NOVEMBER 14-15, 2025
Commencement Weekend in Atlanta
Leavitt School of Health
& School of Education Ceremony
Leavitt School of Health
& School of Education (Spanish Captions)
School of Technology
& School of Business Ceremony
School of Technology
& School of Business (Spanish Captions)
Alumni Celebration*
Friday, November 14
6:00 - 9:00 pm
Location
Gas South Convention Center - Hall C/D
6400 Sugarloaf Parkway
Duluth, GA 30097
Commencement*
Saturday, November 15
Leavitt School of Health & School of Education
Graduate Check-in: 8:30 am
Ceremony start: 9:30 am
School of Business & School of Technology
Graduate Check-in: 12:30 pm
Ceremony start: 1:30 pm
Gas South Arena
6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy
Duluth, GA30097
*Details Subject to Change
Have questions? Ask Cappy!
Text "Hi" to 1-877-818-4477 or scan the QR code below:
RSVP Closed
Additional Information
Atlanta Deadlines:
- RSVP
Deadline: Closed - Graduate Speaker Application
Deadline: Closed - Anthem Singer Audition
Deadline: Closed
- Cap & Gown Ordering
Deadline: Closed
Atlanta Details:
- Commencement Guidebook- coming soon!
- Ceremony Program
Learn More About Commencement Day
Watch this video to see what a typical in-person commencement day looks like for a graduate.
Parking
Parking is $15 per vehicle on Event Day
Learn More Here:
Regalia Update
As of 2025, 's regalia colors have changed. All gowns will be navy blue with multi-colored green, navy, and silver tassels and navy and silver hoods
Regalia Atlanta Update
All graduates will be required to pass through security without their regalia (gown, hood, stole, and cap) at Gas South Arena. Please plan on bringing your regalia with you and putting it on after you go through security.
A dedicated regalia station will be located past security, where staff will be available to help you adjust and reassemble your regalia so you’re ready for your moment in the spotlight.
Guest Count Update
Due to venue policy and space limitations, each graduate may reserve up to 10 guest tickets through Tassel, our online ticketing platform, for Commencement in Atlanta. The 10-ticket limit at Saturday's Commencement ensures every graduate has the opportunity to celebrate with family and friends. Please watch your email as the ceremony approaches for instructions on how to reserve, claim, and distribute your guest tickets. For those guests who cannot attend the ceremony, they can livestream it at wgu.edu/2025Atlanta.
Ticketing Update 11/5/25
At this time, we expect to seat all ticketed guests. Additionally, overflow viewing for up to 450 guests will be available in the adjacent convention center, and a livestream will be offered. Guests without tickets will be directed to the help desk, and options will be provided based on available space.
Bag Policy
Gas South Arena observes a clear bag policy. All guests will be required to have their bags checked and pass through a metal detector. Approved bags include 12"x12"x6" clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags, 6.5"x4.5" small clutch bags, and diaper bags or medically necessary necessary items.
Click here for more information:
Honorary Degree Recipient
John R. Ingram
Chairman of Ingram Industries;
Majority Owner of Nashville Soccet Club
John R. Ingram was named Chairman of the Ingram Industries Inc. Board of Directors in 2008, having served as Vice Chairman of the Board since 1999. He is also the lead owner of Nashville SC and the Chairman of Ingram Content Group LLC.
Mr. Ingram is a graduate of Princeton University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in English in 1984. In 1986, he received his Master of Business Administration from the Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt University.
Mr. Ingram joined Ingram Industries Inc. in 1986, serving early in his career as the Assistant Treasurer and also as President of Tennessee Book Company (which became part of Ingram Content Group LLC in 2009). He later served as President of Ingram Book Company, Vice President of Purchasing for Ingram Micro Europe and Director of Purchasing for Ingram Micro Inc. He served as a member of the Ingram Micro Inc. Board of Directors from 1996 to 2016.
In 2017, as lead investor, Mr. Ingram spearheaded the effort to bring Major League Soccer to Nashville. In December of that year, the MLS Board of Governors awarded the city of Nashville an expansion team, a huge success for the city and Nashville soccer fans. Nashville Soccer Club opened their brand new, 30,000 person stadium–the largest soccer stadium in the United States–on May 1, 2022.
