Florissant Residents Graduate from WGU Missouri

Three residents from Florissant were officially recognized for earning their degrees at WGU Missouri’s commencement celebration, held July 27 at the William D. Purser Center in Chesterfield. The event honored the 565 students who graduated from WGU Missouri this year. Those recognized from Florissant include:

· John Maldon, of Florissant, Bachelor of Science in Accounting

· Kelly Pashia, of Florissant, Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management

· Kelly Smith, of Florissant, Bachelor of Science in Business Management

The students were joined by approximately 100 graduates, along with 300 of their guests, who attended the celebration. Graduates and their families were able to celebrate their recent accomplishments at the event and mingle with Chancellor Dr. Angie Besendorfer, WGU Missouri staff, alumni and fellow students. The keynote presentation was given by Leigh Anne Taylor Knight, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of The DeBruce Foundation in Kansas City and a WGU Missouri board member. The Foundation seeks to change how people pursue careers, close workforce gaps, and structure solutions toward sustainable impact, and Taylor Knight leads its mission to expand pathways to economic growth and opportunity. Sarah Davis, of Saint Joseph, Mo., who earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing Management, also addressed the crowd as the graduate speaker. WGU Missouri Chancellor Besendorfer rounded out the agenda, highlighting the significance of the event.