MIAMI (02/17/2011)(readMedia)-- Kaplan University celebrated the graduation of its winter 2011 class during a live graduation ceremony on February 5 in Miami. Bill Richardson, former two term governor of New Mexico, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, U.S. Energy Secretary and multiple Nobel Peace Prize nominee, served as the commencement speaker.
The following local students were awarded degrees:
Mike Bixby of Davenport, IA was awarded a Master of Science in Criminal Justice.
M. Elizabeth Blaha of Davenport, IA was awarded a Bachelor of Science in Management in Management.
Fred Monfeli of Davenport, IA was awarded a Bachelor in Business Administration.
Catanna Dement of East Moline, IL was awarded a Master of Business Administration in Business Administration.
Ryan Hazen of Moline, IL was awarded a Bachelor in Information Technology.
Richardson referenced his path from student to governor and told the approximately 1,000 graduates in attendance that "when you combine diversity and creativity with energy, commitment and a strong work ethic, there is no limit to what you can do."
"I feel very strongly about providing opportunities and increasing access to education, which Kaplan University does very efficiently and very effectively. And what they've done is adapt to a changing world and respond to the needs of students - to your needs," Richardson added.
The Kaplan University winter 2011 class, which included more than 5,600 graduates, earned associate's, bachelor's and master's degrees - as well as professional certificates - completely online. More than 1,000 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.
The Kaplan University winter 2010 class, which included more than 5,600 graduates, earned associate's, bachelor's and master's degrees - as well as professional certificates - completely online. More than 1,000 of them traveled from around the country 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.
About Kaplan University
Kaplan University offers a different school of thought for higher education. It strives to help adult students unlock their talent by providing a practical, student-centered education that prepares them for careers in some of the fastest-growing industries. The University, which has its main campus in Davenport, Iowa, and its headquarters in Chicago, is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (www.ncahlc.org) and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Kaplan University has more than 125 academic programs and offerings, and serves more than 75,000 online and campus-based students. The University has 11 campuses in Iowa, Nebraska, Maryland and Maine, and Kaplan University Learning Centers in Wisconsin, Indiana, Missouri and Florida.
Kaplan University is part of Kaplan Higher Education, which serves more than 100,000 students online and through more than 70 campus-based schools across the United States and abroad. Kaplan Higher Education schools offer a spectrum of academic opportunities, from certificates and diplomas to graduate and professional degrees, including a juris doctor degree. Kaplan Higher Education is part of Kaplan, Inc., a leading international provider of educational and career services for individuals, schools and businesses. Kaplan, Inc. is a subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO), and its largest and fastest-growing division. For more information about Kaplan University, visit www.kaplanuniversity.edu.