Also in 2022, Mr. Ingram was named Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Tennessean of the Year for his efforts to further the cause of athletics across the state. He continues to be active in a number of other civic, educational and charitable causes. He is a member of the Board of Trust for both the Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Montgomery Bell Academy. He actively supports Vanderbilt Athletics and Currey Ingram Academy. He is Chair of the Tennessee Advisory Board of Western Governors University and the Tennessee Business Leadership Council.
Mr. Ingram is married with four children.
Keynote Speaker
Jessica Shelley
Co-founder, LaunchFamily | President, Dailies Foundation
Jessica Shelley is the Co-founder of LaunchFamily, a family-focused technology ecosystem complete with AI family assistant, personalized marketplace, and provider hub to give families access to the support they need, when they need it. She is also President of the Dailies Foundation, a nonprofit supporting families with personalized learning resources. A former teacher and entrepreneur, Jessica combines her classroom experience, leadership in family-focused technology, and life as a mom of 6, to empower families to better connect and live fully.
Leavitt School of Health & School of Educaiton Graduate Speakers
Dwaynna Ramsay
Hailing from Westmoreland Jamaica, Dwaynna Ramsay-Morgan is a devoted wife, mother of three, and passionate educator who currently serves as an English Language Arts teacher at Vance County Middle School in North Carolina. She is earning her M.Ed Educational Technology and Instructional Design degree from Western Governors University, inspired by her desire to merge her love for teaching with innovative digital learning tools that enhance both student and teacher engagement. Throughout her studies, Dwaynna balanced her academic pursuits with family life and multiple leadership roles at school, including coaching the volleyball and LEGO Robotics teams. Driven by curiosity and creativity, Dwaynna enjoys playing chess, watching Jeopardy and immersing herself in literature, mythology, and cultural lore from around the world. She believes that learning should be both purposeful and playful, and she brings that philosophy into everything she does, whether she’s guiding her students, cheering on her athletes, or competing in a friendly game of strategy.on.
Hailey Peterson
Hailey PetersonresidesinMorganton, a small town inthe foothills ofWestern North Carolina.While completing shadow hours with her personal Nurse Practitioner to fulfill requirements for ’s RN-BSN program, Hailey fell in love with the Family Nurse Practitionerprofession.Aftergraduating, she re-enrolled at in the MSNFamily Nurse Practitionerprogram,and herhusbandwereout of work for an extendedperiod of time.With help fromthe emergency student aid fund, was able to ease some of her financial burden.After passing boards, Hailey will be employed as an FNP in a private family practice close to home. She enjoys spending time with and cooking for her family, tending to chickens and her dogs Roxie, Bonnie, and Josie, and hopes to one day have a homestead full of farm animals and a garden.
School of Technology & School of Business Graduate Speakers
Talil Simms
Talil Simms, originally from Augusta, Georgia and nowresidingin San Diego, California, is a proud U.S. Navy veteran and father earning his B.S.Supply Chain and Operations Managementdegreefrom Western Governors University. He serves as Parts Lead for Pacific Power Group in the maritime industry and has built his journey on resilience, discipline, and faith. Balancing fatherhood, full-time work, and a difficult divorce, heremainedfocused on creating generational wealth and long-term stability.
Talil’spassion for business and supply chain stems from both professional experience and his family’s trucking legacy. He enjoys reading, studying the stock market, and exploring the economic forces that shape opportunity. Dedicated to uplifting low-income communities, he plans to continue his entrepreneurial path by building a health-focused company that offers natural alternatives to pharmaceutical dependence.
Tyesha Lyons
Tyesha Lyons lives in Greensboro, North Carolina and is earning her M.S. Information Technology Management degree from Western Governors University. During her studies, Tyesha balanced coursework with being a wife and mother of two boys under the age of two, often studying late at night after putting them to bed. Her dedication was recognized with the Excellence Award, a moment that affirmed her commitment to excellence and lifelong learning.
Tyesha previously worked in Human Resources Operations and IT Support for Guilford County Schools andHealthTeamAdvantage, where she discovered her love for HR technology and systems integration. She plans to continue her career in HRIS andpeopletechnology, combining her technical background with her passion for supporting others.
