Ashford University’s fall graduating class – consisting of more than 9,000 students – is the largest in its history. The University graduated a total of 9,176 students since its previous commencement ceremonies. Collectively, Ashford graduates earned 866 associate’s degrees, 6,019 bachelor’s degrees and 2,291 master’s degrees.

Nearly 900 graduates traveled from across the United States and several foreign countries to participate in the commencement ceremony held on Oct. 14 at the i wireless Center in Moline, IL. Students and their guests also participated in commencement-related activities on Ashford’s campus in Clinton on Saturday, Oct. 13. Those activities included a master’s hooding ceremony for graduate students, a reception for students who had earned University honors or had been inducted into an honor society and the first ever

“Ashford University Commencement Celebration” that featured free food, games, a faculty “meet and greet,” a barbecue, and photo opportunities with Ashford University academic leaders and Champ, Ashford’s St. Bernard mascot.

An estimated 4,545 people attended the Oct. 14th ceremony at the iWireless Center and heard Jackie Joyner-Kersee, six-time Olympic medalist and widely regarded as “the world's greatest female athlete of the 20th century,” deliver the keynote address.

Ashford University’s commencement ceremonies are held semi-annually. The spring 2013 commencement ceremony is planned for Sunday, May 5.

About Ashford University

Ashford University is defining the modern college experience by combining the heritage of a traditional campus with the flexibility and effectiveness of online learning. The University provides a vibrant learning community where high-quality programs and leading-edge technology create a dynamic, immersive and stimulating learning experience. Ashford University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association (www.ncahlc.org). The University offers practical and progressive associate's, bachelor's and master's degree programs online, as well as bachelor’s degree programs at its Clinton, Iowa, campus. Ashford University – where heritage meets innovation. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu or call Shari Rodriguez, associate vice president of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.