CLINTON, Iowa, April 28 /PRNewswire/ -- For the first time in history, Ashford University will hold two spring commencement ceremonies at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on May 9 in the Durgin Educational Center. Nearly 600 students from across the country are expected to participate in graduation ceremonies.

"This is an exciting time in our institution's history, because it's the first time we've had to have two ceremonies to accommodate participating graduates," Ashford University President Dr. Jane McAuliffe said. "It's great that so many of our online students choose to come to Clinton to walk across the stage and receive their diplomas in person. It's a wonderful way for them to celebrate their educational experience with Ashford."

U.S. Olympic gymnastics star Kerri Strug will give the keynote address during Ashford's graduation ceremonies. She made Olympic history with her courageous performance during the 1996 Olympic Games when she landed an unforgettable vault on an injured ankle to help the United States clinch its first Olympic gold medal in the team gymnastics competition. Her emotional performance earned her a variety of awards and accolades,

from the Olympic Spirit Award to a spot on a Wheaties cereal box.

Because of limited seating, admission to the graduation events will be by ticket only. To accommodate parking for the graduation events, the City of Clinton will allow parking on both sides of Springdale Drive from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 9. There will be additional parking in Medical Associates' and Evangelical Free Church's parking lots, with a shuttle providing transportation to and from campus from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

During the morning graduation ceremony, diplomas will be awarded to Ashford University's traditional campus students and online students from the College of Arts and Science College of Education. In the afternoon, diplomas will be awarded to ASPIRE campus-based students and online students from the College of Business and Professional Studies.

Graduation ceremonies are held twice annually. In 2007, Ashford University had 876 total graduates. In 2008, the number increased to 2,567 total graduates. The May 2009 graduating class is the largest in the university's 90-year history.

About Ashford University

Founded in 1918, Ashford University is a coeducational institution regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, with programs in education, business, accounting, criminal and social justice, computer animation and graphic design, and other areas. The University offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as a range of student activities and athletics, at its Clinton campus. Online degree programs are available in education, organizational management, business administration, and psychology. The University is known for its high quality yet highly affordable on-campus and online programs, with tuition fees among the lowest in the U.S. compared to other private institutions. Its tagline is: "Higher Education Made Affordable"(SM). For more information, please contact Shari Rodriguez, director of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513 or visit www.ashford.edu.

    Contact: Shari Rodriguez, Director of Public Relations
    858.513.9240 x2513 shari.rodriguez@bridgepointeducation.com
    or
    Ana Tackett, Mullen Public Relations
    602.222.4343 atackett@mullenpr.com

SOURCE: Ashford University

Web site: http://www.ashford.edu/