Commencement marks start of a new journey for Class of 2025

Grove City College conferred degrees to 573 undergraduate and graduate students Saturday during the College’s 145th Commencement.

The pomp and circumstances marked the end of a four-year journey for most members of the Class of 2025.

Student speaker Julia Bauer ’25, a Marketing major from Pittsburgh, reflected on that journey in an address that led off with a quote from one of Grove City College’s favorite writers, C.S. Lewis: “Isn’t it funny how day by day nothing changes, but when you look back, everything is different?”

Bauer talked about the lessons, little and big, that she and her classmates learned on campus and how they will apply to life beyond. “As the next chapter begins, amidst all the new changes and challenges, it may be difficult to feel prepared for what lies ahead. Once we step off this campus, we bring a piece of Grove City with us wherever we go: the relationships that molded us and the formation of our character through the experiences we’ve had here together,” she said.

“Shape others as compassionately and faithfully as you were shaped. And when things get difficult, lean into the foundation you’ve gained here … And most importantly, lean into the Lord, who was gracious and faithful these last four years, far more than any of us deserved, and promises to be with us in all of our next steps,” Bauer concluded.

Grove City College President Paul J. McNulty ’80, who is retiring this summer after 11 years of service, was likewise reflective in his commencement address, which centered on the College’s Christ-centered vision, mission, values.

McNulty shared with graduates his own situation upon graduating from Grove City College 45 years ago.

“My material possessions were very meager,” he said. “I had some debt and not even $100 to my name. So, silver and gold I had none, to quote Peter, but what I did have was far more valuable. You see, I had acquired early in my GCC education a new worldview that came with an energizing sense of calling, a transformative understanding of the purpose for my life.”

“We want our lives to stand for something. I know I did on my graduation day … We want to make a difference,” he said. “But what does it actually mean, in a practical sense, to live life with godly purpose? What does it look like?”

McNulty provided five specific behaviors he believed would help students during their time after graduation. He encouraged them to be rooted in God's Word, treat everyone with respect, communicate like Christ, never grow weary in doing good, and to always be hopeful.

“Hope, like true joy, is not dependent on life’s pleasant circumstances. It’s born out of vision, out of purpose. Hope is the fruit of a biblical worldview, that God reigns perfectly over all creation and is bringing everything to pass according to his good purposes. The Christian’s story always, ultimately, ends well,” he said.

“Don’t worry if you’re broke or haven’t yet landed a job. Just be sure to pack up your purpose and the principles by which you will live. Trust me, it’s really all you need,” McNulty concluded.

Grove City College awarded a total of 580 total degrees on Saturday to 560 undergraduate students and 17 graduate students. Three students earned double majors and four earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

More than half of the Class of 2025 graduated with cum laude, summa cum laude, or magna cum laude honors.

The College also awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree to Dr. James Bibza, the longtime professor of Biblical & Religious Studies who spoke at Friday’s Baccalaureate. First Lady Brenda (Millican) McNulty ’80 was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree in recognition of her service to the College.

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