Online University Confers Degrees in Six Undergraduate and Graduate Programs
Dr. James Billington, U.S. Librarian of Congress,
Delivers Commencement Address
DENVER, May 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Jones International University(R) (JIU(R))
(http://www.jonesinternational.edu), which received the first accreditation in the
United States of a completely virtual institution, has 2004-2005 graduates
representing eight countries and more than 30 states across the U.S., living
proof that it has taken the distance out of distance education. The
participants in today's online commencement -- which included an address by
the Librarian of Congress, Dr. James Billington -- shared observations about
their tenure at JIU.
"I have had experience with several online schools and JIU is the best of
those. JIU has somehow made a personal connection through the online
environment and that makes all the difference," wrote Lonnie Standard from
Quincy, Ill. Standard, a training developer with Jordan and Howard
Technologies, earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in
Information Technology Management. "I have been involved with electronic and
computer-based learning for 15 years and I believe it is a way for us all to
stay knowledgeable in a wide variety of subjects."
Several graduates with highly mobile careers cited the anywhere/anytime
nature of JIU's online format as the key to completing their studies. "I
moved in the middle of my MBA from Houston to Kuwait and was able to complete
my MBA with no issue; all I needed was an Internet connection," said Zouhir
Omar Baki, recipient of an MBA in Negotiation and Conflict Management.
Said Kelly Elium, who earned an MBA in Information Technology Management,
"I made two moves during my studies, one to Germany and one to Kuwait, and I
was able to continue my studies without missing a beat."
Bridgetown, Barbados, is home to Erskine Hinds, an attorney who today
received his MBA. "I enjoyed the society of faculty members and learners
immensely," Hinds said. "I found all lecturers -- without exception --
extremely helpful and dedicated to the ideal of student success."
In his commencement address, JIU founder and Chancellor Glenn R. Jones
reminded the class of 2005's graduates that earning their degrees represents a
milestone, but along a continuing path toward knowledge. "The incessant
deluge of new information and the rampant changes it creates rush at us with
astonishing speed," he said. "Accordingly, the need to maintain the required
knowledge level in your field of endeavor will require constant learning."
Jones also praised the work of JIU's graduation keynote speaker, U.S.
Librarian of Congress James H. Billington. "He has combined the
communications revolution with the world's greatest repository of information,
creativity and knowledge; he has reached out to the great libraries of other
countries and encouraged them to participate," said Jones. "This has enabled
more equal access to educational opportunities across the planet."
But the highest praise of the ceremonies came from JIU's graduates, when
discussing their university; now, their alma mater.
"My colleagues think I'm a genius," said Willia Cooper, an instructional
designer and M.Ed. graduate. "Little do they know that the genius resides in
the learning philosophy and teaching approaches practiced at JIU!"
JIU has archived the webcast of its commencement exercises on its virtual
campus for anyone who wants to get a better idea of what online education is
all about. It may be found at: http://graduation.jonesinternational.edu.
About Jones International University
As a pioneer in online education, Jones International University(R), Ltd.
(JIU(R)) provides a quality online education experience for busy adults around
the globe. It employs the brightest minds from various of the world's leading
universities, including Oxford University, Carnegie Mellon University, London
Business School and Thunderbird, the Garvin School of International
Management, to create highly relevant and practical learning experiences that
help people advance their careers and enhance their lives. JIU, which
received the first accreditation in the United States of a completely virtual
institution, offers graduate and undergraduate degree specializations and
associated professional certificate programs in the fields of business
administration, education and business communication. Visit
http://www.jonesinternational.edu.
|
