WGU Alumni Podcast

A committed lifelong learner, Andre Alfred has leveraged educational opportunities to become a recognized leader in cybersecurity.

Andre has held numerous leadership positions at some of the world’s most recognized organizations, including Oracle and Microsoft, and today runs cybersecurity governance of the cloud and AI division at Microsoft. 

He's currently pursuing his doctorate degree at George Washington University and remains active with WGU, serving on WGU Washington's Advisory Board. 

Two-time WGU business graduate Mark Dimalanta earned his first master's degree from WGU while stationed on a U.S. Air Base in South Korea and his second after relocating to Denver, Colorado. A huge advocate for WGU, Mark, who was the 5,280th graduate in the Mile High State, was recently promoted to Information System Security Manager for a Fortune 500 company. 

College of IT graduate and award-winning professional  Anthony Utt, from Mount Airy, North Carolina, joins the alumni podcast to talk about his passion for software development, his work as an engineering lead at GR0, and his reaction to receiving the 2021 Tech Innovator Award. 

Two-time WGU graduate Claire Gravenhorst from North Carolina joins the alumni podcast to talk about the lessons she's learned from her professional mentor and how her two business degrees have helped her thrive in the HR space while also keeping her creative dreams alive. 

WGU graduate Marah Jordan joins the alumni podcast to share her excitement for entering her classroom as a first year teacher. She shares her journey as a community college transfer students and why she's re-enrolled at WGU in pursuit of her master's degree in English Language Learning.

New York Times bestselling author, blogger, and TV host Jen Hatmaker recently spoke at WGU’s spring commencement and now joins the alumni podcast to recount her experience at commencement, sharing how she continues to be inspired by life-long learners and achievers.

Celebrating the incredible growth of WGU Indiana over the past 11 years, the alumni podcast speaks with Regional Vice President and WGU Indiana Chancellor Alison Bell and two-time WGU grad Valerie Wesley to hear how WGU is impacting the state's workforce as well as the incredible successes of Wesley and her team even and especially during the pandemic.

Former NFL Star Marques Ogden recently spoke at WGU's virtual commencement. On this podcast episode, we catch up with Marques to hear more about his experience participating at commencement and what advice he has for WGU graduates.

WGU business grad Donna Law joins the alumni podcast to share how she's giving back in her community as well as excelling in her professional career. A strong advocate for adult learners, particularly women, Donna shares her inspiring journey of beating cancer, finishing her degree, and going on to become the Executive Director of Development and Government Relations at Southern Utah University. 

Special episode celebrating WGU Washington and their 10th anniversary on the Alumni podcast. WGU's Regional Vice President and Chancellor of WGU Washington, Dr. Tonya Drake, shares insights into the growth and success of the university in the state of Washington as well as the tremendous impact WGU students and grads are making in the state's workforce. Current student Nitasha Lewis shares her story of overcoming challenges and barriers and how she's making a difference to encourage the next generation to successfully pursue a college degree.