Outside of work, Tyesha serves as the First Vice President and Social Media Chair for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, EtaEtaZeta Chapter in Yanceyville, North Carolina. She enjoys designing through her small business, Mama Lyons Sweet Den of Custom Prints, and spending time with her family, including her two dogs,Oliveand Bleu.
National Anthem Singers
Benjamin Whang
Benjamin Whang hails from Georgia and is a US Navy veteran.He is a program manager at PlateauInc, where heworks to support an army aviation training facility.He currently lives in Alabamawith hiswifeand histwo beautiful children, Juniper and Leo.Prior to beginning his studiesatWesternGovernorsUniversity,he found out that his wife was expecting and that his time working and attending college would besignificantlyimpacted.His wife supported his learning and encouraged him to strive for excellence, supporting his efforts and ensuring that time at home was dedicated to studying and testing. Over the course of19 months, he used his G.I. Bill to earnhisB.S. Information Technology andM.S.Information Technology Managementdegreesfrom . These degrees helped him win arecompetefor a highly competitive IT contract. Benjamin enjoys spending time with his friends and family, cosplaying, playing video games, andwritingbooks in what little free time he has with a toddler.
Kena Crawford
Kena Crawford is a dedicated educator whoresidesin Atlanta, Georgia. She teaches in Dekalb County and has a strong passion for helping children build confidence and a love for learning. Her desire to strengthen her impact in the classroom inspired her to pursue a Master of Arts degree in Mathematics Education (K–6) from Western Governors University. Balancing her teaching career and graduate studies has been both challenging and rewarding, allowing her to grow as both an educator and a lifelong learner. Outside of work, Kena enjoys singing, dancing, gardening, and traveling, whichbringjoy and creativity to her life and teaching. Her favorite quote is, “The only person you should try to be better than is the person you were yesterday.”
Alumni Celebration in Atlanta
Kick off your commencement weekend with this exclusive alumni celebration in honor of our graduates!
All graduates attending the 2025 Commencement in Atlanta are invited to join us for the Alumni Celebration at the Gas South Convention Center.
This family-friendly, come-and-go event is free to attend, and we encourage graduates and guests to dress in business attire.
At the celebration, you can:
Free professional portraits (graduates only): Elevate your LinkedIn profile with free professional portraits- courtesy of !
Meet with local employers for career opportunities
Reconnect with Alumni in your area
Visit our affiliated partnership booths to receive career advice, purchase swag, pick up your Philanthropy Cord, and more.
Take photos in our social photo booth and share using #grad
Meet Sage the Night Owl
Enjoy light appetizers, refreshments, and self-pay bars
Hit the dance floor or play family-friendly games with a fun twist
Come for the networking, stay for the fun.
*Please note: 2025 Atlanta graduates are allowed to bring up to six (6) total guests.
Date:November 14, 2024
Time:6:00 - 9:00 pm
Location:
Gas South Convention Center - Hall C/D
6400 Sugarloaf Parkway
Duluth, GA 30097
Contact Information
Alumni Celebration contact:alumnievents@wgu.edu .
Alumni Celebration accessibility:alumnievents@wgu.edu
Commencement questions:commencement@wgu.edu
Parking Information
Parking is $10 per car. Parking in Deck 1 is the closest option to the Alumni Celebration.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Commencement Ceremony FAQs
- Ceremony Participation and RSVP FAQs
- Regalia FAQs
- Philanthropy Cord FAQs
- Letter of Invitation for Abroad & Commencement Announcements FAQs
- Graduation Application and Diploma FAQs
Commencement Ceremony FAQs
A commencement guidebook with check-in details, parking, maps, and more will be loaded onto the and emailed to each graduate two weeks prior to the ceremony.
When registering for a commencement weekend, a graduate may choose the ceremony time that fitstheir needs bestas long asthe event has not reached capacity.All options can be seen at the event-specific registration link.
All schools willparticipatein each ceremony.
Due tovaryingspace limitations, Alumni Celebration and Commencement guest countpoliciesare different.Please refer to the specific guest count policy on the weekend-specific pagefor further information.
AlumniCelebration:
Guest capacitiesare implemented at alumni celebration events to accommodate as many graduates as possible while allowing everyone to enjoy the festivities with their loved ones.Guest capacities may be adjusted based on venue size and availability.
For the alumni celebrations in New Orleans, New York, Louisville, and Minneapolis graduates are invited to bring up to 6 guests.
