On Sunday, May 1, thousands of graduates will be donning their caps and gowns to participate in Ashford University’s spring commencement ceremony. Only one of those graduates, however, will perform the national anthem in front of an arena full of graduates, guests, faculty, and staff.

Chris Workman is the winner of a nationwide competition to open Ashford’s graduation ceremony with his rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Workman will also be celebrating his bachelor’s degree in applied behavioral science during the ceremony.

Workman, 22, of Round Rock, Texas, submitted his audition video via a YouTube link from his personal YouTube channel using an Ashford application specifically created for the national anthem competition. Workman’s video and other submissions sent in by Ashford graduates participating in the May 1 ceremony were reviewed by the Ashford University Commencement Committee. Top selections were then posted to the official Ashford University Facebook page where visitors were able to vote on which singer they preferred.

In addition to singing and pursuing his higher education degree, Workman is a camp director at YMCA of Greater Williamson County and an active Eagle Scout member of Troop 711.

Watch Chris Workman’s winning audition video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIYmoiLPsuI.

About Ashford University

Where heritage meets innovation – that’s Ashford University. At Ashford, students discover relevant degree programs, innovative technology, and cherished tradition. Ashford offers associates, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs online, allowing students to balance life by providing the flexibility to do school work anywhere, anytime. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu, www.facebook.com/ashforduniversity, www.twitter.com/AshfordU, or call Marianne Perez, Media Relations Manager, at 858.513.9240 x11636.