Speaker Lori Williamson, of Memphis, Tenn., encouraged fellow graduates to go out into the world and use their hard-earned gifts and talents for good.

"Let us imagine, dream and believe in the hope for tomorrow," she said.

For most non-traditional students, like Ughanze and Williamson, who has a husband and young son at home, WGU's online course offerings fit nicely into their busy schedule. Ughanze said it was the only option for her if she wanted to accomplish her goals of getting a degree.

A typical day for her included raising seven children between the ages of 4 and 21, working two jobs, selling Avon out of her home, and the additional responsibilities of maintaining a home. In the midst of all that, Ughanze was also required to relocate her home and family four times within Texas in the wake of Hurricane Rita.

"It was not easy and I had to remind myself that a better job, an improved financial situation for my family and a better me awaits at the end of the tunnel," Ughanze said. She has accepted a job with the school district in Texas where she completed her student teaching experience.

Next year, she plans to return to WGU to complete a master's degree and after that will consider obtaining a doctorate.

The private, non-profit university was founded and is supported by 19 governors and several leading corporations and foundations. The school offers degree programs in business, information technology, teacher education and health care.

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E-mail: wleonard@desnews.com