LAS VEGAS — WGU Nevada will celebrate its second commencement by honoring nearly 400 graduates from around the state on Saturday, May 20, at The Smith Center. With a diverse student population, the online, nonprofit university is helping graduates meet the high demand of skilled workforce jobs in the Silver State. The ceremony, which will take place at 10 am, is open to the public and will be broadcast live on WGU Nevada’s Facebook account.

Learn more about WGU Nevada and its degree programs at nevada.wgu.edu and by following @WGUNevada on social media.

Representative Ruben Kihuen of Nevada’s 4th congressional district, will give the commencement address. Joining him on stage will be four of the graduates who will share their stories at the ceremony: Carrie Brown, M.S. in Management and Leadership from Sparks; Logan McDaniel, B.S. Business Management from Henderson; Samantha Brady, M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction from Las Vegas; and Cae Swanger, MBA in Healthcare Management from Henderson.

Kihuen said: “WGU Nevada is helping build the next generation of future leaders in our state. I am so proud of the graduates, staff, and faculty for working towards making Nevada a better place. Nevada needs leaders capable of moving our state forward and working to solve the emerging challenges of today's world. The hard work of these students - some with full time jobs and families - will not go unnoticed. Because of WGU Nevada, these students are prepared for long-term success and will help diversify our workforce.”

Of the nearly 400 graduates that will be honored during Saturday’s ceremony, 132 are from the College of Business, 113 are from the College of Health Professions, 112 are from the Teacher’s College, and 38 are from the College of Information Technology.

“As the state-endorsed online university, WGU Nevada is helping working adults earn the respected degrees they need to advance their careers and succeed in the workplace,” said Chancellor Spencer Stewart of WGU Nevada. “We know that education has the power to change the lives of individuals, families, and communities.”