Auburn man to speak at WGU Washington commencement

MAY 16, 2013 · 12:47 PM

Auburn's Julius Giron will be one of three speakers at the Western Governors University Washington's second annual commencement ceremony at Benaroya Hall on Saturday.

The ceremony begins at 3 p.m.

Giron will join more than 500 graduates, nearly doubling WGU Washington's inaugural graduating class. Giron will receive his bachelor of science degree in business management. He owns Northwest Languages, an interpreting and translation firm that specializes in helping native Spanish and Korean speakers understand medical communications.

"We are so proud of Julius and all our students," said WGU Washington Chancellor Jean Floten, who will give the welcome and opening remarks.

Rep. Cyrus Habib (D-Kirkland, District 48) will deliver the keynote speech. Habib lost his eyesight at the age of 8 and is the state's first blind lawmaker in more than 50 years. He is also the first Iranian-American elected to state office in the United States.

Habib, an accomplished pianist, also will perform Gershwin's "Summertime" on the venue's grand piano.

"We are so proud of Julius and all our students," said WGU Washington Chancellor Jean Floten, who will give the welcome and opening remarks.

WGU Washington was established by the Legislature in 2011. WGU Washington is state-endorsed and offers degree programs that are accredited through Western Governors University.

To learn more, visit washington.wgu.edu.