For the alumni celebrations in Seattle, Atlanta, andAnaheim,graduatesare invited to bring up to 4 guests.
Commencement:Guests are recommended to bring up to 8 guests to ensure our eventdoesn’treach venuecapacity.
Tickets are notrequiredto enter thecommencementceremonies in New Orleans, Louisville, Minneapolis, and Anaheim.
Tickets will berequiredforthecommencement ceremoniesinElmont, New York at UBS Arena,Atlanta, Georgia at Gas South Arenaand in Seattle, Washington at Climate Pledge Arena.Event-specific ticketing information will be provided8 weeksprior to the event.
The names of graduates who physically attend an in-person commencement will be read as they cross the stage. All Virtual Commencement participants’ names will be read during the Virtual ceremony.
No. Graduates are called to the stage by schools and not in alphabetical order.
Please arrive dressed in your cap and gown for the commencement ceremony. Due to the number of graduates andpreciseschedule, it is not practical to change into regalia at the venue.
*This may be adjusted according to venue requirements.Additionalinformation will be included in the Commencement Guidebookand on the event-specific website.
You can watch the commencement ceremony on the at any point after the start of the ceremony.
The commencement photos will be available approximately 2-3 weeks after the ceremony. Those photos will be available for viewing at
Did you know that Alumni have access to hundreds of discounts? Log in to to search for deals on flights, hotels, car rentals, and more.
Ceremony Participation and RSVP FAQs
There is not a time limit on when a graduate may walk in a commencement. Graduates may only participate in one commencement ceremony per degree program completed.
Generally,commencementceremonieslastapproximately90 minutes.
Yes,ceremonies have capacitylimits. Wesuggest that yousubmitan RSVP to your desired ceremony as soon as you are eligible.
Please review the located in the student handbook, which outlines student eligibility to attend commencement. If you have additional questions, you can contact the Commencement Office at commencement@wgu.edu.
Graduates who wish to participate in an in-person or virtual commencement ceremony must meet eligibility requirements and register for their desired event.
Eligibility Guidelines
- Students must have submitted their Graduation Application for the completion of their degree program OR
- Students must have only their final course remaining, such as capstone or final certification, with the exception of direct hours for field experience or demonstration teaching.
- Students who meet the above final course requirements may submit an email tocommencement@wgu.edu with "Final Course" in the subject line along with desired commencement ceremony.
- Once eligibility has been confirmed the student or graduate MUST submit an RSVP via the commencement .
If you don’t currently meet either of these requirements, wait to RSVP until one of the requirements is met.
No, the graduation application process is separate from submitting a RSVP to a Commencement Weekend. If the Commencement Office has granted a final course exemption and you have RSVP’d to your desired ceremony you do not have to have your graduation application submitted to walk at Commencement.
Yes. The ceremony RSVP form is a separate process from the graduation application. The completion of the ceremony RSVP form reserves your seat at commencement and generates yourinformation on aname readingcardforthe announcer.
After a graduate submits the ceremony RSVP form, a confirmation email is automatically sent to the email address listed on the completed RSVP form. Please check your junk inbox. If you do not see a confirmation email for your ceremony RSVP, please contact us at commencement@wgu.edu with additional questions.
No. Once registration has closed, no late additions, including day-of(walk-up)will bepermitted.Registration for allin-personcommencement events ends one month prior to the event date, and registration for virtual ceremonies ends
No. As of January 2022, a graduate may participate in one ceremony per degree, either a virtual or in-person ceremony.
AStagePassisa digital QR codeissued to each graduate registered for an in-personceremonythe week of commencement.Itcontainsthe information that willbe displayedon the screen as your name isread,and you cross the stage.To access theirStagePassat the ceremony, graduates will need their phone with them at graduate check-in and as they cross the stage.
YourStagePasswill be emailed to youon Monday andFriday,the week ofthecommencementweekend.If you do not receive it, please contact the Commencement Office atcommencement@wgu.eduwith the subject line, “StagePassNot Received”.
We will send commencement updates to the email address you entered on your RSVP form.
Regalia FAQs
works withofficial regalia vendorBalfour(caps, gowns, tassels, hoods,stoles). Ordering willopen at the end of 2025for all 2026ceremonies.Regalia ordering can be found.
