Internet Connects Graduates, University, and Guests Worldwide to
Share in 2004 Graduation Experience
ARLINGTON, Va., June 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Strayer University, a leading
provider of high-quality post-secondary education for working adults, is
hosting a unique and customized virtual commencement ceremony to recognize the
achievements of Strayer University Online's 2004 graduates. The multi-faceted
virtual commencement includes all of the traditional graduation components
captured in a way that results in a sophisticated, Internet-based experience.
"The statistics show a growing demand for online education," said Pam
Bell, vice president online operations, Strayer University. "In order to meet
this demand, Strayer University has made a solid commitment to uphold the
quality and integrity of the University's online education. To further that
commitment, we are providing the 2004 online graduates with a one-of-a-kind
commencement ceremony that is designed specifically for them."
More than one third of Strayer University students take 100 percent of
their courses online. Students have the option to register for real-time or
time-dependent courses. Strayer University's 2004 virtual commencement is an
exciting way for online graduates to celebrate the completion of their
undergraduate or graduate degree with classmates and family worldwide.
"Our students have balanced the demands of full-time work and family to
obtain their educational goals and arrive to this day of commencement," said
Dr. J. Chris Toe, president of Strayer University. "Strayer University's
virtual commencement salutes their efforts by providing an Internet-based
forum to bring graduates, along with their friends and family, together to
share in the graduation experience in a way that is similar to how they earned
their degree."
To view the ceremony, visitors should click on the designated virtual
commencement link on the Strayer University Web site at
http://www.strayer.edu. Visitors are welcomed by the national anthem and can
navigate through opening remarks, speaker biographies, commencement speeches,
degree presentations, and the music of Pomp and Circumstance. Guests can also
post congratulatory messages to the graduates on the virtual commencement
site. This year's virtual commencement also highlights an outstanding Strayer
University Online student, professor, and alumnus.
During the degree presentations, each of the 2004 Strayer University
Online graduate names will be read aloud. As their names are read interesting
facts about the graduate will appear on the screen along with the degree
earned and area of academic concentration.
This year's virtual commencement keynote speaker is General Frank
Anderson, Jr. from Defense Acquisition University (DAU), based in Ft. Belvoir,
Va. DAU is a leader in online education and has received several awards
including the Brandon Hall Gold Medal Award for Excellence in e-Learning Best
Practices for its Performance Learning Model (PLM) and the American Society
for Training and Development (ASTD) Best Award, which recognizes organizations
that demonstrate enterprise-wide success or achievement.
"It is an honor to participate in a ceremony that celebrates the
accomplishments of Strayer University Online's class of 2004," said Anderson.
"These graduates demonstrated a strong will to pursue their education, while
they balanced family and work commitments, and this is a great way to
recognize them."
The virtual commencement also includes addresses by Dr. Toe and Scott W.
Steffey, chairman of Strayer University's board of trustees. "This ceremony is
an unprecedented approach to acknowledge our online graduates," said Bell.
"Wherever students are physically located, we want them to feel part of
Strayer University's global community of learners."
Strayer University Online is a fully integrated extension of the
University's commitment to the success and advancement of its students and
graduates. The online offering supports the University's campus-based efforts
by providing students with the opportunity to obtain an accredited post-
secondary degree at anytime, from anywhere, via the Internet.
"Strayer University Online makes education possible for students who might
not otherwise have access," said Toe. "We pride ourselves on providing them
with opportunities that will help them succeed in their academic and
professional careers."
This year, more than 3,400 graduates will receive undergraduate and
graduate degrees from Strayer University during three separate commencement
exercises scheduled on June 19 and 20 at the Patriot Center in Fairfax, Va.
Online graduates are also invited to attend the traditional ceremony.
Strayer Education, Inc. (Nasdaq: STRA) is an education services holding
company that owns Strayer University and certain other assets. Strayer's
mission is to make higher education achievable and convenient for working
adults in today's economy. Strayer University is a proprietary institution of
higher learning that offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in
business administration, accounting, information technology, education, and
public administration to more than 20,000 working adult students at 27
campuses in 7 states in the eastern United States and worldwide via the
Internet through Strayer University Online. Strayer University is committed
to providing an education that prepares working adult students for advancement
in their careers and professional lives. Founded in 1892, Strayer University
is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. For more
information on Strayer University please visit http://www.strayer.edu.
SOURCE Strayer University
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Related links:
http://www.strayer.edu
CONTACT:
Sonya Udler of Strayer University,
+1-703-247-2517, or sonya.udler@strayer.edu
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