Celebration will be in the air May 4 and 5 when Ashford University holds its spring 2013 commencement festivities. An estimated 1,600 graduates, plus approximately 8,000 guests, from 49 states are expected to travel to the Clinton/Quad-City region for the weekend. Most will meet face to face for the first time since more than 98 percent of Ashford students take classes online.

The weekend’s festivities begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 4 at the Ashford University campus, 400 N. Bluff Blvd. in Clinton, with a daylong celebration that will include student and faculty meet and greets, pictures with Ashford University President Dr. Richard Pattenaude, an alumni lounge, historical presentations, live music, food and fun.

The university’s two commencement ceremonies are scheduled for Sunday, May 5, at the i wireless Center, 1201 River Drive in Moline, Ill. – 10 a.m. for undergraduate students and 3 p.m. for graduate students.

LeVar Burton, who has portrayed such characters as Kunte Kinte in “Roots” and Lt. Commander Geordi LaForge in “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” will give the keynote address and, after winning a national audition competition, Leanne Leite, an Ashford graduate from Hampshire, Ill., will sing the national anthem.

Both ceremonies are open to the public; no tickets are required for admission.

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.