Ashworth College News & Events

Jackson resident graduates from Ashworth Career School

NORCROSS, Georgia – April 15, 2008 – Sometimes it's fun to dream about what you might to do with your work life. Maybe you've fantasized about joining the circus or owning a bed and breakfast. Maybe you fell into your current career and never got the opportunity to pursue your real passion. Wouldn't it be great to get to a point in life when you can act on that inner ambition?

Today, many people are making a mid-career switch because they're simply not passionate about what they do eight hours a day or they want to turn something personal into a career. One such Ashworth graduate is doing just that.

Deborah Dykes, Jackson, MS, who recently completed the Ashworth Career School Teacher Assisting program, attended her graduation ceremony on August 9, 2008 in Norcross, GA. Her diploma represents the first step in pursuing her dream of working in education, specifically with deaf and special needs children.

Dykes received her high school diploma in 1974 from the Mississippi School for the Deaf where she graduated with honors and served as her graduating classes Salutatorian.

Although she intended to go on to college, various factors lead her into the workforce instead. Dykes began a career in computers and is now long-time data entry operator for Mississippi Department of Employment Security.

Over the years, Dykes has given back to her community as a volunteer to deaf youth and has decided to turn this interest into a second career when she retires.

"For years I have been volunteering with deaf children through church as well as with students at the Mississippi School for the Deaf," Dykes commented. "I would like to combine my experience in computers and technology with my passion for working with deaf children."

"With the encouragement of my sister, who is also my hearing interpreter, and other family members I decided to turn my volunteer work into a second career as a teachers aide and work with deaf and other special needs children."

Why did you decide to enroll in the Ashworth program?

I am planning ahead – for when I retire from my current job. In order to work with special needs children I know that I will want additional educational training. My Ashworth diploma is the first step in making my dream a reality.

Before enrolling I read about the Ashworth program. Being able to study from home and online made it very convenient for me to excel in the program.

What did you like most about your program of study?

The course was easy to read and to understand.

How easy was it to fit online/home study into your busy work and/or family life?

I enjoy an active life. Between work and volunteering, it was helpful to schedule my program around my other activities and to be able to study at home or anyplace I chose.

Have you been using the skills you learned in your program in your career?

As a volunteer, what I have learned has been very helpful. What I am really looking forward to is using the skills after I retire and begin working in education.

2008 Graduation Ceremony

Ashworth College hosted nearly 1,000 graduates, family and friends representing each of its high school, career school and university diploma and degree programs.

The 2008 ceremony was held at the Hilton Hotel Northeast in Norcross, GA on August 9 and was the second time the institution held a live event for its graduates. The 250 graduates travelled from 38 states, and five foreign countries. Overall attendance doubled the inaugural 2007 event.

As a leader in distance education, Ashworth's live graduation ceremony is a unique opportunity for its students. Unlike other learning institutions, Ashworth students complete their programs from home, making this the first time a majority of students have met school faculty, staff and fellow students.

"Attending a live ceremony has special significance our graduates," said Jon Bouffler, Ashworth Executive Vice President. "Some are changing careers. Some never completed high school. Some are military personnel completing their degrees while being deployed around the world."

"Our students come from diverse backgrounds and situations, as such they have made significant commitment to improve their lives through education – often juggling work, family and finances to realize their dreams," he added. "This is the culmination of their efforts."

Bouffler presided over the ceremony and was joined by Dr. F. Milton Miller, Ed.D., Ashworth Vice President, Education and Dr. Lisa Bryde, Director of High School and Career School Diploma Program Development. Mike Lambert, Executive Director of the Distance Education and Training Council delivered the Commencement Address.

Planning for the 2008 kicked off in February with a design contest illustrating "what graduation means to me." The winning design was created by Virginia Bermudez, a Master's degree student from Madison, TN. Her design, using the theme "A New Beginning" depicted a combination of motivational images associated with earning degree. Her design has been prominently featured on graduation tickets, programs, flyers and t-shirts.

Pre-graduation activities began at College headquarters on Friday, August 8, where graduates and guests were welcomed by faculty and staff. Graduates had the opportunity to "Tell Us Your Story." These videotaped testimonials will be posted on the school website and serve as inspiration to their fellow students.

The College also partnered with CareerBuilder.com® to host two Career Search Workshops. Open to graduates and their guests, the sessions included tips on interviewing, resume writing, and how to utilize the Internet as part of a job search.

"Now that they have completed their education we want to be sure to give them as many tools as we can so that they can succeed," said Bouffler. "The Internet has changed the way people find jobs. We are fortunate to be able to partner with an expert like Careerbuilder.com®."

Tying into the "New Beginning" theme was Bouffler's opening speech which acknowledged the commitment each graduate made towards the completion of his or her program.

"This is your day –the formal recognition of all you have achieved in your academic study with Ashworth. But it goes beyond that. You have proved to yourselves and others that you can muster all it takes to get through and pass a course of study whether it be high school, a career course or a degree program. That takes real purpose, you have to make sacrifice, you have to be disciplined, you need support from your family and friends.

These are also the tools of life. I know having proved yourselves here you will go onto to do so time and time again in your lives."

About Ashworth College

Ashworth College, a leader in distance education, offers students worldwide more than 100 career-focused High School, Career School online diploma programs; undergraduate and graduate online certificate programs; and Associate, Bachelor's and Master's online degree programs; 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), a division of the US Department of Education. Ashworth High School is also accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the Commission on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation (CITA). For more information visit AshworthCollege.edu.

Press Contact:
Richard Orr
Ashworth College
publicity@ashworthcollege.edu
(770) 729-8400