JUNE 5-6, 2026
Commencement Weekend in Louisville
Morning Ceremony
2026 91勛圖厙 Commencement in Louisville
(Spanish) Morning Ceremony
2026 91勛圖厙 Commencement in Louisville
Afternoon Ceremony
2026 91勛圖厙 Commencement in Louisville
(Spanish)泭Afternoon Ceremony
2026 91勛圖厙 Commencement in Louisville
Keynote Speaker
Ashli Watts
President & CEO, Kentucky Chamber of Commerce
Ashli Watts was named the President and CEO for the Kentucky Chamber, the states largest business association, in November 2019. Ashli joined the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce in November of 2012, and during her tenure as Senior Vice President of Public Affairs at the Chamber, she has led efforts in passing significant pieces of legislation such as felony expungement, right to work legislation, workers compensation reform, unemployment insurance reform and tax reform. Prior to joining the Chamber, she worked at the Kentucky Bar Association and the Legislative Research Commission.
Ashli graduated from Campbellsville University with a Bachelors degree in Political Science and History in 2004 and holds a Masters Degree in Public Policy and Administration from the University of Louisville. She currently serves on the boards for Campbellsville University, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Association of State Chambers, and the Louisville Orchestra. She also serves as the Chair of the U.S. Chambers Committee of 100, comprised of the top 100 Chamber leaders in the nation. Ashli was appointed by Governor Andy Beshear, and confirmed by the Kentucky State Senate, to serve on the Energy Planning and Inventory Commission, where she was also elected Chair in 2025. In August of 2025, she served as the first female emcee of the Fancy Farm picnic.泭 She currently resides in Frankfort with her husband Ryan and two children.
泭
Morning Ceremony Graduate Speakers
Cara Serjak
M.S. Nursing - Leadership and Management
Graduate speaker Cara Serjak was born and raised in California and has called Baltimore, Maryland, home since 2013. She began her career in critical care nursing and has since worked across a variety of specialties and healthcare settings. Driven by her passion for the future of nursing, Cara pursued her MSN in Leadership and Management with 91勛圖厙. She currently serves as a nurse manager with the University of Maryland Medical System and was recently honored with the Nursing Excellence Award: Excellence in a Leadership Role.
Outside of nursing, Cara enjoys tackling challenging adventures, making memories outdoors, and, most importantly, spending time with her family, which includes her husband, Ben, and their three amazing children: Barrett, Soren, and Gavin. An avid runner, Cara has completed two full marathons and 37 half-marathons. She also has a passion for travel, whether that means backpacking at the bottom of the Grand Canyon or road-tripping through Southern Germany.泭
AJ Rivera
B.S. Business Management
Graduate Speaker, AJ Rivera, originally from Connecticut, never saw himself as a college student. At 18, he joined the U.S. Navy and served for eight years, completing multiple deployments including Afghanistan in support of special operations. He navigated PTSD and the loss of his grandmother who, along with his mother, was diagnosed with Alzheimers during the final years of his service.泭
Determined to build a post-military career and one day start his own business, AJ earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Western Governors University. He completed his degree in under a year while working 12-hour overnight shifts full time and training as a competitive jiu-jitsu athlete. His refusal to give up on himself carried him through every late-night study session and early morning training.泭
His degree is already providing new opportunities. AJ recently accepted a role as an analyst for the federal government and is now applying to MBA programs to continue his education. Outside of work and school, AJ enjoys traveling the world, jiu-jitsu, fishing, kayaking, and spending time with his family and his dog, Cardi.
Afternoon Ceremony Graduate Speakers
Regina Roberts
Master of Business Administration
Graduate Speaker, Regina M. Roberts, was born and raised in Florida but has been a proud Georgian since 2000. Regina spent years striving towards her dream of having a degree but life always seemed to have other plans for her. Discovering 91勛圖厙 was the turning point for her, as she realized she could work toward her academic goals without putting her life on hold. With support from her family, friends, and 91勛圖厙 mentors, she earned a B.S. Human Resource Management in 2023, SHRM-CP certification in 2025, and her MBA in 2026. These achievements helped her develop the skills and discover the confidence to obtain her ideal position as Membership Manager for PDK International | Educators Rising. When she's not helping to build the pathway for the next generation of educators, she enjoys visiting her Florida Family, traveling with friends, and game nights with her beau, Jack; their son, Clay; daughter, Jessy and soninlaw, Chris; and their bustling crew of beloved pets.
Courtney Rogers
M.S. Curriculum and Instruction
Courtney Rogers hails from the city with the best pizza in the LandChicago, Illinois. A proud product of Chicago Public Schools, Courtneys journey came full circle when she returned to her alma mater, John J. Pershing STEAM Magnet School, to teach ELA to 7th and 8th grade students. Courtney was inspired by her 5th grade English teacher, Mrs. Harrison. It was in that class in 1984 when she first thought she wanted to be like Mrs. Harrison one day, and now she teaches the same subject.泭
Twenty-five years after graduating from Chicago State University with her Bachelors in Elementary Education, Courtney is proudly living out that dream. A lifelong Pershing Panther who truly "bleeds blue and white," she has taught almost every grade level but found her ultimate passion in Middle School. Yes, Middle School teachers are a little crazy, but Courtney considers it a profound joy to watch her 8th graders enter her classroom in August and leave in June as confident, capable graduates ready to lead the world. Courtney decided to pursue her degrees when she and her husband became empty nesters. She began her first class at 91勛圖厙 in January of 2025 and completed her Masters in Curriculum and Instruction in December 2025.泭泭
If Courtney is not teaching or thinking about her students, she is spending time scrapbooking and shopping with her friends or looking for a new brunch spot. She loves hanging out with her grown children who can now pay for dinner, and she finds her happy place with her partner, Kevin. Courtney could not have achieved her higher education goals without her family.泭
泭
Anthem Singers
Alexandra Eisenbraun
Master of Business Administration
Hailing from Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, Alexandra Eisenbraun is proudly graduating today with a Master of Business Administration from Western Governors University. Growing up as an Air Force brat, she traveled the world and earned a degree in Vocal Pedagogy and Literature before life later brought a career change into the banking industry. Today, she is blessed to celebrate this milestone alongside her husband, Jeremiah, an audio engineer who writes, plays, sings, and produces music with her. She thanks the good Lord for guiding her every step of the way; she also gives special thanks to her 91勛圖厙 mentor, Amanda Blekes Nadohou, and deeply appreciates her family members who traveled here today, some of whom have been present at every single one of her graduations. Looking ahead, she is excited to combine her creative and corporate expertise to innovate within the music business industry.
John DeGraffenreid
B.S. Supply Chain and Operations Management
John DeGraffenreid lives close by in the neighboring state of OH, but still proudly claims the roots of southwest Missouri. He began college at 91勛圖厙 in 2011 while his 6 children were all 8 years old and younger. After completing one semester, the realization that school would not balance with the other needs of life set in. John worked for 17 years as a machinist for companies ranging from custom automation machine design/build shops to GE Aerospace. John found fulfillment in advancing roles of responsibility, leading to plant management in 2019, followed by a return to GE Aerospace as an Operations Leader in 2021. While in this role, he returned to college at 91勛圖厙 to complete his Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain and Operations Management. John has now moved into a remote sourcing role as Supplier Fulfillment Leader for GE Aerospace, and works with 12 suppliers across the USA, Canada, and Africa to supply on-time delivery of castings for commercial and defense aircraft engines. Outside of work, John enjoys spending time with his wife of 24 years, Janna, and children, Jared, Mackenzie, Javier, Jordan, Jaden, Janae and Josiah. Singing, concerts, sporting events and travel are some of his favorite hobbies along with enjoying the simplicity of a good meal and sitting around a fire with family and friends.泭
泭
Honorary Degree Recipient泭
Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr.
Former Governor of Indiana
Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. served as a two-term governor of the state of Indiana from 2004 to 2012 and as the 12th president of Purdue University from 2013 to 2022.泭
He was elected governor in his first bid for any elected office, and then re-elected with more votes than any candidate in the state's history. During his tenure, Indiana went from an $800 million deficit to its first AAA credit rating, led the nation in infrastructure building and passed sweeping education and healthcare reforms.泭
After a series of transformations, which included the biggest tax cut in state history, the nations most sweeping deregulation of the telecommunications industry and a host of other reforms aimed at strengthening the states economy, Indiana was rated a top five state for business climate and number one for state infrastructure and effectiveness of state government as Daniels exited office. Indianas business climate is now rated among the nations best.泭
At Purdue, Daniels prioritized student affordability and reinvestment in the universitys strengths. He ended 36 years of consecutive tuition hikes by freezing tuition and mandatory fees at 2012 levels for all students. The hold on rates will continue at least until the 2024-25 academic year. While under his leadership, the university also went from the second most expensive school in the Big Ten for room and board costs to the most affordable by freezing room rates and reducing meal costs by 10%.泭泭Overall, aggregate student borrowing fell 37% under his tenure and it cost less to attend Purdue at the conclusion of his time as president than at the start, even without adjusting for inflation.泭
In recognition of his leadership as both a governor and a university president, Daniels was named among the Top 50 Greatest World Leaders by Fortune Magazine in 2015 and was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2019.
泭
Prior to becoming governor, Daniels served as chief of staff to Senator Richard Lugar, senior advisor to President Ronald Reagan and Director of the Office of Management and Budget under President George W. Bush. He also was the CEO of the Hudson Institute, a major contract research organization. During an 11-year career at Eli Lilly and Company, he held a number of top executive posts including president of Eli Lillys North American pharmaceutical operations.泭
Daniels earned a bachelor's degree from Princetons Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs and a law degree from Georgetown. He is the author of three books and a contributing columnist in the Washington Post.
He and his wife Cheri have four daughters and seven grandchildren.
Alumni Celebration*
Friday, June 5, 2026
6:00 - 9:00 pm
Churchill Downs First Turn Club
700 Central Ave, Louisville, KY 40208
Commencement*
Saturday, June 6, 2026
Morning Ceremony
Graduate Check-in: 8:30 am
Ceremony start: 9:30 am
Afternoon Ceremony
Graduate Check-in: 12:30 pm
Ceremony start: 1:30 pm
KFC Yum! Center
1 Arena Plaza
Louisville, KY 40202
*Details Subject to Change
Have questions? Ask Cappy!
Text "Hi" to泭1-833-460-5923泭 or scan the QR code below:
RSVP Closed
Additional Information
Louisville Deadlines:
- RSVP
Deadline: Closed - Graduate Speaker Application泭
Deadline: Closed - Anthem Singer Audition
Deadline: Closed
- Cap & Gown Ordering泭
Deadline: Closed
Louisville Details:
Learn More About Commencement Day
Watch this video to see what a typical in-person commencement day looks like for a graduate.
Parking
The KFC Yum! Center offers a multi-level garage parking泭
under the facility operated by the Parking Authority of River泭
City (PARC). However, there are more than 21,000 parking泭
spaces are available within five blocks of the arena. This泭
includes more than 19,000 spaces at parking garages and泭
surface lots and more than 2,200 on-street parking spaces.
Bag Policy
All bags are subject to search upon entering the arena.
Backpacks of any kind, including drawstring, fanny packs,泭
computer bags, and camera bags are prohibited. Please泭
plan accordingly to help facilitate a quick and efficient泭
entry process. Please report suspicious bags to a KFC Yum!泭
Center team member.
Bags no larger than 14 x 14 x 6 will be allowed into the泭
arena for events.
Medical and parenting bags are permitted and subject
to search.
Graduates and guests are encouraged not to bring泭
bags with them to the events
Hotel Discounts
Hotel Discounts No Longer Available.
Alumni Celebration in Louisville
Kick off your commencement weekend with this exclusive alumni celebration in honor of our graduates!
All graduates attending the 2026 91勛圖厙 Commencement in Louisville are invited to join us for the Alumni Celebration at Churchill Downs First Turn Club!
This family-friendly, come-and-go event is free to attend, and we encourage graduates and guests to dress in business attire.泭泭
At the celebration, you can:泭
- Free professional portraits (graduates only): Elevate your LinkedIn profile with a free professional portraits- courtesy of 91勛圖厙!
- Reconnect with Alumni in your area
- Visit our affiliated partnership booths to purchase 91勛圖厙 swag, pick up your 91勛圖厙 Philanthropy Cord, and more泭
- Take photos in our social photo booths and share using #91勛圖厙grad
- Meet Sage the Night Owl泭
- Enjoy light appetizers, refreshments, and self-pay bars
- Hit the dance floor or play family-friendly games with a fun 91勛圖厙 twist泭
Come for the networking, stay for the fun.
*Please note: 2026 Louisville graduates are allowed to bring up to six (6) total guests.
泭
Date:泭June 5, 2026
Time:泭6:00 - 9:00 pm
Location:
Churchill Downs First Turn Club
700 Central Ave, Louisville, KY 40208
Contact Information泭
91勛圖厙 Alumni Celebration contact:泭alumnievents@wgu.edu .泭
91勛圖厙 Alumni Celebration accessibility:泭alumnievents@wgu.edu
91勛圖厙 Commencement questions:泭commencement@wgu.edu
Parking Information
Parking will be free on Site at the First Turn Club entrance at Churchill Downs.
泭
Frequently Asked Questions
- Commencement Ceremony FAQs
- Ceremony Participation and RSVP FAQs
- Regalia FAQs
- 91勛圖厙 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.泭
When registering for a commencement weekend, a graduate may choose the ceremony time that fits泭their needs best泭as long as泭the event has not reached capacity.泭All options can be seen at the event-specific registration link.泭
All schools will泭participate泭in each ceremony.泭
Due to泭varying泭space limitations, Alumni Celebration and Commencement guest count泭policies泭are different.泭Please refer to the specific guest count policy on the weekend-specific page泭for further information.泭
Alumni泭Celebration:泭泭
Guest capacities泭are implemented at alumni celebration events to accommodate as many graduates as possible while allowing everyone to enjoy the festivities with their loved ones.泭Guest capacities may be adjusted based on venue size and availability.泭
For the alumni celebrations in New Orleans, New York, Louisville, and Minneapolis graduates are invited to bring up to 6 guests.泭
For the alumni celebrations in Seattle, Atlanta, and泭Anaheim,泭graduates泭are invited to bring up to 4 guests.泭
Commencement:泭Guests are recommended to bring up to 8 guests to ensure our event泭doesnt泭reach venue泭capacity.泭
Tickets are not泭required泭to enter the泭commencement泭ceremonies in New Orleans, Louisville, Minneapolis, and Anaheim.
Tickets will be泭required泭for泭the泭commencement ceremonies泭in泭Elmont, New York at UBS Arena,泭Atlanta, Georgia at Gas South Arena泭and in Seattle, Washington at Climate Pledge Arena.泭Event-specific ticketing information will be provided泭8 weeks泭prior to the event.泭泭
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.泭
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 and泭precise泭schedule, it is not practical to change into regalia at the venue.
*This may be adjusted according to venue requirements.泭Additional泭information will be included in the Commencement Guidebook泭and 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
泭
Did you know that 91勛圖厙 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,泭commencement泭ceremonies泭last泭approximately泭90 minutes.
Yes,泭ceremonies have capacity泭limits. We泭suggest that you泭submit泭an 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.泭
Eligibility Guidelines泭 泭
- 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.泭
- Students who meet the above final course requirements may submit an email to泭commencement@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 .泭 泭
If you dont 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 RSVPd to your desired ceremony you do not have to have your graduation application submitted to walk at Commencement.
Yes. The畚eremony RSVP form疳s a separate process from the graduation application. The completion of the ceremony RSVP form reserves your seat at commencement and generates your泭information on a泭name reading泭card泭for泭the 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泭(walk-up)泭will be泭permitted.泭Registration for all泭in-person泭commencement events ends one month prior to the event date, and registration for virtual ceremonies ends泭
No. As of January 2022, a graduate may participate in one ceremony per degree, either a virtual or in-person ceremony.
A泭StagePass泭is泭a digital QR code泭issued to each graduate registered for an in-person泭ceremony泭the week of commencement.泭It泭contains泭the information that will泭be displayed泭on the screen as your name is泭read,泭and you cross the stage.泭To access their泭StagePass泭at the ceremony, graduates will need their phone with them at graduate check-in and as they cross the stage.
Your泭StagePass泭will be emailed to you泭on Monday and泭Friday,泭the week of泭the泭commencement泭weekend.泭If you do not receive it, please contact the Commencement Office at泭commencement@wgu.edu泭with the subject line, StagePass泭Not Received.
We will send commencement updates to the email address you entered on your RSVP form.
Regalia FAQs
91勛圖厙 works with泭official regalia vendor泭Balfour泭(caps, gowns, tassels, hoods,泭stoles). Ordering will泭open at the end of 2025泭for all 2026泭ceremonies.泭Regalia ordering can be found泭.泭
For bachelors degree, post-baccalaureate teacher programs, or endorsement preparation program (English Language Learning), you should皋rder a畚ap, bachelor's gown, and tassel.泭
For眩hose earning a master's degree or endorsement preparation program (Educational Leadership), you should皋rder a畚ap, master's gown, tassel, and a master's hood.泭
Click泭泭to see a tutorial on how to wear your cap & gown the day of commencement.泭
The following masters hoods are available for purchase泭from泭our regalia vendor泭Balfour.泭
Education -泭Blue泭
Business (all MBAs) -泭Drab泭
Technology -泭Gold泭
Nursing 泭Apricot泭
Integrated Healthcare Management -泭Salmon泭
Master of Health Leadership -泭Sage green
91勛圖厙 works with泭official泭commencement泭goods vendor泭Balfour泭for泭additional泭commencement goods and announcements. Visit them at https://www.balfour.com/wgu to see their泭selection.泭
Prior to the conferral of degrees, bachelor's degree graduates wear泭their泭tassel on the right while master's degree graduates wear their tassel on the left for the entire commencement ceremony.
A graduate should wear academic attire泭appropriate to泭the awarded degree. The master's gown differs from a bachelor's gown. If you already have a cap and tassel, you can order a泭master's泭gown as an individual item on泭our commencement vendors website.泭Please note that the academic attire for a master's graduate includes a cap, tassel, master's gown, and hood.
Yes, 91勛圖厙 graduates affiliated with an honor society may wear society pins or honor cords/sashes/stoles to泭represent泭their academic achievements, affiliations, or identity泭on their gowns.泭
Teacher graduates affiliated with the 91勛圖厙 chapter of the泭international honor society泭of Kappa Delta Pi (KDP) may order honor cords at泭.泭泭
Graduates who are members of The National Society of Leadership and泭Success泭may wear honor cords泭indicating泭this affiliation.
91勛圖厙 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 at泭the Alumni Celebration or at Commencement泭during泭graduate check-in. On your RSVP form, please mark that you are a veteran or active duty.
Graduates are泭permitted泭to decorate their泭graduation泭caps. Take into consideration the following if decorating your cap for commencement:泭
91勛圖厙 does not allow content on caps or sashes that is considered, in 91勛圖厙s sole discretion, obscene, vulgar, defamatory, hateful, inappropriate, profane or that might disregard anothers copyright or third-party rights. All decorations must lie flat on the cap.
91勛圖厙 Philanthropy Cord FAQs
The 91勛圖厙 Philanthropy Cord is a blue and gold cord for graduates to wear with their cap and gown泭at泭Commencement. The泭Philanthropy泭Cord is泭a泭physical symbol of a graduates commitment to 91勛圖厙,泭and,泭more importantly,泭supports a泭philanthropic泭legacy that will last for future generations of 91勛圖厙泭students.
- Mail:泭If you order more than four weeks prior to your commencement ceremony, we will mail your cord to you at the address you specify. Alternatively, you may elect to pick up your cord in-person.泭
- In-Person:泭Visit the泭91勛圖厙 Advancement table泭at your commencement site (Check-in or Alumni Celebration).
- Virtual:泭We will mail your cord to the address provided during your donation.
100% of your gift goes to the泭Night Owl Scholarship Fund, which provides direct financial assistance to 91勛圖厙 students who need a final boost to finish their degrees.
For in-person commencements,泭you may choose to have your泭Philanthropy泭Cord泭mailed to you or泭picked泭up泭at Commencement泭by visiting the 91勛圖厙 Advancement table at the Alumni Celebration or during graduate check-in before泭Commencement.泭
For virtual commencements,泭Philanthropy泭Cords will be mailed prior to the ceremony date.
91勛圖厙 Advancement泭is dedicated泭to泭attracting,泭allocating, and putting dollars to泭work泭so more students have access to an affordable, quality education.泭We泭provide泭a meaningful way for alumni, donors, and partners泭to pay it forward and invest in the future of education.泭
A泭Sustaining Supporter泭is a donor who provides ongoing impact through a recurring gift. For as little as泭$3 a month, you can help ensure that the "bridge" to graduation remains open for every student who follows you.
Yes! Every dollar helps remove barriers for students. Whether it is a one-time gift or a recurring monthly contribution, your generosity directly impacts student success.
Letter of Invitation for Abroad & Commencement Announcements FAQs
Yes, students may send an email to泭records@wgu.edu泭with the family member's full name, relationship to the student, and foreign address. Once provided, the Records Department will prepare documents泭containing泭information about the commencement and student's earned degree. These prepared letters will then be sent to the student to泭forward泭them to the correct parties. It may take 5-10 business days for the letters to be mailed to the student.
91勛圖厙 works with泭official泭announcements and泭commencement泭goods泭vendor泭Balfour. Ordering will open at the end of 2025泭for all 2026泭ceremonies.泭
Announcements can be found泭on泭Balfour泭泭泭
Graduation Application and Diploma FAQs
Visit the泭泭in the student handbook for the most current information on how to apply for graduation.
Visit the胼疳n the student handbook for the most current information on how to receive your diploma.泭
No, please leave your diploma at home.泭You will receive a complimentary diploma cover at the end of the commencement ceremony.泭
