More than 1,300 students, along with their friends and families, are planning to participate in Ashford University’s spring commencement activities during the weekend of May 3-4.

Food, fun, and friends await graduates and their families during the Ashford Campus Celebration from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 3 at the Clinton, Iowa campus, 400 N. Bluff Blvd. The day will be jam-packed with activities, including campus tours, honor society and military appreciation events, and an Ashford history presentation. Students can have their photo taken with Ashford President Dr. Richard Pattenaude and Champ, the University’s St. Bernard mascot. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the deans, executive deans, and select faculty members from each of the University’s four colleges. Activities for kids – including a bounce house, games, and craft projects – are planned in “The Future Achievers Fun Zone.”

Beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, satellite parking locations will be available for guests who do not require special accommodations. Guests should park at Ashford University Field, 91 Sixth Ave. N., Clinton. Shuttle buses will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in a loop between the satellite parking location and the Ashford University main campus. Special accommodation parking will be available for students and guests with state-issued disabled parking placards. The special accommodation parking lots will be located at the Ashford campus.

Graduates will celebrate their academic accomplishments during two commencement ceremonies on Sunday, May 4 at the iWireless Center in Moline, Ill. Sgt. Keni Thomas, one of the U.S. Army Rangers involved in the battle that would later be recounted in the book and movie Black Hawk Down, will present the keynote address during the University’s two commencement ceremonies at 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Both ceremonies are open to the public.

About Ashford University

Achievement belongs to all of us at Ashford University. By offering a traditional college campus as well as online degree programs, Ashford meets the diverse needs of individuals pursuing integrity in their lives and in their communities. Students may earn an associates, bachelor’s, or master’s degree online, while campus students in Clinton, Iowa may earn a bachelor’s degree. Whether on campus or online, Ashford students enjoy the same supportive community. For more information, please visit http://www.ashford.edu or call Shari Winet, Vice President of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.