Arthur Miller, Preeminent Legal Expert, Addressed Graduating Class
Concord Law School of Kaplan University, the nation's leading fully online law school, celebrated the graduation of 101 students on today at the Skirball Cultural Center. The graduating class included 72 graduates of the Juris Doctor program and 30 who earned an Executive Juris Doctor degree.
Arthur R. Miller, LL.B.,one of the nation's preeminent legal experts, delivered the keynote address. Miller, who served on the Harvard Law School faculty for more than 35 years, sparked controversy in 1998 when he filmed video lectures for Concord Law School. His early support of—and contribution to—Concord Law School generated media headlines as universities confronted intellectual property issues raised by Internet-based education. His lectures continue to be part of Concord's curriculum.
"Today is a special day for you and also for me. You see, I've been here since the beginning. When I was first approached it seemed natural to have a program that enabled working professionals and those limited by geography to receive an education. I also believed it should be available 24/7. It was a noble experiment. And now, ten years later, you are the 13th graduating class, and this is no longer an experiment but a tradition," said Miller, who today serves on the New York University Law School faculty. "As you go forward in your lives, I want you to pledge to continue the spirit of this institution--its innovation and its tenacity. Make this law school proud of you."
Concord President and Dean Barry Currier, J.D., presented Miller with an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree in recognition for his early support of Concord and its mission, his renowned skills as a teacher of law and for "his early understanding of both the opportunities and the risks of contemporary technology for society, the law and education." In receiving the award, Miller said, "I'm so glad I signed on ten years ago, and as long as I have legs to stand on I will be a part of this institution."
More than 40 percent of this graduating class entered Concord having already earned a graduate degree, including nine MBA, five Ph.D., and four MD degree holders. These accomplished professionals included small business owners, college professors, a surgeon and an engineer who was in Afghanistan serving in the Army Reserves for much of his third year of law school.
About Concord Law School
Concord Law School was founded in 1998 and today has 1,500 students across the country and around the world. Since Concord's first graduating class in November 2002, more than 1,100 students have completed the JD and EJD programs. The formal merger of Concord into Kaplan University in the fall of 2007 made Concord the first online law school to be part of a regionally accredited institution of higher education. Kaplan University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Concord is also accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council, a nationally recognized accrediting agency. Additionally, Concord is an institutional member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the International Association of Law Schools. For more information, visit info.concordlawschool.edu.
About Kaplan Higher Education
Concord Law School of Kaplan is part of Kaplan Higher Education, which serves more than 103,000 students online and through more than 70 campus-based schools across the United States and abroad. Kaplan Higher Education schools offer a spectrum of academic opportunities, from certificates and diplomas to graduate and professional degrees, including a juris doctor degree. Kaplan Higher Education is part of Kaplan, Inc., a leading international provider of educational and career services for individuals, schools and businesses. Kaplan serves students of all ages through a wide array of offerings including higher education, test preparation, professional training and programs for kids in grades K through 12. Kaplan, Inc. is a subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO), and its largest and fastest-growing division. For more information about Kaplan University, visit www.kaplan.edu/talent.
Contacts:
For Concord Law School
Holly Barnhill, 310-689-3216
Cell:
818-406-0561
holly_barnhill@concord.kaplan.edu
or
Michele
Pore, 312-706-6006
Cell: 312-502-7534
mpore@kaplan.edu