SEATTLE, May 17, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- WGU Washington's second annual commencement ceremony will take place tomorrow, Saturday, May 18th, at Benaroya Hall. More than 500 WGU Washington students will receive degrees this year, almost double last year's class of 270. Graduates from around the state will gather to celebrate their degrees as Rep. Cyrus Habib delivers the keynote speech. Habib, who represents Washington's 48th district, lost his eyesight at the age of eight and is Washington State's first blind lawmaker in more than 50 years. He is also the first Iranian-American elected to state office in the United States. Habib, an accomplished pianist, will also perform Gershwin's Summertime on the venue's grand piano.
The commencement ceremony begins at 3 p.m. The program flow is as follows:
- Welcome and Opening Remarks: Chancellor Jean Floten
- Commencement Address: Rep. Cyrus Habib, 48th Legislative District
- Graduate Speakers:
1. Connie Summers, Bothell
2. Cathy Johnson, Newport (Spokane area)
3. Julius Giron, Auburn
- Conferral of Degrees
- Rep. Cyrus Habib to perform Gershwin's Summertime on grand piano
- Closing Remarks: WGU President, Dr. Robert Mendenhall
WGU Washington's innovative model of higher education is producing graduates with the skills to meet the advanced demands of today's market. A recent Harris Interactive study shows that nearly 100 percent of employers who have hired a WGU graduate would not hesitate to hire another, 98 percent agree that WGU grads meet or exceed their expectations, and 98 percent consider WGU graduates equal to or better prepared than graduates of other universities.
If you'd like more information about the commencement, or would like to speak to a graduate in your area, please contact Jake Riddell at 206-512-0025, [email protected], or Lee Keller at 206-799-3805, [email protected]. Also, video and sound from the ceremony and graduates will be available via yousendit.com on Saturday.
More About WGU Washington
WGU Washington was established by the Washington State Legislature on April 22, 2011. WGU Washington is state-endorsed and offers degree programs that are accredited through Western Governors University.
WGU Washington offers more than 50 bachelor's and master's degree programs in Business, Information Technology, Teacher Education, and Health Professions, including Nursing. The university's online, 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, HCA, Hewlett-Packard, Lumina Foundation, Microsoft, Oracle, SunGard Higher Education, and Zions Bank.
*Western Governors University offers nursing programs that are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 5380, Washington DC 20036, 202-877-6791).
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Contact for media inquiries:
Jake Riddell – Public Relations Manager
(206) 512-0025
[email protected]
Contact for enrollment information:
877.214.7004
washington.wgu.edu
SOURCE WGU Washington
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