Three thousand total students. Five hundred center stage. The first live graduation webcast in Kaplan University history!
Kaplan University’s 2010 Winter Commencement had its share of unforgettable moments. Many students, along with friends and family, came from across the country to attend.
And one of the most well-known figures in recent American history provided them with encouragement, words of wisdom and a few laughs.
Commanding the audience
General Colin Powell, the 65th Secretary of State and former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, urged graduates to forge ahead in their quest for a better life. He also applauded Kaplan University for leveraging technology to offer greater access to higher education.
“You can improve yourselves using the incredible power of this revolution [in online education] …It’s how Kaplan University has grown and continues to grow. This revolution will speed through this country because of its effectiveness and power,” exclaimed Gen. Powell. “Today celebrate your achievements; tomorrow get back online and determine what you are going to do next.”
He also joked about some of the frustrations he has experienced adapting to a digital society that is changing by the day.
“I have four computers at my house,” noted Powell. “With me today I have three different smart phones. I am using all of this technology to make sure that I stay up with the world that's changing. But the principal reason I got to work so hard is I got to stay up with my grandchildren.”
He added, “every time I think I have caught up with them, they leap ahead of me, particularly Brian. He comes to me one day and says, Poppy, you know, you really have to have a Facebook page.”
But when Gen. Powell learned that a Facebook page for him existed, he described his frustration at hearing this news. “How can I have a Facebook page? I didn't sign up for Facebook! That's illegal. You can't do that. You can't invade my privacy like that, and so I'm not going to put up with it. I'm getting my lawyers and we are going to sue Facebook.”
According to Gen. Powell, after listening to his tirade, Brian replied. “Poppy, you already have twenty thousand fans.” Gen. Powell, pleasantly surprised by this, said “Okay.” Then he told our graduates, “Hey, why fight it? Why fight it? It's hard. So I'm doing my best to keep up with Brian. And to keep up with you all”
A message from the President
Gen. Powell was not the only dignitary to speak with the graduating class. Kaplan University’s President Dr. Wade Dyke provided his own thoughts on the day’s events in his commencement address.
“All of our students have both the potential and the aspiration to be more than they are,” said Dr. Dyke. “Our students are looking for an educational path that allows them to achieve their goals, on their terms in non-traditional ways. Congratulations graduates on a job well done.”
Dr. Dyke highlighted two graduates in particular, Patricia Feggins and Al’Vincent Mitchell.
Feggins, who received her associate’s degree in interdisciplinary studies, opened a round-the-clock daycare facility after watching numerous employees quit at the fast food restaurant she managed for 28 years because they couldn’t find after-hours childcare.
Mitchell, a Marine Gunnery Sergeant stationed in Pensacola, FL, is already planning how he is going to use his MBA for life after the military. When he retires from active service in 6 years, he plans on becoming an entrepreneur or corporate CEO.
A story of heart and determination
Then our student speaker came to the stage.
Lisa Evert, a straight-A student from San Antonio, TX, who earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology, overcame a debilitating illness and major surgery that nearly kept her from achieving her educational goals. She was selected from an impressive group of graduates to deliver the student commencement address.
“I was given a second chance at life and my journey led me to Kaplan University,” Lisa said. “The gifts I have received here, I would never have been able to attain had it not been for the online learning environment Kaplan [University] provided.”
She added, “each moment that I breathe in life is a precious blessing to me, and each moment I choose how I will spend and honor this gift of life that I have been blessed with. For me, my greatest challenges have been my greatest gifts. I learned that I could persevere no matter the odds and attain my goals. I learned that each moment is a gift to be cherished, and that it is never too late to reach for what is important. Being a student at Kaplan University opened my eyes to who I am and what is truly important.”
By combining the extraordinary accomplishments of our graduates, the power of Gen. Colin Powell and the first live webcast of a Kaplan University graduation, Winter Commencement 2010 proved to be one of the most memorable days in Kaplan University history.
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