Eight residents from Bainbridge Island recently earned a degree from Western Governors University.

The online, nonprofit university held its commencement ceremonies last fall and earlier this year to celebrate the recent graduation of nearly 22,000 students from across the country.

Bainbridge students who were awarded degrees are:

Alisa Mitchell (master’s degree in science, curriculum and instruction);

Jennifer Heitland (master’s degree in business administration);

Lura Bickford (bachelor of science degree in nursing);

Benjamin Jones (master’s degree in science, curriculum and instruction);

Clancy Jacobsen (master’s degree in education, learning and technology;

Jason Russo (bachelor of science degree in nursing);

Melissa Slovek Bonghi (bachelor of science degree in nursing); and

Amy Decker (bachelor of science degree in nursing).

Established in 1997 by 19 U.S. governors with a mission to expand access to high-quality, affordable higher education, online, nonprofit WGU now serves more than 114,000 students nationwide and has more than 136,000 graduates in all 50 states.