Ashworth College News & Events
Port North Resident Receives "Extreme" Surprise at Ashworth College Graduation Ceremony
NORCROSS, Georgia – August 27, 2009 – Samantha Cruse, Port North, FL received more than a diploma during her Ashworth College graduation ceremony which was held Saturday, August 15 at the Gwinnett Center, Duluth, GA.
During the ceremony, keynote speaker Didiayer Snyder from ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition surprised Cruse, an Interior Decorating graduate, with an offer to work as a design assistant on the set of her Emmy Award-winning television show. Snyder herself is an Ashworth graduate, having completed Carpentry and Interior Decorating programs.
“My Ashworth education has helped me in my career,” Snyder announced to Cruse and the crowd of nearly 1,000 graduates, family members and guests. “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.”
“Studying at Ashworth was a great experience in itself and I’m motivated to continue on with my education,” Cruse exclaimed. “The fact that I’m going to be able to apply what I’ve learned on television, in a real-life situation, is an amazing opportunity.”
185 graduates honored
During the ceremony itself Cruse and 184 fellow 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 Gary M. Keisling, Ashworth College Chairman, President and CEO.
"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."
Among this year's graduates, 66 students received college degrees while an additional 63 career diplomas and 56 high school diplomas were also presented. Those taking part in the ceremony traveled from 34 states and three foreign countries.
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."
Ashworth Alumnae brings education to life
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.
"I admit that I was nervous going back to school," said Snyder. "But I didn’t spend any time wondering where I'd be without my education – it's part of who I am today – a student of 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."
At the conclusion of her speech, Snyder, who graduated from both Ashworth's Carpentry and Interior Decorating programs, made a surprise presentation to fellow Interior Decorating graduate Samantha Cruse, North Port, FL. Cruse was offered the opportunity to work as an assistant to the design producers on the set of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. "My Ashworth education has helped me in my career," Snyder explained. "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."
"Studying at Ashworth was a great experience in itself and I’m motivated to continue on with my education," Cruse exclaimed. "The fact that I’m going to be able to apply what I've learned on television, in a real-life situation is an amazing opportunity."
Snyder 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." Ms. Snyder also acknowledged her husband Christopher for encouraging her to pursue her education. He is currently an Ashworth student and pursuing an Associate Degree in psychology.
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
