Tarr graduates from Kaplan

    Aleshia Tarr of Oakfield has been awarded a associate of applied science degree in information technology from Kaplan University, a leader in higher education innovation. Tarr’s accomplishment was celebrated during a live graduation ceremony on Feb. 5 in Miami. Bill Richardson, former two-term governor of New Mexico, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, U.S. Energy Secretary and multiple Nobel Peace Prize nominee, served as the commencement speaker.
    Richardson referenced his path from student to governor and told the approximately 1,000 graduates in attendance that “when you combine diversity and creativity with energy, commitment and a strong work ethic, there is no limit to what you can do.”
    “I feel very strongly about providing opportunities and increasing access to education, which Kaplan University does very efficiently and very effectively. And what they’ve done is adapt to a changing world and respond to the needs of students – to your needs,” Richardson added.
    The Kaplan University winter 2011 class, which included more than 5,600 graduates, earned associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees – as well as professional certificates – completely online. More than 1,000 of them traveled from around the country and the world to attend the ceremony, meeting face-to-face for the first time. Kaplan University has graduated nearly 27,000 online students since it began offering web-based degrees in 2001.