A leader in distance education, Ashworth will host recent graduates from each of its high school, career school and university diploma and degree programs (university is comprised of associates, bachelor’s and masters degree programs).
Jon Bouffler, Ashworth Executive Vice President, will preside over the ceremony. Joining him on stage will be Dr. F. Milton Miller, Ed.D., Ashworth Vice President, Education, Dr. Lisa Bryde, Director of Ashworth High School and Career School Diploma Program Development, and Deepa Chadha, Director of Graduate Degree Program Development. Mike Lambert, Executive Director of the Distance Education and Training Council will deliver the Commencement Address.
“Attending a live ceremony has special significance for many of our graduates,” said Bouffler. “Some are changing careers. Some never completed high school. Some are military personnel completing their degrees while being deployed around the world.”
“Our students come from diverse backgrounds and situations, as such they have made significant commitment to improve their lives through education – often juggling work, family and finances to realize their dreams,” he added.
The 2007 ceremony was the first time the institution held a live ceremony for its graduates. The inaugural event welcomed 110 graduates from 30 states, and foreign countries. This year’s event will prove to be even larger. The University is anticipating hosting more than 500 attendees.
“Attending the Graduation Ceremony was the most special moment of my life,” said Vahide Spahiu, Kosovo, 2007 Associate Degree graduate. “I decided to fly all the way across the Atlantic Ocean just to be there for this special moment of my life and to experience the thrill of walking on the stage with a cap and gown. This may sound unusual, however, in Kosovo, due to the struggling education system and war time suffering we did not have a graduation ceremony -- the only graduation ceremony I had ever seen was on TV and I always dreamed of participating at least once in my life.”
The focus for the 2008 ceremony is “A New Beginning.” The theme is the result of a University wide design contest for Ashworth students. Virginia L. Bermudez, Nashville, TN, created the winning design which will be featured on the program cover.
In addition to Lambert’s commencement address, the 2008 Graduation activities will include a special presentation to newly inducted members of Delta Epsilon Tau, a national honor society for distance learning institutions, an Open House at the University offices in Norcross, a Career workshop facilitated by Careerbuilder.com®
Michael P. Lambert
Michael P. Lambert joined the Distance Education and Training Council in 1972 and has served as the Executive Director since 1992. Over the years he has served on more than 650 accreditation review committees in eight countries.
Mr. Lambert earned a BS degree in English/Education and an MA Degree in English Literature from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), and an MBA Degree in Finance from George Mason University. He has also attended the International Summer School at the University of Cambridge in England.
Mr. Lambert has taught, written and lectured widely on distance education and accreditation since 1972, and serves on numerous advisory boards, including the CHEA International Commission, the ACE Commission on Lifelong Learning and the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges.
His awards include the U.S. Army Commendation Medal, the DETC Distinguished Recognition Award, the DETC Distinguished Service Award, the IUP Distinguished Alumnus Award, and the European Association for Distance Learning’s “Roll of Honour” for his lifetime contributions to the field.
Delta Epsilon Tau
Outstanding students graduating from Ashworth University and Ashworth Career School are eligible for nomination into the Delta Epsilon Tau Honor Society.
Founded in 1997, Delta Epsilon Tau () is headquartered in Millville, DE, and sponsored by The Distance Education and Training Council. is the only Honor Society in America that represents accredited distance learning institutions. As first chapter in the state of Georgia, Ashworth has the distinction of being the Alpha chapter.
Career Workshop
Ashworth has tapped the resources of Careerbuilder.com®
“Now that they have completed their education we want to be sure to give them as many tools as we can so that they can succeed,” said Bouffler. “The Internet has changed the way people find jobs. We are fortunate to be able to partner with an expert like Careerbuilder.com®
