A Critical Mass performance is a staple at every Grand Canyon University commencement ceremony, as it will be for this spring's commencement ceremonies, beginning next week.
As graduates trickle inside Global Credit Union Arena and they and their loved ones find their seats, the musical group serenades the large crowd with classical renditions of renowned pop, worship and classical music.
When alumna Monique Keeley heard the ensemble's rendition of “You'll Be in My Heart,” from Disney’s “Tarzan,” at her spring 2025 online commencement ceremony, her heart stopped. Keeley, who was celebrating the completion of her master's in education administration, was in awe when she heard the song, which connected her to a difficult personal journey. Keeley, over the years, has struggled wth multiple miscarriages.
Now, Critical Mass is recording its rendition of that song for her to have as a reminder of the special graduation moment.
“‘You'll Be in My Heart’ is a song that has been near and dear to my heart,” Keeley said. "I always imagined rocking my babies to that song. As soon as it started playing, I lost it. My husband texted me and was like, 'That is from our babies.'”
Keeley always wanted to earn a master’s degree.
After she graduated from Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, she began work as a child and adolescent case manager. She worked with children with autism and intense behaviors, which helped her grow a heart for education.
Another degree from Taylor University in education, as well as one from GCU's graduate program, prepared Keeley for her future in teaching, leading her to a longstanding career at Summit Christian Academy in Austin, Texas.
Her tenure in education also grew her heart for children. She wanted her own but has struggled with miscarriages.
“We don’t know if we will ever have a baby in our arms, but I carry my babies in my heart every single day,” Keeley said. “We do not know why we are going through this, but we continue to have hope that does not disappoint.”
While Keeley and husband Anthony wait to hold a baby in their arms, they dedicate every educational and professional milestone to them.
After commencement, Anthony knew the most special graduation gift for Keeley would be a copy of Critical Mass’ rendition of the popular Disney song.
Though the ensemble normally does not record its music, Anthony wanted to test his chances.
He sent numerous emails to the university over six months with no luck. But when one of his emails was forwarded in late fall 2025 to Music Director Mark Fearey, it didn’t take long for Fearey to respond and get Critical Mass into a recording studio.
“That is why we sing,” sophomore Allie Toothaker said. “We pick songs and learn the stories behind them and try to portray emotions so that we can reach just one person in the audience.
“That arena is filled with thousands of people. They are getting to their seats, not really paying attention. We are kind of just there to entertain a little bit before commencement start. But the fact that one person is listening makes it all worth it.”
Added senior Ben Sparling, “It was really hard news to hear, all of our hearts went out to them immediately. It was a feeling of obligation to deliver these people something they can look back on and take some joy out of a really hard thing.”
Critical Mass performs at every commencement ceremony in fall and spring. While some songs are always part of the program, some are only featured once. “You Will Be in My Heart” was a new addition at the time Keeley was graduating, and the timing was perfect.
To Keeley, the song was a reminder that her babies are with her in that special moment. Honoring them through her achievement was one of the biggest motivating factors in her finishing her master’s degree, she said.
“We thought, it’s got to be a message from God when the song came on,” Anthony said. “Out of all songs out there that could’ve been sung, this one really pulled on our heartstrings. I really wanted her to have the song because it’s so special. We always just want to honor our children, and if our story can even give one person hope, that is good enough.”
GCU staff writer Izabela Fogarasi can be reached at [email protected]
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