Ashworth College Welcomes Record Turnout at 2009 Graduation Ceremony

NORCROSS, Ga., Aug. 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Ashworth College, a leader
in distance education, honored 185 graduates during the annual commencement
ceremony held Saturday, August 15 at the Gwinnett Center, Duluth, GA. Didiayer
Snyder from ABC's Emmy Award-winning Extreme Makeover: Home Edition gave this
year's commencement address. Snyder is a two-time Ashworth graduate.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090827/DC67329)

With nearly 1,000 family members, guests, and Ashworth faculty and staff
present, each graduate was 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 Schoolonline diploma
programs; undergraduate and graduate online certificate programs; and
Associate, Bachelor's and Master'sonline 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.

SOURCE Ashworth College

Richard Orr of Ashworth College, +1-770-729-8400,
publicity@ashworthcollege.edu