Kaplan University Hosts Commencement for Nearly 1,800 Graduates Earning Online Degrees

Former Assistant Director of UNESCO, Peter Smith, Ed. D., Delivers Commencement Address

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Graduate Mary B. Till, who was diagnosed with a debilitating gastrointestinal disease half way through her degree program, commended Kaplan for providing her with a unique opportunity to complete her course work. She shared her story with fellow graduates during the summer commencement ceremony at the Symphony Center on Saturday where she said her graduation was a culmination of many dreams.

“Education is about redesigning and resetting the trajectory of your life, about designing and claiming a future that is different from your past”

“Kaplan University has provided us with a top quality education, thanks in large part to the commitment of our professors and administration,” said Till, who did not miss an assignment, even when it meant completing school work from her hospital bed at the Mayo Clinic. “They have provided our coursework online, making education available to many of us who, for various circumstances, could not pursue a degree in a traditional venue. I know that if I did not have an opportunity to take classes online, I would not have been able to graduate today.”

Till, of Grayslake, IL, earned her Bachelor’s in Management with a 4.0 GPA.

She was Kaplan’s first student to speak at a graduation and although she did not have to come far to get to Saturday’s ceremony, other Kaplan University graduates traveled from around the country and the world, coming from as far away as Okinawa, Japan. They donned their caps and gowns, and met face-to-face with classmates and professors they had only known through online course work. The graduates were awarded master’s, bachelor’s and associate’s degrees, as well as certificates in paralegal studies, business administration and education, among other fields.

“Kaplan’s online flexibility and convenience means students can attend class any time and from anywhere in the world. In fact, we have students attending class in more than 30 countries,” said Andrew S. Rosen, CEO and President of Kaplan University. “Some of the graduates participating this morning reflect Kaplan’s global reach. Whether our graduates live around the corner or around the world, all of them understand that higher education can serve as a stepping stone to something better in life.”

Rosen acknowledged some of the hundreds of students who attended the ceremony, including Tina Rego of Bermuda, Alminis Hughes of St. Croix and Kathleen Johnson of Okinawa, Japan, whom he said gave new meaning to “distance learning.” He also saluted Michele Brennan, who traveled from Anchorage to get her bachelor’s degree in business, and Susan Bryan, who traveled from Honolulu where her husband serves in the military. Bryan, who has moved frequently, credited online education with making it possible for her to earn a bachelor’s degree with honors in criminal justice.

The University also recognized more than 80 graduates with Academic Excellence Awards based on cumulative grade point averages of 4.0. Three faculty members—Carol Rubel, a faculty member in the Master’s in Teaching and Learning program; Jim DeSeno, a professor in the Undergraduate School of Business; and Will de Bock, a part-time faculty member in the School of Information Technology—received Outstanding Faculty Awards for their tireless commitment to their students and colleagues.

Commencement speaker Peter Smith, Ed.D., congratulated the graduates’ vision and courage to further their education as adult learners juggling family, jobs and other responsibilities.

“Education is about redesigning and resetting the trajectory of your life, about designing and claiming a future that is different from your past,” said Smith, the former Assistant Director of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). “At a societal level, education is the flywheel that drives the continuing American Revolution. It is a source of personal power and opportunity that can bring every person to the table of social, civic and economic opportunity.”

He encouraged the graduates to savor their success as they plan the next chapters of their lives.

For those who could not attend the ceremony, video footage will be available online at www.kaplanuniversity.edu.

Kaplan University, based in Davenport, Iowa, is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). The University currently serves more than 27,000 online and on-ground students with support centers in South Florida, Chicago and Phoenix. For more information about Kaplan University and its programs, visit www.kaplanuniversitynews.com.

About Kaplan Higher Education and Kaplan, Inc.

Kaplan University is part of Kaplan, Inc.'s Higher Education unit, which includes 70 campus-based schools, as well as online programs through Kaplan University and Concord Law School. Through its schools, Kaplan Higher Education offers master, bachelor and associate degree programs as well as career-oriented certificates designed to provide students with the skills necessary to qualify them for entry-level employment in fields such as healthcare, business, information technology, technology, fashion and design. Kaplan is a subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO). For more information about Kaplan, please visit www.kaplan.com.

Note to Media: Interviews, commencement photos and speeches are available. Please call Michele Snipe at [phone] or [phone].