For the first time in its history, Ashford University will hold three winter commencement ceremonies at 9 a.m., 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12 in the Durgin Educational Center. More than 700 students from across the country are expected to participate in graduation ceremonies and it is anticipated that more than 3,500 people will attend the three ceremonies.

“What a memorable milestone in our institution’s history,” Ashford University president Dr. Jane McAuliffe said. “December 12 will be a very busy time on Ashford’s campus and we look forward to welcoming graduates and their families and friends to Clinton. Receiving their diplomas in person is such a meaningful way for these graduates to celebrate their educational experience with Ashford.”

Nationally renowned broadcast journalist, Susan Stamberg, will be the keynote speaker for Ashford’s three graduation ceremonies. A special correspondent for National Public Radio (NPR), Stamberg was the first woman to anchor a national nightly news program and has won every major award in broadcasting.  In 1994, she was inducted into the Broadcasting Hall of Fame and, in 1996, into the Radio Hall of Fame.

Due to 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 7 p.m. on December 12.  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 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. 

Ashford University graduation ceremonies are held twice annually.  The December 2009 graduating class is the largest in the university's 91-year history.

About Ashford University

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, director of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.