With 10,579 degrees conferred, Ashford University’s spring graduating class was the largest in the institution’s history. Since the university’s previous commencement ceremonies in Oct. 2012, Ashford’s graduates earned 1,128 associate’s degrees, 7,005 bachelor’s degrees and 2,446 master’s degrees.

More than 1,200 of those graduates traveled to the Clinton, Iowa area to be awarded their diplomas in person during two commencement ceremonies on Sunday, May 5.

Ninety-nine percent of the graduates earned their degrees through Ashford’s online programs; 111 students graduated after taking classes at the university’s Clinton campus.                                                                                                                 

Providing the keynote address at Ashford’s commencement ceremonies at the i wireless Center in Moline, Ill. was LeVar Burton, the host and co-executive producer of the children's television series “Reading Rainbow” who has portrayed such characters as Kunte Kinte in “Roots” and Lt. Commander Geordi LaForge in “Star Trek: The Next Generation.” The ceremonies culminated a weekend of celebration which began on May 4 with a variety of events for graduates and their families at Ashford’s Clinton campus.

“We were pleased to again welcome so many of our graduates to the area,” said John Ballheim, vice president/campus director. “We are proud of all of our graduates.”

Ashford University’s commencement ceremonies are held semi-annually. The fall 2013 commencement ceremonies are planned for Sunday, Oct. 13.

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. 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 Winet Rodriguez, vice president of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.