The Gerald R. Ford Job Corps held its National Job Corps Commencement Day celebration on August 21, 2015. Over 350 students, staff, friends and family members attended the ceremony that was held in the Gerald R. Ford Job Corps Auditorium.  Mr. Joseph “Joe” Jones, President and CEO, of Grand Rapids Urban League was the Keynote Commencement Speaker. He encouraged the 80 graduates to “never stop pursuing excellence and when you reach your goal set new ones”. He reminded students not to squander opportunities like Job Corps but to make the best of every situation. Student speaker and graduate of the Nursing Assistant program, Ashley Simon said that Job Corps taught her to “never give up “she admonished the non-graduates to “finish what you started” and to the graduates to” keep reaching up”. It was one of the largest graduating class at the GRFJC in quite awhile. Following the ceremony a reception was held in the cafeteria for the graduates and their guest.