About Ashford University

Ashford University recognized students who had achieved academic excellence during its graduation ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 11. 

During the ceremony, special student awards were presented to:     

§ Matt King, Shafter, CA, the Accounting Student Award, sponsored by the Iowa Society of Certified Public Accountants to recognize the top accounting graduate;

§ Ashlee Alber, Sterling, IL, the Business Department’s Scholars Award, given to the highest ranking graduate in business;

§ Amber Griswold, Clinton, IA, the James L. Mooney Social Science Award, which recognizes the Social Science graduate with the highest grade point average;

§ Jessica Hartman, Thomson, IL, the Joan Walsh Richeson Award, given to the liberal arts major who best personifies the values of a liberal arts education;  

§ Brenda Hayes, Calamus, IA, and Heather Waninger, Rock Falls, IL, the Alex Esquivel Promising Teacher Award, given to a teacher education graduate who shows exceptional potential as an educator and

§ Michael Lentini, Loves Park, IL, the Sr. Marilyn Shea Outstanding Disposition Award,  given to recognize teacher candidates with outstanding dispositions for teaching, including reflection, professional conduct, respect for diversity, high expectations, respect for others, compassion, advocacy, curiosity, dedication, honesty and fairness. 

More than 50 Ashford University students received their diplomas on December 11. Coinciding with the end of the traditional fall semester, the graduation ceremony was for those students who attended classes at Ashford University’s Clinton, IA campus as well as for a small number of online students.  

Ashford University’s next commencement ceremonies are scheduled for the weekend of April 30 and May 1, 2011. 

Founded in 1918, Ashford University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (www.ncahlc.org). The University offers graduate and undergraduate degree programs online and at its Clinton, Iowa, campus. The University is known for its high quality yet highly affordable online and on-campus programs. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu or call Shari Rodriguez, associate vice president of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.