Class of 2023 Graduates and Award Winners will
be Honored at Two-Day Ceremony in National Harbor, Md.
CHARLES
TOWN, W.Va., June 8, 2023
/PRNewswire/ -- American Public University System (APUS)—which
offers online degree and certificate programs through American
Military University (AMU) and American Public
University (APU)—will celebrate over 14,000 graduates at its
27th annual commencement, taking place June 9 –10 at the Gaylord Hotel in National
Harbor, Md. The Class of 2023's conferrals include nearly 3,300
master's degrees, over 7,200 bachelor's degrees, and over 3,500
associate degrees.
"Today marks a major milestone in your lives – the culmination
of years of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. As you go out
into the new world, strive to make a positive impact on those
around you. Stay humble and achieve great things," APUS President
Nuno Fernandes states in prepared
remarks slated for his keynote address. "You've made it through the
highs and lows of your academic journey, and now you stand here,
ready to embark on the next exciting chapter of your lives. Go out
there, make an impact, and embrace your vision."
Kevin Pordon, the Class of 2023
undergraduate student speaker, urges fellow classmates to stay the
course, in prepared remarks. "Everyone in this room has challenges
and shortcomings. But we've learned to overcome them. The fact
we're here proves it. We've developed discipline, commitment, and
perseverance in pursuit of our goals. No matter how long it
takes."
Matthew Warren, the Class of 2023
graduate student speaker, expresses gratitude to his professors for
their expertise and support. He also reflects on the support
community that makes graduation possible. "Today, each one of us
can look in the mirror and see tenacity, grit, and perseverance,"
he states. "And we can also see a graduate."
APUS will also recognize 30 students, faculty, and alumni who
have excelled and positively impacted their community during their
time as students. Among the most prestigious awards, The Mary
Kim Ward Resilience and Service Award recognizes resilience,
patience, and determination, and a student's impact and influence
on public service, social justice, and inclusion. This year's
winner is Jakia Lindley.
Tracey Lanham will be recognized
with the 2023 Dr. Wallace E. Boston Leadership Award, honoring
the positive impact she has made in the community. Katt Fisne will receive the 2023 James P.
Etter Creativity and Innovation Award, in recognition of her
innovation and creativity as a member of the APUS learning
community.
For the 2023 President's Award, which honors students
for their commitment to service, scholastic achievement,
outstanding character, and leadership, Enmanuel Rodriguez will be recognized at the
undergraduate level, and Chelsa
Hazelwood will be honored as the graduate level
recipient.
For The Academic Scholar Award, which honors students
who have engaged in excellent scholarly conduct and accomplishments
during their studies, the recipients are Matthew Caruso, Kristjana Cook, Scott
Cornish, Sarah Hayes,
Thelma Nash, Sarah Sharpe, Michael
Stroud, Jamie Swanston,
Vashi Torres, and Gary Verdusco.
About American Public University System
American Public University System (APUS) delivers affordable,
high-quality, workforce-relevant higher education. With a vibrant,
diverse, and inclusive, 31-year history and over 131,000 alumni
from more than 100 countries, APUS is recognized for its innovative
approach to online learning. APUS is in the top 11% for students'
return on educational investment, compared to 4,500 colleges and
universities nationwide, according to the Georgetown University Center on Education and the
Workforce (2022)1.
APUS, which includes American Military
University (AMU) and American Public
University (APU), is accredited by the Higher Learning
Commission (HLC), an institutional accreditation agency
recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. APUS is a wholly
owned subsidiary of American Public Education,
Inc. (Nasdaq: APEI). For more information,
visit www.apus.edu.
1Ranking based on 20-year net
present value
(NPV) https://cew.georgetown.edu/cew-reports/roi2022/.
CONTACT: Kathleen Liebenberg,
kliebenberg@apei.com
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SOURCE American Public University System