoodness of God.\u201d<\/em> The sanctuary came alive with voices. The lyrics\u2014\u201cAll my life You have been faithful\u201d\u2014became a unified anthem of gratitude.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3872\" data-end=\"4073\">Following that, the worship continued with the hymn <em data-start=\"3924\" data-end=\"3943\">I Love You, Lord,<\/em> shifting the atmosphere into quiet reverence. Gratitude overflowed in raised hands, teary eyes, and hearts stirred by the Spirit.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3872\" data-end=\"4073\"><img decoding=async data-opt-id=1680274557  data-opt-src=\"https:\/\/mlii5e30p1dq.i.optimole.com\/cb:hFP7.217\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:mauto\/ig:avif\/https:\/\/gracechristian.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Commencement-Worship-team.webp\"  class=\"aligncenter wp-image-110867 size-full\" src=\"data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20100%%20100%%22%20width%3D%22100%%22%20height%3D%22100%%22%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%%22%20height%3D%22100%%22%20fill%3D%22transparent%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"Worship Team-Graduation\" width=\"949\" height=\"622\" \/><\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"4075\" data-end=\"4093\"><strong data-start=\"4075\" data-end=\"4093\">Student Awards<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4095\" data-end=\"4364\">At this point in the ceremony, the focus shifted to honoring outstanding student achievement. Faculty presented awards across several disciplines, including communication, theology, preaching, youth ministry, business leadership, social sciences, and Christian service.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4366\" data-end=\"4745\">The audience responded with warm applause for each name, affirming lives already making an impact. A special tribute followed for Provost Dr. Kim Pilieci, who transitions into a full-time faculty role after 12 years of faithful leadership as provost. President Kemper praised her as \u201cthe most excellent provost we have ever had,\u201d honoring both her academic leadership and spiritual insight.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"4747\" data-end=\"4766\"><strong data-start=\"4747\" data-end=\"4766\">Degrees Awarded<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4768\" data-end=\"4994\">Dr. Pilieci then began the conferring of degrees. Backed by the authority of the state of Michigan and the Board of Directors, she called each group by degree level\u2014associate, bachelor\u2019s, and master\u2019s.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4996\" data-end=\"5234\">With each announcement, graduates rose proudly, and the room erupted in cheers and applause. This moment was more than a formality; it symbolized a calling. These students were stepping boldly into their purpose as ambassadors for Christ.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"5236\" data-end=\"5264\"><strong data-start=\"5236\" data-end=\"5264\">A Word to the New Alumni<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5266\" data-end=\"5602\">Welcoming the graduates into a new chapter, Alumni Director Rick Pilieci\u2014himself a two-time Grace graduate\u2014offered heartfelt words. He encouraged them to remain rooted in Scripture and committed to God\u2019s truth. \u201cStay grounded in the Word,\u201d he said. \u201cThe Bible is not just for coursework. It\u2019s your lamp, your guide, and your counselor.\u201d<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5266\" data-end=\"5602\"><img decoding=async data-opt-id=380423615  data-opt-src=\"https:\/\/mlii5e30p1dq.i.optimole.com\/cb:hFP7.217\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:mauto\/ig:avif\/https:\/\/gracechristian.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Rick-Pilieci.webp\"  class=\"wp-image-110870 size-full aligncenter\" src=\"data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20100%%20100%%22%20width%3D%22100%%22%20height%3D%22100%%22%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%%22%20height%3D%22100%%22%20fill%3D%22transparent%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"Rick-Pilieci\" width=\"952\" height=\"636\" \/><\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"5604\" data-end=\"5661\"><strong data-start=\"5604\" data-end=\"5661\">A Song of Worship: Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5663\" data-end=\"5851\">Following Rick\u2019s address, worship continued with a powerful rendition of <em data-start=\"5736\" data-end=\"5775\">\u201cAmazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone).\u201d<\/em> Graduates led the room in singing.\u00a0\u201cMy chains are gone, I\u2019ve been set free. My God, my Savior has ransomed me,\u201d they sang. The lyrics rang out as a testimony of God\u2019s redemptive power. In that moment, freedom, grace, and purpose stood at the center of the celebration.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"6088\" data-end=\"6106\"><strong data-start=\"6088\" data-end=\"6106\">A Final Prayer<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"6108\" data-end=\"6260\">As the ceremony drew to a close, Marc stepped forward to offer the final prayer. He thanked God for the graduates, their calling, and the journey ahead.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"6262\" data-end=\"6543\">In his prayer, Marc also expressed gratitude for the faculty who invested deeply in each student\u2019s life. \u201cThank you, Lord, for giving us the chance to live and to serve You,\u201d he prayed. \u201cThank you for this community, for this mission, and for the impact these graduates will have.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"6545\" data-end=\"6585\"><strong data-start=\"6545\" data-end=\"6585\">The Recessional\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"6587\" data-end=\"6806\">With the final \u201cAmen,\u201d the recessional began. Faculty led the way, Following them, the graduates walked down the aisle with joy in every step.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"6808\" data-end=\"6963\">No longer just students, they stepped forward as leaders. Their walk was the beginning of a new mission.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6808\" data-end=\"6963\"><img decoding=async data-opt-id=898491527  data-opt-src=\"https:\/\/mlii5e30p1dq.i.optimole.com\/cb:hFP7.217\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:mauto\/ig:avif\/https:\/\/gracechristian.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Grace-Graduates.webp\"  class=\"wp-image-110871 size-full aligncenter\" src=\"data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20100%%20100%%22%20width%3D%22100%%22%20height%3D%22100%%22%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%%22%20height%3D%22100%%22%20fill%3D%22transparent%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"2025-grads \" width=\"954\" height=\"631\" \/><\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"6965\" data-end=\"7008\"><strong data-start=\"6965\" data-end=\"7008\">\u00a0Making an Eternal Impact<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"7010\" data-end=\"7229\">More than a celebration of academic success, the 2025 Commencement Ceremony served as a pause. It recognized God\u2019s faithfulness, honored perseverance, and commissioned a new generation of courageous ambassadors for Christ.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"7231\" data-end=\"7315\"><strong>Congratulations, Class of 2025.<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"7231\" data-end=\"7315\"><br data-start=\"7266\" data-end=\"7269\" \/>You\u2019ve studied,\u00a0 You&#8217;ve grown, You\u2019ve served.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"7317\" data-end=\"7386\">Now go\u2014walk boldly in the love of Christ, and make an eternal impact.<\/p>\n","protected":false,"gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"html"}]},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>On the morning of Saturday, May 3, 2025, anticipation filled the sanctuary of Rush Creek Bible Church. Family, friends, faculty, and graduates of Grace Christian University gathered to celebrate a [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false,"gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"html"}]},"author":6,"featured_media":110859,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[43],"tags":[],"dipi_cpt_category":[],"class_list":["post-110856","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Celebrating the Grace Christian University Class of 2025 - Grace Christian University<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Graduates of Grace Christian University gathered to celebrate the commencement ceremony for the 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