CINCINNATI (MAY 2, 2024) — Western Governors University (WGU) will host its spring commencements at Fifth Third Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio, on May 4, 2024. The ceremony will award 1,308 degrees to graduates in attendance from 43 states.
“Commencement is a celebration rooted at the core of WGU’s mission to create pathways to opportunity,” said WGU Regional Vice President Alison Bell. “It’s a day that showcases the remarkable dedication and hard work of each graduate, and evidence of the transformative power of higher education.”
WGU is an online, nonprofit university created to expand access to respected, in-demand bachelor’s and master’s degrees for, among others, working adults and traditionally underserved student populations. Among the graduates to be celebrated during the commencement event in Cincinnati, 73 percent are considered underserved, including first-generation college students and students of color. Their average age is 36; many worked full-time and raised families while earning their degrees.
The commencement festivities begin Friday, May 3, with WGU’s alumni celebration. Commencement for all graduates is scheduled for Saturday, May 4. Two convocation ceremonies will be held: a morning event for the Leavitt School of Health and School of Education and an afternoon session for graduates from the College of Business and College of IT.
Chess Grandmaster Maurice Ashley will deliver the commencement keynote address. Ahsley’s address will highlight his family’s immigration from Jamaica in search of opportunity in the United States, and his introduction into the game of chess during his childhood in Brownsville, Brooklyn, New York. Ashley would go on to become the first African-American grandmaster in the history of Chess at the age of 33 in 1999. Ashley will close his remarks with an inspirational message of sacrifice, perserverance, and ambition to all of the graduates in attendance.
Additionally, four graduates will have the opportunity to recount their inspiring stories during the commencement festivities:
• Daniel Baker; Orange, CA; M. Ed. Education Technology and Instructional Design
• Tiara Jones; Tigard, OR; M.S. Nursing- Leadership and Management
• Shelby Hepner; Nashville, TN; M.S. Learning Experience Design and Educational Technology, B.S. Business Administration – HR Management
• Joshawa Stell; Minooka, IL; M.S. Cybersecurity and Information Assurance, B.S. Cybersecurity and Information Insurance
The ceremonies will begin at 9:30 a.m. EST and 1:30 p.m. EST. During the ceremonies, graduates will use the hashtag #WGUgrad to share on social media how they’re celebrating.
About WGU
Established in 1997 by 19 U.S. governors with a mission to expand access to high-quality, affordable higher education, online, nonprofit WGU now serves more than 158,000 students nationwide and has more than 343,500 graduates in all 50 states. Driving innovation as the nation’s leading competency-based university, WGU has been recognized by the White House, state leaders, employers, and students as a model that works in postsecondary education. In just 26 years, the university has become a leading influence in changing the lives of individuals and families and preparing the workforce needed in today’s rapidly evolving economy. WGU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies, and featured on NPR, NBC Nightly News, CNN, and The New York Times. Learn more at wgu.edu and wgu.edu/impact.
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