NEW ORLEANS—MAR. 2, 2023—This weekend, Western Governors University (WGU) will celebrate the dedication and perseverance of 880 new graduates who have earned their bachelor's and master's degrees, marking the first in-person commencement of 2023. The new alumni will celebrate their well-earned diplomas with family members and supporters at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on Saturday.
To kick off the commencement weekend, WGU President Scott Pulsipher will unveil the new WGU Sage Coach design and launch the $5,000 Distinguished Alumni Scholarship during the alumni celebration Friday evening at Champions Square. The commissioned artwork from illustrator Ann Chen showcases 7 WGU graduates, their impact on their families, communities, and their chosen professions, and how this work extends into greater society. For example, Samantha Fowler, a featured alumna, traveled to southern Louisiana the day following Hurricane Ida’s landfall. She teamed up with local organizations and businesses to supply much-needed supplies and assistance to residents, including abandoned assisted living facility residents.
On Saturday, author and speaker Kevin Carroll will deliver the keynote commencement address. Carroll is the founder of Kevin Carroll Katalyst/LLC and the author of three highly successful books: “Rules of the Red Rubber Ball,” “What's Your Red Rubber Ball?!,” “The Red Rubber Ball at Work” and “A Kids Book About BELONGING.” As an agent for social change, Carroll inspires businesses, organizations, and individuals—from CEOs and employees of Fortune 500 companies to school children--to maximize their human potential. In 2013 SUCCESS magazine named Kevin as one of 19 “SEERS – changing the world!”
Since the most recent commencement ceremony in November, nearly 11,000 WGU students have completed their degree programs, joining more than 310,000 alumni who have graduated from WGU since its founding in 1997, including 1,346 from Louisiana. Some 405 undergraduate and 475 graduate degree recipients from 44 states are expected to participate in Saturday’s ceremony.
Approximately 72% of the graduates come from at least one of the following historically underserved populations: first-generation college students, historically under-represented groups, rural residents and/or low-income earners. Graduates earned degrees in business, K-12 education, information technology and health professions, including nursing, and many work full time and raise families while completing their programs.
“Taking part in WGU’s commencement is a special experience for all of WGU’s staff, students, friends and families,” said Linda Battles, Vice President of WGU’s South region. “This day represents the culmination of hard work and perseverance, and we are always proud to celebrate them.”
Four graduates also will share their stories. They are:
· Damir-Abdualla Kadeen Baahir Harrod-DAR'ROH from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, earned his B.S. degree in Business Administration, Information Technology in 2022. At 22 years old, Damir-Abdualla is an entrepreneur, creative director and content curator enveloped in the path of design, fashion, media and most importantly faith. Damir-Abdualla is CEO and creator of AHKIDA MI DAR’ROH, a faith based standing for Family Creedence since 2019.
· Courtney Moore is the director of development at Carson Valley Medical Center (CVMC) in Gardnerville, Nevada, where she manages fund development activities at the medical center and directs the CVMC Hospital Foundation. She is an active member in her community and serves as a board member of Tahoe Youth & Family Services in Gardnerville, Nevada, and South Lake Tahoe, California. She completed her bachelor’s degree in business management from WGU in 2023 and is currently pursuing an MBA from WGU.
· Bianca Cooper has a deep passion for the healthcare industry and currently serves as the senior director of onboarding & recruiting at NurseDash. She is renowned for revamping departments, breaking company records and creating a culture of inclusiveness. She earned her master’s in management and leadership from WGU in 2023 with plans to pursue her Doctor of Education from Louisiana State University.
· Lyndie Eubanks is a change management consultant with International Paper, where she has spent the past decade leading projects within business and H.R. sectors. She is active on various boards and remains busy inspiring and lifting others. Lyndie earned her MBA from WGU, which she credits for helping her support her career in an ever-changing work landscape.
Visit the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center page for more information about the venue. All bags larger than 14” x 14” x 6” are prohibited. The master’s ceremony will begin at 9:30 a.m. CST/10:30 a.m. EST and the bachelor’s ceremony will begin at 1:30 p.m. CST/2:30 EST. For more information on commencement weekend, and to view the ceremony online visit wgu.edu/2023neworleans. During the ceremony, graduates will use the hashtag #WGUgrad to share on social media how they’re celebrating.
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About Western Governors University
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 135,000 students nationwide and has more than 310,000 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 25 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, has been named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies, and has been featured on NPR, NBC Nightly News, CNN, and in The New York Times. Learn more at wgu.edu and wgu.edu/impact.
