SALT LAKE CITY, AUGUST 16, 2024 – Western Governors University (WGU) will celebrate its 100th commencement ceremony at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, at 9:30 a.m. MT Aug. 17.  More than 2,000 graduates from the record-breaking class of 2024 will be recognized. 

In academic year 2024, WGU conferred 50,168 degrees to 49,564 individuals, a historic milestone for the national online, competency-based, nonprofit university.   

“As we celebrate our 100th commencement and the extraordinary milestone of awarding more than 50,000 degrees in a single academic year, I can’t help but think back to our founding governors and I’m certain they couldn’t have anticipated the incredible impact WGU would have in transforming so many lives,” said WGU President Scott Pulsipher. “This achievement is a testament to the vision they set in motion just 27 years ago and the hard work of our staff, faculty, and of course, our students. As we move forward, we will honor that legacy by continuing to activate talent and expand opportunity for America’s diversity of learners.”

Honorary Degree to Celebrate a Visionary Leader

Dr. Charles W. Sorenson, founding director of the Intermountain Healthcare Leadership Institute, president and CEO emeritus of Intermountain Healthcare, and former Chair of WGU’s Board of Trustees, will be awarded an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters in recognition of his profound impacts within healthcare and education. Dr. Sorenson’s career exemplifies selfless service to improving individual’s lives, having led significant transformations in patient care practices and healthcare management, and being a strong advocate for equity in higher education. 

“I really love opportunities to help good people and good organizations that are changing the world for the better for others,” Dr. Sorenson said. “Western Governors University is that kind of a place, and the people at WGU are that kind of people because I'm convinced that they've got a model that is making higher education better for the future.”

WGU bestows honorary degrees on select individuals who exemplify the values and principles espoused by WGU and their achievements serve as inspiration for our graduating class and the broader community. 

Inspirational Keynote from a Global Advocate

Claudia Romo Edelman, a celebrated advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion, will deliver the keynote address. As the founder and CEO of the We Are All Human Foundation and host of the "A La Latina" podcast, Romo Edelman brings a wealth of experience in promoting social change and empowering diverse communities.

A former diplomat and journalist, Romo Edelman is an expert on environmental, social and governance, particularly in mobilizing corporations to advance the Social Agenda with a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion. Her career includes three decades working for the United Nations, UNICEF, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). She has participated in the creation and launch of global frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals and Product (RED). 

WGU is committed to expanding access to higher education for working adults and traditionally underserved student populations. Research indicates that many adults enroll or re-enroll in postsecondary education to improve their socioeconomic circumstances, seeking career changes, advancements, skill updates or personal growth opportunities.  

A look at the graduates at the Salt Lake City commencement:

• 37 percent are first-generation college graduates. 

• 37 percent identify as students of color. 

• The average age is 37 years old. The youngest is 17 and the oldest is 75.

• The average time to earn a degree was 2 years and 9 months. 

• 43 states will be represented.