FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla., Jan. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Kaplan University held its winter commencement ceremony for nearly 1,400 online graduates on Saturday morning, January 21st, at the Coral Springs Marriott in Coral Springs, Florida. Graduates and their families traveled across the country, from New York to California, to attend the ceremony. Certificates and associate's and bachelor's degrees were awarded in fields including paralegal studies, business administration, information technology and criminal justice, which features concentrations in national security and terrorism studies.
Retired Army Brigadier General Nick Halley, a noted terrorism expert and network television commentator, delivered the commencement address. Gen. Halley, a graduate of West Point who served in the United States Army for more than 30 years, teaches criminal justice courses at Kaplan University. He has also authored books on anti-terrorism and leadership.
"Our graduates made tremendous sacrifices to earn their diplomas. They managed to balance jobs and family responsibilities with a challenging curriculum," said Kaplan University President Andrew S. Rosen. "They came to us with life experience and the desire to achieve something more. Today they leave with a first-rate education, greater career potential and pride."
More than 150 instructors and deans attended the ceremony to celebrate the achievements of the graduates. In addition, Terry Miller, an undergraduate information technology instructor, and Frank DiMarino, a graduate criminal justice instructor, each received an Outstanding Faculty Award for their unwavering dedication to their students and colleagues. Kaplan University also recognized 27 graduates with Academic Excellence Awards based on cumulative grade point averages of 4.0. For those who could not attend, the commencement will be made available online as a streaming video at http://www.kaplanuniversity.edu/.
Kaplan University, based in Davenport, Iowa, is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA).
Kaplan University currently serves more than 23,000 online and on-ground students, and has conferred more than 3,260 certificates, and associate's, bachelor's and master's degrees to online students since 2000.
About Kaplan Higher Education and Kaplan, Inc.
In addition to Kaplan University, Kaplan, Inc.'s higher education division includes Concord Law School and more than 75 campus-based locations. Kaplan Higher Education offers master's, bachelor's and associate's degrees, as well as certificates designed to provide students with the skills necessary to qualify them for employment in fields such as business, criminal justice, education, fashion and design, health care, information technology, legal and paralegal studies. Kaplan is a leading provider of educational and career services to students, schools, professionals and businesses worldwide. For nearly 70 years, Kaplan has helped millions of individuals achieve their educational and career goals. Kaplan is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Washington Post Company . For more information about Kaplan, please visit http://www.kaplan.com/.
Note to Media: Interviews and commencement photos are available. Please call Caitrin Muldoon at (954) 515-3773 or at (850) 449-3667.
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