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[ WGU ] [[https://www.wgu.edu/?cid=eml-qgicg4&ch=ML]]
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[ Alumni Newsletter banner with a smiling man working on a laptop. ] [[https://www.wgu.edu/alumni.html?cid=eml-qgicg4&ch=ML]]
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News and Highlights | July 2026
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Dear {{my.preferred name}},
Welcome to the latest edition of the WGU Alumni Newsletter! Enjoy inspiring stories, exclusive alumni perks, and the latest updates.
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Gallup Highlights the Value of a WGU Degree
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A new WGU-Gallup study shows strong outcomes for WGU alumni who recently earned bachelor's degrees, including career growth, lower reported student loan debt, and high satisfaction with the value of their education. Nearly 7 in 10 WGU alumni strongly agree their education was worth the cost, compared with 38% of bachelor’s degree holders nationally. WGU graduates who borrowed also reported a lower median undergraduate student loan burden of about $15,000, compared with $27,000 nationally.
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[ Three smiling graduates in caps and gowns clapping, with text overlay "The Value of the WGU Experience". ] [[https://www.gallup.com/analytics/473495/wgu-alumni-research.aspx?cid=eml-qgicg4&ch=ML]]
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The study also found that 69% of WGU alumni reported an income increase after graduation, with a median personal income increase of approximately $25,000 since enrolling at WGU. Even better, 80% of WGU alumni who graduated at age 25 or older and now work full-time say they frequently use skills from their degree in their current role.
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WGU’s Career and Professional Development team is hosting Internship Week, July 20–24! This virtual event series is a great opportunity to learn about internships, micro-internships, and experiential learning opportunities while connecting with employers and gathering practical tips for your career journey.
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[ A smiling woman with long brown hair, dressed professionally, holds a laptop and looks confidently into the distance. ] [[https://careers.wgu.edu/internship-week/?cid=eml-qgicg4&ch=ML]]
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Interview Ready? Ace It with Big Interview
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Getting ready for an interview? WGU graduates have access to Big Interview using their WGU credentials. This tool helps you practice common interview questions, refine your answers, build confidence, and get personalized feedback before the real thing.
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[ A man in a plaid shirt smiles while participating in a video call with a woman on his laptop. ] [[https://careers.wgu.edu/channels/job-interview-prep/?cid=eml-qgicg4&ch=ML]]
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July: Highlights, Holidays, and Fun Facts
July is here—bringing peak heat, summer traditions, and patriotic celebrations. During Independence Day celebrations alone, Americans consume around 150 million hot dogs and spend over $2 billion on fireworks. Grill something up, stay cool, and enjoy the celebration!
Independence Day (7/4)—Freedom, fireworks, and the red, white, and blue. Go Team USA in the World Cup! Ice Cream Day (7/19)—We've been waiting all year! - Giant Leap for Mankind (7/20)—In 1969, Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the moon.
- Parents' Day (7/26)—Honoring all parents and caregivers.
National Grilling Month (all month)—Grill masters, fire it up! - National Parks and Recreation Month (all month)
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This month, WGU heads to the Emerald City for one of our biggest commencement weekends of the year, with more than 2,000 graduates expected to walk the stage! Known for its overcast skyline, incredible coffee, colorful gum wall, and one very giant needle, Seattle is always a favorite stop on the commencement map.
We can’t wait to cheer on our newest Night Owls.
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[ Seattle skyline with the Space Needle and numerous skyscrapers under a clear sky. ] [[https://www.wgu.edu/alumni/commencement/upcoming-commencements/louisville-2026.html?cid=eml-qgicg4&ch=ML]]
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From Law Enforcement to Counterintelligence: Aryhel Freeman's Journey
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In the latest episode, alum Aryhel Freeman shares how his career across law enforcement, counterintelligence, insider threat, and security leadership shaped his approach to service and leading amid risk. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about balancing people and mission, investing in yourself, and using lifelong learning to keep moving forward.
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[ WGU Alumni Podcast promotional image featuring a smiling man, Aryhel Freeman, alongside text: "Law Enforcement to Counterintelligence: Aryhel Freeman's Journey. ] [[https://www.buzzsprout.com/1035694/episodes/19282029?cid=eml-qgicg4&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 many ways to stay involved and have fun.
Review upcoming events or join an online community.
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[ Attendees mingling and networking at an event, with a prominent sign for 'Networking Lab' visible. ] [[https://www.wgu.edu/alumni/stay-involved/events.html?cid=eml-qgicg4&ch=ML]]
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Our Night Owl Network Continues to Grow:
New Students: 14,136 | Total Alumni: 449,399 | June Grads: 6,049
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[ WGU Logo ] [[https://www.wgu.edu/?cid=eml-qgicg4&ch=ML]]
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