PHOENIX, July 18, 2008 — University of Phoenix will honor 3,651 graduating online students on Friday, July 18, and Saturday, July 19, in commencement ceremonies at University of Phoenix Stadium. Degrees to be conferred include 753 associate's degrees, 1,266 bachelor's degrees, 1,451 master's degrees and 180 doctoral degrees.

To accommodate the more than 25,000 guests who are expected to attend, three separate ceremonies are planned. Additionally, for the first time ever, family and friends of graduates who cannot attend the ceremony can watch their loved ones walk across the stage via a webcast of the ceremonies on http://www.phoenix.edu/graduation.

The Online graduating class of 2008 is representative of all 50 U.S. states, as well as an International community of 31 countries. Because all the graduates completed their degree programs almost entirely online, the commencement ceremonies will be the first time many of the students will meet face-to-face.

Stedman Graham, chairman and CEO of S. Graham & Associates (SGA), will deliver the keynote address. SGA is a management and marketing consulting company that specializes in the corporate and educational markets. Graham is also an author of ten books, including two New York Times bestsellers, "You Can Make It Happen" and "Teens Can Make It Happen." He will be motivating the graduating class with tips on how to think outside the box to reach their full potential. He will share that success is truly based on results, performance and excellence.

ABOUT UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX

University of Phoenix is constantly innovating to help students balance education and life in a rapidly changing world. Through flexible schedules, challenging courses and interactive learning, students achieve personal and career aspirations without putting their lives on hold. As of August 31, 2008, 362,100 students were enrolled at University of Phoenix, the largest private university in North America. University of Phoenix serves a diverse student population, offering associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs from campuses and learning centers across the U.S. as well as online throughout the world.

Contact

Alanna Vituccial
alanna.vitucci@apollogrp.edu
(480) 557.3901