Four Questions with WGU's Michelle Stepp

We couldn't help but notice Michelle Stepp noticing our content and leaving great comments, so I (Kim here! 👋🏼) reached out to say hello. Michelle is Alumni Relations Liaison for the Southeast at Western Governors University (WGU). She has a unique role that we couldn't wait to learn more about ... and share with you.

"Four Questions" continues with Michelle!

WGU is an entirely online institution, which is unique! What's been the most exciting part of your new role growing their alumni network?

It’s incredibly unique! Not only is it a completely online university, unlike most universities, we have hundreds of people graduating every single day. Right now, the most exciting aspect is that we have a new alumni relations team of nine. Most universities have Alumni Associations that are 50 to 100+ years old so for all of us to design and build the alumni experience together as a new team from the foundation up? It’s rare for alumni professionals to have this experience. It’s a special time to be in this role!

You mentioned that WGU hosts commencement ceremonies all across the country--and that there's no deadline to attend one. Can you share more about those and how they're received by students/graduates?

We do! WGU typically holds five commencements in various cities across the country in addition to two virtual ceremonies. In 2024, ceremonies will be held in Anaheim, Cincinnati, Salt Lake City, Orlando and Forth Worth and again, WGU is unique. There is no time limit on attending a commencement and not only that, a graduate may attend any commencement of their choosing. Our graduates love it because it gives them flexibility and options. Many graduates choose a commencement near them, but just as equally, many take advantage of the opportunity to make a vacation out of commencement weekend and visit a new city across the country. If a WGU graduate or someone in their family is ill or perhaps there are other limitations to attending (can’t take off work, new baby, etc.) simply select another commencement! If attending doesn’t fit into your plans this year, attend next year or the next. Life happens and WGU is flexible from start to finish! Not only does commencement weekend feature the milestone opportunity to “walk”, the evening prior to each commencement, in each city, we kick off the weekend with an incredible Alumni Celebration for graduates to celebrate with their families, other graduates and WGU leadership. It’s an incredibly joyous, built-in graduation party in their honor!

You've spent three decades in alumni engagement and events/philanthropy. What's your advice to members of the CMAC community who are just starting out in this field?

#1 - Don’t be shy about reaching out to colleagues! This field is overflowing with incredible people with all levels of experience and not only that, they are approachable and so willing to give of their time to you. Many of us have been in this field for a long time and we’ve seen and tried many things. Some worked, some didn’t. I don’t know anyone in this field who isn’t willing to talk about their triumphs and failures. I love kicking around ideas or sharing what my experience has been with various programming/platforms/events and I think I can speak for many in this field that they do as well. And if we haven’t tried it, we probably know someone who has and can bring them into the conversation. I will always make time for those just starting out because we ALL were that person at one point.

#2 - Jump on as many CMAC webinars as you can (editor's note: we didn't ask Michelle for this plug, but we really appreciate it! 😉). The conversations are worth your time – both from the guests and in the chat. There may be times that you feel conversations are over your head and I guarantee that if you’re new to the field that will happen, but no worries… refer to #1! There are many people who are happy to help.

What one app on your phone can you absolutely not live without?

Embarrassingly enough, I’ll say Facebook. I’m Gen X (like OLDER Gen X) and I was working in alumni relations at a university when Facebook launched with university email accounts only. Yeah.. THAT old. Ha! My generation still uses it heavily and it’s where so many of my friend groups from across the chapters of my life gather. I’m also a frequent poster, so my Facebook memories are years upon years of life chronicles. I’ve actually made it a goal for this year to create a book of all my posts related to my family just in case Facebook implodes one day. Also, my dad is an incredible wildlife photographer who has built a wonderful community there. I love seeing his beautiful daily photo posts and engagement. A close second would be my Kindle app. I’m a huge reader and I love that I can have several books on my phone everywhere I go.

No shame in loving Facebook, Michelle! I'm a millennial (older millennial) and love it, as well.

We love catching up with members of the CMAC Community. Keep an eye out ... you never know when we'll pop up in your LinkedIn messages with four questions for YOU! -KI