For bachelor’s degree, post-baccalaureate teacher programs, or endorsement preparation program (English Language Learning), you should order a cap, bachelor's gown, and tassel.
For those earning a master's degree or endorsement preparation program (Educational Leadership), you should order a cap, master's gown, tassel, and a master's hood.
Clickto see a tutorial on how to wear your cap & gown the day of commencement.
The following master’s hoods are available for purchasefromour regalia vendorBalfour.
Education -Blue
Business (all MBAs) -Drab
Technology -Gold
Nursing –Apricot
Integrated Healthcare Management -Salmon
Master of Health Leadership -Sage green
works withofficialcommencementgoods vendorBalfourforadditionalcommencement goods and announcements. Visit them at https://www.balfour.com/wgu to see theirselection.
Prior to the conferral of degrees, bachelor's degree graduates weartheirtassel on the right while master's degree graduates wear their tassel on the left for the entire commencement ceremony.
A graduate should wear academic attireappropriate tothe awarded degree. The master's gown differs from a bachelor's gown. If you already have a cap and tassel, you can order amaster'sgown as an individual item onour commencement vendor’s website.Please note that the academic attire for a master's graduate includes a cap, tassel, master's gown, and hood.
Yes, graduates affiliated with an honor society may wear society pins or honor cords/sashes/stoles torepresenttheir academic achievements, affiliations, or identityon their gowns.
Teacher graduates affiliated with the chapter of theinternational honor societyof Kappa Delta Pi (KDP) may order honor cords at.
Graduates who are members of The National Society of Leadership andSuccessmay wear honor cordsindicatingthis affiliation.
graduates who are veterans or active-duty military will be provided with a military honor cord. For virtual commencements, cords will be shipped to the address provided on their RSVP. For in-person commencements, cords will be picked up atthe Alumni Celebration or at Commencementduringgraduate check-in. On your RSVP form, please mark that you are a veteran or active duty.
Graduates arepermittedto decorate theirgraduationcaps. Take into consideration the following if decorating your cap for commencement:
does not allow content on caps or sashes that is considered, in ’s sole discretion, obscene, vulgar, defamatory, hateful, inappropriate, profane or that might disregard another’s copyright or third-party rights. All decorations must lie flat on the cap.
Philanthropy Cord FAQs
The Philanthropy Cord is a blue and gold cord for graduates to wear with their cap and gownatCommencement. ThePhilanthropyCord isaphysical symbol of a graduate’s commitment to ,and,more importantly,supports aphilanthropiclegacy that will last for future generations of students.
Graduates can receive aPhilanthropyCord by making a gift of $25 or more to ’s Fellow Night Owl Scholarship, a fundestablishedto help current students facing financial hardship cross the finish line to graduation. To donate, graduates can text “Cord” to 41-444 or
All Philanthropy Cord donations support ’s Fellow Night Owl Scholarship, a fundestablishedto help current students facing financial hardship cross the finish line to graduation.
For in-person commencements,you may choose to have yourPhilanthropyCordmailed to you orpickedupat Commencementby visiting the Advancement table at the Alumni Celebration or during graduate check-in beforeCommencement.
For virtual commencements,PhilanthropyCords will be mailed prior to the ceremony date.
Advancementis dedicatedtoattracting,allocating, and putting dollars toworkso more students have access to an affordable, quality education.Weprovidea meaningful way for alumni, donors, and partnersto “pay it forward” and invest in the future of education.
Letter of Invitation for Abroad & Commencement Announcements FAQs
Yes, students may send an email torecords@wgu.eduwith the family member's full name, relationship to the student, and foreign address. Once provided, the Records Department will prepare documentscontaininginformation about the commencement and student's earned degree. These prepared letters will then be sent to the student toforwardthem to the correct parties. It may take 5-10 business days for the letters to be mailed to the student.
works withofficialannouncements andcommencementgoodsvendorBalfour. Ordering will open at the end of 2025for all 2026ceremonies.
Announcements can be foundonBalfour
Graduation Application and Diploma FAQs
Visit thein the student handbook for the most current information on how to apply for graduation.
Visit the in the student handbook for the most current information on how to receive your diploma.
No, please leave your diploma at home.You will receive a complimentary diploma cover at the end of the commencement ceremony.
