Ashworth College Hosts Record Turnout at 2010 Graduation Ceremony

Online education leader welcomes more than 1,000 graduates and guests

NORCROSS, Ga., Aug. 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Ashworth College, a leader in online education, honored a record 286 graduates during the annual commencement ceremony held at the Cobb Galleria Centre, Atlanta, GA, on Saturday, August 7. Olympic Speed Skating Team Sports Psychologist and Chief Instructor for the Ashworth (http://www.ashworthcollege.edu) School of Sports Psychology Dr. Nicole Detling Miller delivered this year's commencement address.

With nearly 1,100 guests and Ashworth faculty and staff present, each graduate was individually recognized as they crossed the stage to receive their diplomas from John Riser, Program Director, Ashworth High School & Career School. Graduates were also congratulated by Gary M. Keisling, Ashworth College Chairman and CEO and Dr. F. Milton Miller, Ed.D, Ashworth Vice President, Education.

"While distance education has become mainstream, it is not easy. To be successful, it requires drive and discipline and it's clear that each of you possess these qualities," Keisling said during his introductory remarks. "Today is a celebration of your success and your education is a contribution to helping you find your life's great passion. All of us at Ashworth hope that in some small way we've been able to bring learning, experience and achievement to your life."

Among this year's graduates, 83 students received college degrees, 107 received career diplomas and 96 received high school diplomas. Those taking part in the ceremony traveled from 32 states and four foreign countries. Among the graduates was a Department of Defense contractor at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, a military spouse supported by 28 family members, brother/sister high school graduates, and a woman who traveled more than 20 hours by bus in order to attend the ceremony.

Not only does attending a live graduation ceremony honor a long-standing tradition shared by students worldwide, for Ashworth grads it has special significance. The average Ashworth student completes their education online, from home, without stepping foot in a classroom and rarely meets an instructor face-to-face. For most, graduation is quite possibly the first in-person interaction with faculty, staff and fellow students. 2010 graduates had the opportunity to meet more than 40 instructors and staff members present at this year's ceremony.

"Our graduates are exceptional at planning their goals and their time, said Dr. Miller. "They have made the decision to follow a path that requires them to study and sacrifice – often juggling work, family and finances to realize their dreams. We're proud that we can offer them the opportunity to express satisfaction toward their accomplishments in the form of this graduation ceremony."

Noted sport psychologist and U.S. Olympic staff member delivers keynote address

Author, motivational speaker, U.S. Olympic team sports psychologist and Ashworth instructor, Dr. Nicole Detling Miller was this year's keynote speaker. Addressing this year's graduates, Dr. Detling Miller drew upon her experiences at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, where she served as the official U.S. Speed Skating Team sports psychologist and "mental coach" assisting athletes in overcoming any confidence, composure, anxiety and distraction issues that might hinder their performance.

"Olympians are regular people who have worked very hard to reach their goals. You are more like them than you are different," said Dr. Detling Miller. "Like all Olympic athletes, each of you has your own personal story. Like them you have worked to overcome some obstacle or barrier to reach your goal. And look at what you've achieved…every one of you is an Olympian in my eyes."

"Be proud of your accomplishments. You have an entire lifetime ahead of you," she added. "But always remember that what you've learned in the classroom can only take you so far. How you apply this knowledge is what will help you gain your success."

"I want to give you the same advice that I give all Olympians who want to take their lives further," Dr. Detling Miller concluded. "First, surround yourself with positive people who believe in you and make you a better person. Second, vow to never stop learning. And finally, work hard every single day so that you can achieve your dreams."

Dr. Miller honored with Flame of Excellence Award

In his final Ashworth College graduation ceremony, Dr. F. Milton Miller was honored for his 20 years of service to the institution. Dr. Miller, who retires in September, was bestowed with Ashworth's first Flame of Excellence Award. The award is an art glass sculpture designed by renowned artist and Atlanta resident Hans Godo Frabel and bears the inscription "Friend. Leader. Educator of Millions."

Presented by Ashworth CEO Gary Keisling, he acknowledged Dr. Miller's contributions toward the education of more than 2 million Ashworth students from more than 150 different countries. Dr. Miller' wife and daughters were in attendance.

Dr. Miller's career in higher education began in 1966 and his many contributions have been recognized by numerous organizations, including: the Distance Education and Training Council (Distinguished Recognition Award 1995), Who's Who in the Midwest (1985), Phi Delta Kappa (75 Young Education Leaders in America 1981) and three-time Outstanding Young Men of America honoree (1973, 1977 and 1979). Dr. Miller received his Bachelor's, Master's and Doctorate degrees from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

About Ashworth College

Ashworth College, a leader in online education, offers students worldwide more than 100 online college degrees, online certificate programs, online career training and online high school diplomas that are affordable and fit the busy schedules of working adults. Ashworth also offers specialized programs to corporate partners, active duty military personnel, military spouses, and homeschoolers.

Headquartered in Norcross, GA, Ashworth is accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). The Accrediting Commission of the DETC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency. Ashworth High School is further accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI). For more information, visit http://www.ashworthcollege.edu.

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Dr. F. Milton Miller

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Gary Keisling

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SOURCE Ashworth College