Bothell resident to speak at WGU Washington’s second annual commencement Saturday at Benaroya Hall

MAY 16, 2013 · 10:55 AM

Bothell resident Connie Summers will receive her Bachelor of Science Business and Human Resources Management degree on Saturday and will make remarks as one of three commencement speakers for the Western Governor's University (WGU) Washington at Benaroya Hall in downtown Seattle. Summers works in Boeing’s human resources department and recently overcame the loss of her daughter.

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

Summers will be joined by more than 500 other WGU graduates at WGU Washington’s second annual commencement ceremony. This year’s class of graduating students is almost double last year’s class of 270.

Graduates from around the state will gather to celebrate their degrees as Rep. Cyrus Habib delivers the keynote speech. Habib, who represents Washington’s 48th district, lost his eyesight at the age of eight and is Washington 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, will also perform Gershwin’s Summertime on the venue’s grand piano.

The commencement ceremony begins at 3 p.m.

WGU Washington’s innovative model of higher education is producing graduates with the skills to meet the advanced demands of today’s market. A recent Harris Interactive study shows that 100 percent of employers would not hesitate to hire another WGU graduate, 98 percent agree that WGU grads meet or exceed their expectations, and 98 percent consider WGU graduates equal to or better prepared than graduates of other universities.

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