CHICAGO (08/11/2010)(readMedia)-- Kaplan University celebrated the graduation of its summer 2010 class during a live ceremony on Aug. 7 in Chicago. Harold Ford, Jr., a former U.S. Representative who President Bill Clinton once described as "the walking, living embodiment of where America ought to go in the 21st century," served as the keynote speaker. The following local students were awarded degrees:
Ronda Arnold of Eldridge, IA, was awarded a Master of Science in Nursing.
Rebecca Bird of Davenport, IA, was awarded a Associate of Applied Science in Accounting.
Kathleen Earnest of Coal Valley, IL, was awarded a 2 + 2 Bachelor in Nursing.
Mark Frederick of Rock Island, IL, was awarded a Master of Science in Criminal Justice.
Kershanna Harris of Davenport, IA, was awarded a 2 + 2 Bachelor in Nursing.
Machelle Pemberton of Davenport, IA, was awarded a Master of Science in Criminal Justice.
Christina Williams of Davenport, IA, was awarded a Associate of Applied Science in Health Sciences.
Marie Wilmont of Davenport, IA, was awarded a Master of Business Administration in Business Administration.
"Graduates like you must use your education and skill set to make this a stronger, more vibrant and dynamic nation," Ford told the approximately 730 graduates in attendance. "It takes courage and determination to improve your own life and the lives of those around you."
The Kaplan University summer 2010 class, which included more than 4,200 graduates, earned associate's, bachelor's and master's degrees - as well as professional certificates - completely online. Many of them traveled from around the country and the world to attend the ceremony, meeting face-to-face for the first time. Kaplan University has graduated nearly 27,000 online students since it began offering web-based degrees in 2001.
