MINNEAPOLIS, March 8, 2011 – Capella University (www.capella.edu) that has built its reputation by providing high quality online degree programs for working adults, will host its 20th commencement ceremony on March 12, 2011, in New Orleans for more than 650 Capella students who are expected to participate in the event at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. More than 39,000 students are pursuing an online degree at Capella, with 31 percent enrolled in Capella’s doctoral degree programs, and 47 percent enrolled in Capella’s master’s degree programs.
Addressing the keynote speech will be Bertice Berry, PhD, an award-winning lecturer, educator, sociologist, author, and a member of Capella University's board of directors. She began her career teaching sociology and statistics at Kent State University. A strong advocate of community involvement, Berry is an active volunteer and literacy activist. Past Capella commencement speakers include Mae Jemison, Mara Liasson, Wally Amos, Ray Suarez, Dan Buettner, L. Tammy Duckworth, and Salome Thomas-EL.
"A Capella graduation ceremony is an incredibly powerful and emotional event. Our graduates and their families should be very proud of their significant accomplishments. Each of them exemplifies drive, determination and dedication to academic excellence," said Deb Bushway, interim president of Capella University. "All of us at Capella University extend our heartfelt congratulations to each of our new graduates."
Capella will provide live and archived webcasts of the ceremony (www.capella.edu/watchcommencement) for graduates, family, and friends who are unable to attend in person. Capella holds commencement ceremonies twice each year: in Minneapolis each August, and in another major U.S. city each February or March.
Capella University is an accredited online university* that has built its reputation by providing quality online degree programs for working adults. Nearly 80 percent of Capella students are currently enrolled in master's or doctoral online degree programs in the fields of business, counseling, education, health administration, human services, information technology, nursing, psychology, public administration, public health, public safety, and social work. Capella also offers bachelor's degree programs in business, information technology, nursing, psychology, public administration, and public safety. Within those areas, Capella currently offers 136 graduate and undergraduate specializations and 17 certificate programs. More than 39,000 learners were enrolled as of Dec. 31, 2010, from all 50 states and 59 other countries. Capella is committed to providing high-caliber academic excellence and pursuing balanced business growth. Founded in 1993, Capella University is a wholly owned subsidiary of Capella Education Company, headquartered in Minneapolis. For more information, please visit http://www.capella.edu or call 1.888.CAPELLA (227.3552).
Become a fan of the Capella Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/CapellaUniversity. Follow Capella on Twitter at http://twitter.com/CapellaU.
* Capella University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), www.ncahlc.org. Capella University, Capella Tower, 225 South Sixth Street, Ninth Floor, Minneapolis, MN 55402, 1.888.CAPELLA (227.3552), www.capella.edu.
Learn more about earning an online degree: