WGU Holds Day at the Illinois State Capitol

Students, alumni, faculty, staff and supporters of nonprofit, fully online university Western Governors University (WGU) recently visited the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield for WGU’s Day at the Capitol event. On March 3, more than 50 members of the WGU community gathered at the Capitol to speak with legislators about their individual experiences with WGU. They were able to sit down in the offices of more than 15 lawmakers to explain WGU’s unique model and how it helps busy adults reach their educational goals.

Those who attended the Day at the Capitol event were granted the opportunity to participate directly in the legislative process. WGU students and alumni who spoke with lawmakers succeeded in making personal connections, while they shared important information on WGU’s innovative learning model and how beneficial the university is for working adults looking to further their education. Students and alumni found that their direct legislators who heard from them – their constituents – better understood why they chose Western Governors University.

“The conversations our community had with the lawmakers really detailed the benefits of WGU on a personal level,” said Dr. Angie Besendorfer, Regional Vice President of WGU. “WGU works to provide working adults in Illinois with access to affordable, high-quality, higher education, and we are proud to say we have more than 7,000 students and alumni throughout Illinois. Our students are passionate about WGU and the education they are receiving, and it was great to see them come together and share their stories with our legislators.”

WGU students who were unable to attend the event in person but still wish to share their stories with their local lawmakers can find their Senator and Representative here and contact them.

About WGU

Established in 1997 by 19 U.S. governors with a mission to expand access to high-quality, affordable higher education, online, nonprofit WGU now serves more than 121,000 students nationwide and has more than 166,000 graduates in all 50 states. Driving innovation as the nation’s leading competency- based university, WGU has been recognized by the White House, state leaders, employers, and students as a model that works in postsecondary education. In just 22 years, the university has become a leading influence in changing the lives of individuals and families, and preparing the workforce needed in today’s rapidly evolving economy. WGU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and universities, has been named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies, and was featured on NPR, NBC Nightly News, CNN, and in The New York Times. Learn more at www.wgu.edu.

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