Jesus Martinez-Avilez to Speak at Academic Honors & Awards Ceremony

April 16, 2025

Grand View University is honored to welcome Jesus Martinez-Avilez ’25 as this year’s student speaker for the Academic Honors & Awards Ceremony. Jesus, who will graduate with a B.A. in Communication and Media Practice, will deliver a speech titled “The Heart of Vocation.”

Born in Guerrero, Mexico, and raised in Des Moines, Iowa, Jesus has spent his college career combining passion and purpose. At Grand View, he has pursued minors in English and Spanish, while also holding leadership roles as a Multicultural Ambassador, former president of the Diversity Alliance, and an active member of the Honors Program.

A standout in student media, Jesus has made his mark at Viewfinder Media, serving as a reporter, managing editor, and special projects director. He was named "Student Journalist of the Year" by the Iowa College Media Association during his junior year for his feature “Living Undocumented.”

His experiences have fueled a calling to advocacy and storytelling. After graduation, Jesus hopes to work in the nonprofit sector, with long-term goals of contributing to local news in Des Moines.

The annual Academic Honors & Awards Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, April 23, recognizing the outstanding academic achievements, leadership, and contributions of the student body.