Chicago, IL, July 9, 2005 – Kaplan University held a special commencement ceremony for online graduates this afternoon, July 9 at 1:00 p.m. The graduates who came in from across the country for the ceremony, which was held at the Chicago Marriott Downtown, represent a cross-section of America--from Brooklyn, New York to Waikoloa, Hawaii. Diplomas conferred range from paralegal studies, business administration and information technology to criminal justice, including national security and crime scene investigation. Rep. Danny Davis, of the 7th Congressional District of Illinois, delivered the commencement address. An honorary doctorate was bestowed upon Davis to mark his tireless efforts to promote access to education and jobs in economically depressed communities.
“I am honored to be the keynote speaker on such a momentous occasion for Kaplan University,” said Davis, “especially since this institution has a major support center located in Chicago, as well as many students within my own constituency.”
A reception was held the night before the commencement ceremony to honor the graduates and their guests. Approximately 150 instructors and deans attended the ceremony, during which diplomas for certificates, and associate’s and bachelor’s degrees were awarded. For those who could not attend, the commencement will be made available online at www.kaplanuniversity.edu.
“Kaplan makes it possible for working adults to achieve their educational aspirations,” said Kaplan University President Andrew S. Rosen, “and we are especially excited to celebrate those achievements today with our attending graduates.”
Kaplan University recognized 23 graduates with Academic Excellence Awards based on cumulative grade point averages of 4.0, and recognized 5 students for outstanding overall achievements. In addition, Jane Henderson, an online business instructor with Kaplan University, received the Outstanding Faculty Award for her consistently strong impact on both her students and fellow faculty.
Jude Greene, of Washington, D.C., traveled to Chicago accompanied by 25 family members to celebrate earning her associate’s degree in paralegal studies, and cited Kaplan’s supportive environment as the key to her academic success. “It has afforded me the opportunity of fitting school into my busy schedule, and the entire atmosphere is very supportive. Kaplan is a well-recognized and respected institution, and has made me very confident in pursuing my goal to help establish an immigration law clinic in the Washington, D.C. area.”
Christopher Stanko, an IT Project Manager from South Plainfield, New Jersey, who earned a bachelor’s degree in applied management, said, “Kaplan provided convenience and both a strong curriculum and helpful academic support.”
Kaplan University, based in Davenport, Iowa, is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). Kaplan University currently serves more than 22,000 online and on-ground students, and has conferred over 2,360 certificates, and associate’s and bachelor’s degrees to online students to date.
About Kaplan Higher Education and Kaplan, Inc.
Kaplan, Inc.’s higher education division, including Kaplan University and Concord Law School, comprises 76 campus-based locations in 19 states. Kaplan Higher Education offers master’s, bachelor’s and associate’s degrees, as well as certificates designed to provide students with the skills necessary to qualify them for employment in fields such as business, criminal justice, education, fashion and design, healthcare, information technology, legal and paralegal studies. Kaplan is a leading provider of educational and career services to students, schools, professionals and businesses worldwide. For nearly 70 years, Kaplan has helped millions of individuals achieve their educational and career goals. Kaplan is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO). For more information about Kaplan, please visit http://www.kaplan.com/.