SAGINAW, MI — Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) will host its annual commencement ceremonies on Saturday, Dec. 14, celebrating over 530 students as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.
The ceremonies, recognizing achievements across five colleges, will be held in SVSU’s Ryder Center and livestreamed for virtual attendees.
Graduates from the College of Arts and Behavioral Sciences, the Scott L. Carmona College of Business, and the College of Science, Engineering and Technology will participate in a morning ceremony at 10 a.m.
The afternoon ceremony, starting at 2:30 p.m., will feature graduates from the College of Education and the Crystal M. Lange College of Health and Human Services.
Mark Murray, vice chairman of Meijer’s board of directors and an esteemed leader in education and government, will deliver keynote addresses at both ceremonies. In recognition of his contributions, SVSU President George Grant Jr. will confer an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree upon Murray during the 10 a.m. event.
Murray brings a distinguished legacy of leadership to the occasion. Having served as co-chief executive officer of Meijer from 2013 and as president since 2006, he played a pivotal role in expanding the company, adding 24 supercenters and boosting annual sales by more than 20%.
His tenure in academia includes serving as the third president of Grand Valley State University (GVSU), where he spearheaded international partnerships and strengthened educational initiatives.
Before his contributions to higher education and corporate leadership, Murray dedicated over two decades to Michigan state government, holding critical roles such as state budget director, state treasurer, and education advisor to Governor John Engler.
A proud alumnus of Michigan State University, Murray holds both a bachelor’s degree in economics and a master’s in labor and industrial relations.
SVSU graduates continue to make an impact in high-demand fields across the Great Lakes Bay Region and beyond. Recent data from the university’s Office of Career Services shows that 96% of graduates from 2019 to 2022 are employed or pursuing further education.
This year’s ceremonies mark not only the accomplishments of the graduating students but also the enduring strength of an SVSU education in preparing future leaders for success.
For those unable to attend in person, the events will be livestreamed on SVSU’s website.
