GroupHealth President and CEO to Address Record-Breaking Class of Graduates

SEATTLE, April 30, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Group Health President and CEO Scott Armstrong will deliver the keynote address to a record-setting number of graduates at WGU Washington's fourth annual commencement ceremony Saturday, May 2.

"I'm thrilled to help celebrate this year's class of WGU Washington graduates – the men and women who have worked so hard to earn degrees and open new doors of opportunity for themselves and their families," Armstrong said.  "I come from a family of academics and fully understand the transformational power of education. Each member of this year's graduating class has achieved a significant step to a bright, rewarding future."

Group Health – one of the nation's largest consumer-governed health care systems – has roughly 600,000 members and employs approximately 7,500 workers across Washington state.  Armstrong has been with Group Health since 1986 in positions ranging from assistant hospital administrator to chief operating officer.  He became president and CEO in January 2005.

"We are so thankful to have Scott's commitment to participate," said Chancellor Floten. "Each of our students aspires to excel and make a significant impact in his or her respective career field. I'm confident Scott's words will inspire our grads as well as all their guests in attendance."

WGU Washington offers career-focused degrees for a flat rate of $6,000 per year for most programs. Of the school's roughly 7,500 full-time students, nearly half are enrolled in science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) related programs. STEM fields are vital to our state's economy. WGU is the largest educator of math and science teachers in the U.S., conferring five percent of the nation's baccalaureate and 15 percent of the nation's master's degrees in STEM teaching.

"A well-educated and trained workforce is vital to strengthening our state's economy and improving the lifestyles of mid-career adults and their families," said Armstrong.  "WGU Washington is doing its part to educate and train the skilled workers of our state.  Workers, particularly in the healthcare field, need higher education and advanced training to remain competitive in the 21st-century economy. The members of WGU Washington's class of 2015 will be among tomorrow's leaders in business, IT, education, and health professions."

Event Details:
What: WGU Washington Commencement Ceremony
When: Saturday, May 2, 2015, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: Xfinity Arena, 2000 Hewitt Ave, Everett, WA 98021
Keynote Speaker: Scott Armstrong, President & CEO, GroupHealth

If you would like more information about commencement, would like to attend the ceremony, are interested in scheduling an interview with Scott Armstrong, Chancellor Jean Floten, or a graduate in your area, please contact Margo Jasukaitis at 425-898-2700, [email protected] or Lee Keller at 206-799-3805, [email protected].

About WGU Washington
WGU Washington was established by the State Legislature in 2011 in partnership with nationally recognized and accredited Western Governors University to expand access to higher education for Washington residents.

The state-endorsed, online university offers more than 50 bachelor's and master's degree programs in Business, Information Technology, Teacher Education and Health Professions, including Nursing. WGU Washington's competency-based learning model is designed to meet the needs of working adults by providing an affordable, flexible option for earning an accredited, respected college degree. It's non-profit and receives no money from the state.

Degrees are granted under the accreditation of Western Governors University, which is regionally accredited through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Teachers College programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and Nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE*).

The university has earned the support of more than 20 leading corporations and foundations. They include institutions such as AT&T, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Lilly Endowment, Hewlett-Packard, Lumina Foundation, Microsoft, Oracle and SunGard Higher Education.

*One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 5380, Washington DC 20036, 202-877-6791

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SOURCE WGU Washington