The largest graduating class in the 13 year history of Northcentral University was applauded today for being 21st Century leaders by Dr. Clinton Gardner, President of the 100% online university, who presented degrees to more than 130 students at a Prescott Valley, Arizona commencement that was simultaneously streamed over the Internet to over 400 additional graduates around the world.
“Each of you is living proof of how connected we are in a global community of learners and, after today, professional achievers,” Dr. Gardner said in his address to the class. “Technology has served you well in your academic pursuits and it will continue to serve you as you go forth to achieve your greatest professional aspirations.”
According to Dr. Gardner, more than 130 graduates and 600 of their family members made the trip to Prescott Valley from 29 different states and five different countries for today’s commencement, which was held at Tim’s Toyota Center. The rest of the graduating class of over 500 students was able to participate online via the University’s first live graduation webcast. Bachelor, Masters, and Doctoral degrees were awarded in Business, Education, and Psychology. “Today, more than 8000 students are enrolled in degree programs at Northcentral University,” Dr. Gardner continued, “and by the end of next year we expect to see even more outstanding leaders graduate from NCU.“
Underscoring the historic significance of this year’s commencement, the university’s commencement address was delivered by Arizona Secretary of State Ken Bennett, who congratulated the graduates for playing a pioneering role in defining the future of higher education. “Ten or twenty years from now the idea of earning a degree at an online university will seem rather ordinary,” Secretary Bennett said. “And why not? It’s more flexible, student focused, and extremely cost effective. Today, these are all still novel concepts in a world where too many view higher education as an extremely expensive but necessary final step in the educational process. Northcentral University, thanks to students like you, is proving that this need not be the case. I am very proud, as you should be, that the future of higher education is being shaped here in Arizona, where so many great ideas are forged.”
Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees were awarded to Arizona Secretary of State Ken Bennett and to business and civic leader Martin Gottlieb.
Ken Bennett was selected by Governor Janice K. Brewer to replace her as Secretary of State and was sworn into office on January 26, 2009. An Arizona native, Bennett served in the State Senate from 1999 to 2007, representing Legislative District 1. He was President of the Senate during his last four years in office. Prior to his legislative career, Bennett served for seven years on the Arizona State Board of Education and was President of the Board in 1996 and 1998. He is a founding member of the Education Leaders Council in Washington, DC. Ken Bennett earned a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Arizona State University.
Martin Gottlieb joined First Federal Bank of California in 1980 as Vice President and rose to the position of Corporate Executive Vice President. Additionally, Gottlieb served as Executive Vice President of FirstFed Financial Corp., a New York Stock Exchange listed company. He has also served on the Boards of Directors of Seaside Financial Corporation and Oceanside Insurance Company. Martin Gottlieb earned a Bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University and a Master of Public Administration Degree from Pepperdine University.
About Northcentral University: Since its founding in 1996 Northcentral University (www.ncu.edu) has pioneered a distinct approach to online Undergraduate, Graduate, and Post Graduate education that is dedicated to teaching individuals rather than classes. Combining the power of the Internet with an unparalleled one-on-one mentoring program, NCU offers students the flexibility to cost-effectively study on their own schedule using their own individual style while receiving personalized attention from course instructors whenever it is needed. Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the for profit, 100% online university currently serves over 8,000 students worldwide.
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