Western Governors University on LinkedIn: #wgugrad #orlandocommencement | 45 comments (2024)

Western Governors University

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Our 2024 commencement in Orlando "The City Beautiful" celebrated the incredible achievements of over 2,300 graduates from all walks of life. With a median age of 37, and 46% being first-generation college graduates, this class showed resilience and determination every step of the way.Graduate speaker Kyle Brewer from Bushnell, IL, shared how he became a Family Nurse Practitioner while balancing full-time work, family, and coaching sports: "My life was a series of naps. Despite the challenges, I flourished because my degree was earned, not given."Madelyn Hurst from Celebration, FL, who earned her B.A. in Educational Studies - Special & Elementary Education, inspired her fellow graduates with her story of overcoming personal loss: "To pull yourself out of mediocrity is a feat, and reclaiming my life was worth every step."Laura Anderson from Mount Pleasant, WI, who earned her M.S. in Management & Leadership, shared the mantra that helped her overcome personal and professional struggles: “Begin again.”Ralene Berry from Conroe, TX, completed two master’s degrees in just eight months. She encouraged her fellow graduates: "We are never too old and it is never too late for a second, third, or even fourth chance."Keynote speaker Brandon Fleming, founder of the Harvard Diversity Project, reminded us of the importance of overcoming challenges: "When fear shows up, square your shoulders, spread your arms wide, and remember every success and every failure is wind beneath your wings."We honor our 244 military graduates, those who traveled from across the globe, and every one of you who overcame obstacles to reach this milestone. Here's to the Class of 2024—your journey is just beginning!#WGUGrad #OrlandoCommencement

  • Western Governors University on LinkedIn: #wgugrad #orlandocommencement | 45 comments (2)
  • Western Governors University on LinkedIn: #wgugrad #orlandocommencement | 45 comments (3)
  • Western Governors University on LinkedIn: #wgugrad #orlandocommencement | 45 comments (4)
  • Western Governors University on LinkedIn: #wgugrad #orlandocommencement | 45 comments (5)
  • Western Governors University on LinkedIn: #wgugrad #orlandocommencement | 45 comments (6)

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Melanie Bowman

Licensed Real Estate Agent, Business Support Specialist/Care Coordinator, Educator, Trainer, Tutor

6d

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Brandon Fleming’s speech was 🔥! So proud of my husband, Steven Bowman, for graduating with a Master’s of Business today, after having obtained a Bachelor’s in Education from WGU and being a Respiratory Therapist for 24 years! 💙🧑🎓🎉

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April Robinson

Senior Clinical Informatics Systems Analyst

5d

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I will never ever forget this experience! The feeling I had during the ceremony was a feeling I have never experienced. I now realize that I finally respect and appreciate myself. As a nurse and a mom, I always put others first and celebrate the wins of others. But I have wins too, and being present at graduation with other amazing graduates was so inspiring! Brandon’s speech made me realized I EARNED IT!! And for that, it’s okay to celebrate MY WIN!! Congrats all!!

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Nina Hicks

Business Management and Supply Chain Specialist

2d

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It was an honor and privilege to celebrate the accomplishment of my MSML with over 1400 fellow graduates over the weekend! I was also one of the first to complete WGU's BS Supply Chain and Operations Management program last year. Additionally, I am proud to say that I am part of that group of first-generation graduates. My family has experienced tremendous loss throughout my time at WGU and since I graduated, and it was so wonderful to finally get to celebrate together. A huge thank you to the faculty and staff, as well as the commencement speakers and anthem singer, for a phenomenal commencement experience. I'll never forget it.

  • Western Governors University on LinkedIn: #wgugrad #orlandocommencement | 45 comments (13)

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Robert Shane

Sr. Building Maintenance Technician, Transit Division

5d

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Looking forward to attending one. Just finished my undergrad degree. My son is also attending and will be done around December. I’m waiting so we can both attend together spring 2025.

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Shenna Solomon

Finance at Hampton County School District

5d

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This was a wonderful experience. I was a nervous graduate, but I’m thankful I chose Orlando for my graduation ceremony. All speakers were motivational and gave me something to take back and implement in my personal and professional life. Thanks WGU!

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LIUBI O PEREZ RUIZ

UNIT CLERK

2d

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I congratulate the graduates, especially my friend Cassandra Santiago, you believed that you could... So you did. I'm proud of you, the MBA-Healthcare Management is only the begining the best is yet to come. Thanks to your husband Tony and your two children for the support and the understanding, but above all THANKS GOD for keeping you focus and strong. Happy for you my friend!!!

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Andrea Falcon, BSHA

Bariatric Patient Advocate at Northside Hospital

6d

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It was amazing! Thank you so much for all the support, and congratulations to all graduates 🎓

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Monelle Petgrave

Global Workday Advisor & Tech Principal Specialist at Amadeus

6d

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It was a pleasure listening to such touching and inspiring stories.

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Tamika Sharpes, MBA

Strategic Leader | Proficient in Utilization Management Support, Process Improvement, and Team Development

6d

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My girl Harley Israel graduated today!! Im so proud of you!! She #masteredit!!! Congrats graduates!!! #wgualum

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