Ashworth College News & Events
LA Resident Receives "Extreme" Honor at Graduation Ceremony
NORCROSS, Georgia – August 28, 2009 – Didiayer Snyder from ABC's Emmy Award-winning Extreme Makeover: Home Edition gave this year’s commencement address to nearly 1,000 Ashworth College graduates, family members and guests.
Snyder, a two-time Ashworth graduate who previously completed Ashworth’s online Carpentry and Interior Decorating programs, was also presented with Ashworth’s Alumnus of the Year Award for her contributions towards education and the community. “I encourage each of you to ask yourself every day how education can change not only your life, but the lives of others.” Ashworth is a leader in distance education.
"As someone who demonstrates how her education has contributed to her professional success, Didiayer is clearly a role model. We’re proud to have her as an Ashworth alumna and thrilled to have her participate in this special occasion," said Gary M. Keisling, Ashworth College Chairman, President and CEO.
In congratulating the graduates Snyder related her own experiences as a working professional and Ashworth student, praising her alma mater for delivering quality programs that fit her busy lifestyle. She assured graduates that they, like her, will be able to immediately begin incorporating their studies into their professional lives.
“My Ashworth education has helped me in my career,” Snyder announced to the assembly. “I can still remember the wonder of discovery as the words from my exams became my real life experience. I want you to have the experience of having what you learned on the page come to life.”
“Some of you decided to attend school in order to climb the corporate ladder and some of you may have had your eye on a better job to provide security for your family. Others of you were simply inspired to study further,” she continued. “No matter what your life’s destination is, always enjoy the journey, believe in your direction, and visualize your dreams into reality.”
During the ceremony, Snyder surprised one graduate, Samantha Cruse, an Interior Decorating graduate from Port North, FL, with an offer to work as a design assistant on the set of her Emmy Award-winning television show.
185 graduates honored
During the ceremony, 185 graduates were recognized individually by name as they crossed the stage and received their diplomas from F. Milton Miller, Ed.D., Ashworth Vice President, Education. Graduates were also personally congratulated by both Snyder and Keisling.
“All of us at Ashworth hope that in some small way we’ve been able to bring learning, experience and achievement to your life,” Keisling said during his introductory remarks. “Today is a celebration of your success and your education is a contribution to helping you find your great passion in life.”
Attending a live graduation ceremony has special significance for Ashworth graduates. Not only does it honor a long-standing tradition shared by students worldwide, for Ashworth grads it is quite possibly the first live interaction with faculty, staff and other students. The average Ashworth student completes their education online, from home, anywhere in the world without stepping foot in a classroom or ever meeting an instructor face-to-face.
“Our graduates come from diverse backgrounds and situations, said Miller. “What they have in common is having made significant commitment to improve their lives through education – often juggling work, family and finances to realize their dreams. The ceremony signifies a major milestone in their 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
