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[ WGU ] [[https://www.wgu.edu/?cid=eml-yvrje8&ch=ML]]
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Reapply In Portal [[https://my.wgu.edu?cid=eml-yvrje8&ch=ML]]
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[ Image showcasing 'Alumni Newsletter' text on a dark blue background alongside a 'Happy New Year!' greeting with fireworks and a clock nearing midnight. ] [[https://www.wgu.edu/alumni.html?cid=eml-yvrje8&ch=ML]]
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News and Highlights | January 2026
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Dear {{my.preferred name}},
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Welcome to 2026—and the first Alumni Newsletter of the year! We’re excited to kick off another incredible year together and hope this one is your best yet.
We’re cheering you on and wishing you success, growth, and new opportunities in the year ahead. We can’t wait to support you and stay connected throughout 2026!
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[ Image saying 'Happy Holidays' in blue and green text, with the WGU logo and festive holly garlands with blue bows. ] [[https://www.wgu.edu/alumni.html?cid=eml-yvrje8&ch=ML]]
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January is National Mentoring Month, and at WGU, every Night Owl is a mentor. Whether you’re answering questions, sharing career insights, or offering encouragement, your experiences help guide others on their educational journeys.
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[ A professional Black woman speaks while handing a document and pen to another person. ] [[https://wgu.protopia.co/?cid=eml-yvrje8&ch=ML]]
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One recent Ask A Grad participant shared: “I love that I was able to ask someone who actually went to the school and received firsthand knowledge of my questions. With the answers I received, I have opted to go with WGU for my MHA.”
Thank you to all the graduates who have participated in Ask A Grad and continue to lend their time, insight, and encouragement. Your guidance truly makes a difference.
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You may notice something new in our communications—WGU refreshed its brand with an updated logo, owl icon, academic seal, and more. Over the coming months, you’ll begin to see these visual updates reflected across our website and communications as we gradually roll out the new look.
If you’re curious to learn more about the inspiration and meaning behind the updated WGU brand, explore the details here or watch this video.
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[ The WGU logo with a stylized owl icon and the university seal featuring an owl, mountains, and trees. ] [[https://www.brand.wgu.edu/?cid=eml-yvrje8&ch=ML]]
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[ Aerial view of modern buildings with snow-capped mountains in the background and a video play button. ] [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?cid=eml-yvrje8&ch=ML&v=CuvGisSOWFg]]
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January means Winter Career Quest is officially here! This month-long virtual series brings together employers, alumni, WGU career advisors, and industry experts for career-focused conversations designed to help you grow your skills and expand your network. With workshops, employer-led sessions, and expert insights, there’s truly something for everyone—no matter where you are in your career journey.
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[ A grid of 18 logos from companies including John Deere, Dominion Energy, P&G, New York Life, T-Mobile, and Southwest, displayed under the title "2026 Employer Partners." ] [[https://careers.wgu.edu/channels/career-quest/?cid=eml-yvrje8&ch=ML]]
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Highlights, Holidays, and Fun Facts
January marks a fresh start—a new year, new goals, and plenty of motivation to look ahead. Fun fact: January is named after Janus, the Roman god of beginnings and transitions, often depicted with two faces—one looking back and one looking forward. It’s the perfect month to reflect on where you’ve been and focus on what’s next.
Let’s take a look at what else is in store this month:
National Thank You Month (all month)—A great reminder to express gratitude to mentors, colleagues, and loved ones.
New Year’s Day (1/1)—A fresh start—Happy New Year!
National Spaghetti Day (1/4)—If you missed it, here’s your excuse. Go grab some noodles!
National Clean Your Desk Day (1/12)—That’s right, you’ve been looking at it all 2025. It’s time to clean that desk.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day (1/19)—Honoring a legacy of service, leadership, and impact.
- National Puzzle Day (1/29)—A fun excuse to exercise your brain, unwind, and complete a puzzle.
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Two new episodes of the WGU Alumni Podcast are now available, featuring powerful graduate stories of resilience and impact. Tune in to From Digging Ditches to Driving Infrastructure: Distinguished Graduate Brian Mueller’s Journey and Instability to Impact: Michelle Mills’ Work for Military Families to hear how Night Owls are turning challenges into meaningful change.
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[ WGU Alumni Podcast episode announcement featuring Brian Mueller, titled "From Digging Ditches to Driving Infrastructure," with a photo of Mueller holding an award. ] [[https://www.wgu.edu/alumni/alumni-support/resources/podcast-newsletter.html?cid=eml-yvrje8&ch=ML]]
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Considering Your Next Career Move?
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With the new year comes new opportunities—and working at WGU might be your next step. We regularly post new positions and would love to welcome more WGU graduates to our team. If you’re passionate about education, innovation, and impact, explore current openings and see where your Night Owl journey could lead.
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[ A diverse group of professionals, smiling and posing behind large, illuminated letters spelling out "WGU" on a wooden floor. ] [[https://wgu.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/External?cid=eml-yvrje8&ch=ML]]
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Stay Engaged with Your Alumni Community
Life after graduation is just the start! Whether you're connecting online or in person, there are so many ways to have fun and stay involved.
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Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events [[https://www.wgu.edu/alumni/stay-involved/events.html?cid=eml-yvrje8&ch=ML]]
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Online Communities
Online Communities [[https://www.wgu.edu/alumni/alumni-support/resources/online-communities.html?cid=eml-yvrje8&ch=ML]]
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[ A person speaking at a podium on a stage with a blue WGU backdrop, facing an audience seated at elegant round tables in a brick-walled event hall. ] [[https://www.wgu.edu/alumni/stay-involved/events.html?cid=eml-yvrje8&ch=ML]]
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Looking for Additional Help?
Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for helpful answers and a directory of emails of whom to contact for additional questions.
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Need advice from other alumni? Ask A Grad. You’re already part of a network of WGU alumni who can share experiences and offer guidance. However, you, too, can request help from fellow grads who may have been in your shoes.
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[ Ask A Grad GIF Animation ] [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?cid=eml-yvrje8&ch=ML&v=a04oexl6PUA]]
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Our Night Owl Network Continues to Grow:
New Students: 11,925 | Degrees Awarded: 472,728 | Dec. Grads: 5,618
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We hope you enjoyed this edition of the alumni newsletter! You can view all past newsletters here. See you again in the next one.
Sincerely,
The Alumni Relations Team [email protected]
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[ WGU Logo ] [[https://www.wgu.edu/?cid=eml-yvrje8&ch=ML]]
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