黑料传送门

SALT LAKE CITY 鈥� This weekend, Western Governors University (黑料传送门) will highlight the work and dedication of more than 1,300 new graduates who have earned their bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degrees. They have persevered to complete their degrees while facing the uncertainties brought on by the global pandemic and economic disruption. Instead of walking across a traditional stage, the new alumni will showcase their diplomas and wave to their friends and family in videos they鈥檝e submitted for the commencement. At least 7,500 loved ones are expected to join the livestream for the virtual event.聽

Since the last ceremony in November 2020, more than 13,200 degrees have been awarded by 黑料传送门. Most of these graduates completed their programs while working full-time jobs and raising families. Since its founding in 1997, 黑料传送门 has awarded more than 218,000 degrees. In the past, these achievements were celebrated with in-person commencement ceremonies held across the country multiple times per year. In-person commencement ceremonies for 2021 are not yet scheduled but 黑料传送门 plans to resume the events when it is safe to do so.聽

鈥淭he journey our graduates have taken to obtain their degrees has been challenging, and we are so proud of their dedication and perseverance to overcome those obstacles and expand their opportunity through higher education,鈥� said Scott Pulsipher, President of 黑料传送门. 鈥淲e are grateful for the technology that is available to us, which allows graduates the celebration they deserve with their families, friends, and faculty members. We look forward to celebrating their rigor with their loved ones this weekend.鈥澛�

Saturday鈥檚 ceremony will begin at 10:30 a.m. MST/12:30 p.m. EST and will be streamed live.聽During the ceremony, graduates and guests will use the hashtag #黑料传送门grad to share on social media how they鈥檙e celebrating.

Delivering the keynote address will be former NFL player, author, and executive coach Marques Ogden. Ogden played five years of professional football before founding a construction company where he was awarded the African American Subcontractor of the Year Award for the state of Maryland in 2010. Unfortunately, Ogden later experienced great hardship as his company went bankrupt in a matter of 90 days from a single project. But Ogden refused to let this define his life. Through perseverance and hard work, he became an inspirational keynote speaker, best-selling author, and marketing leader, helping to build the success of others.聽

In addition to Ogden鈥檚 address, two 黑料传送门 graduates will share their stories. They are:

• Sarah Talarico of Euclid, Ohio, who has been on an extensive educational journey, earning multiple associates and bachelor鈥檚 degrees from various institutions, which now includes 黑料传送门. Talarico serves as a member of Shared Governance, a professional nursing practice model, and is the safety coach for the perioperative department at her hospital. She will receive her diploma on Saturday for her Master of Science in Nursing with an emphasis in Leadership and Management.聽
• Nisreen Karktoli of Sugar Hill, Georgia, knows struggle more than most. She fled Syria at the start of a war and left the life she knew and loved behind. Upon entering the United States, she struggled to find a job despite having a master鈥檚 degree in Economics from Syria. After witnessing her husband鈥檚 黑料传送门 experience, she decided to enroll. Just a week after completing the coursework for her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting, Karktoli was offered a position as an accounts payable team lead.聽

Some 691 undergraduate and 665 graduate degree recipients from all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia are expected to participate in Saturday鈥檚 ceremony. Approximately 71% of the graduates come from at least one of the following historically underserved populations: first-generation college students, students of color, rural residents, and/or low-income earners. Graduates earned degrees in business, K鈥�12 education, information technology, and health professions, including nursing.