WGU grads make up largest-ever class

Western Governors University plans to award 891 bachelor and master degrees to graduates from all over the nation during its semi-annual commencement in Salt Lake City on Saturday.

Although WGU students earn their degree almost entirely online, approximately 130 graduates will participate in the ceremony at Kingsbury Hall. Samuel H. Smith, president emeritus of Washington State University, will deliver the commencement address. In his 15 years at Washington State, the university received international recognition for increasing educational opportunities for women and minorities.

WGU's summer commencement is the 17th for the online, mentor-guided, competency-based university founded in 1997 by 10 governors. The graduating class for this 6-month period is the largest to date, with 514 undergraduate and 377 graduate degrees expected to be awarded. Enrollment at the school has grown to more than 14,000 since the first student was accepted in 1999.

The ceremony will be broadcast live via Internet streaming video beginning at 9:45 a.m. at www.wgu.edu/july09.