CHICAGO — Kaplan University, a leader in higher education innovation, celebrated the graduation of its summer 2011 class during a graduation ceremony on Aug. 6 at the Arie Crown Theater in Chicago. During her address, former Secretary of Labor Alexis M. Herman spoke to the online graduates about the importance of education to workforce development and global competitiveness.

She noted that those with degrees fare better in a tough labor market, citing the U.S. Labor Department's most recent 9.1 percent unemployment rate.

“What’s not reported in the news is that the unemployment rate for those with college degrees is 4 percent. This number confirms what we have always known,” Herman said during the ceremony. “What you know will directly influence how far you go and education matters more than ever. It is the great equalizer.”

The following local students were awarded degrees:

Shelli Saleeb of Daphne, Bachelor of Science degree in health sciences; Anita Martin of Fairhope, Associate of Applied Science degree in criminal justice; Mary Taylor of Gulf Shores, Associate of Applied Science degree in paralegal studies; Rebecca Fillingim of Loxley, Associate of Applied Science degree in health sciences;

Mary Saia of Loxley, Bachelor of Science degree in health sciences; Cynthia Mims of Orange Beach, Bachelor's degree in criminal justice.

The Kaplan University’s summer 2011 class included more than 7,200 graduates who earned associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees, all online. More than 1,000 of them traveled from around the country to attend the ceremony, meeting face-to-face for the first time. Others watched from home via a live webcast. Since 2001, Kaplan University has graduated nearly 40,000 students who have used their education to advance professionally and meet personal goals.

Kaplan University offers a different school of thought for higher education. It strives to help adult students unlock their talent by providing a practical, student-centered education that prepares them for careers in some of the fastest-growing industries. The University, which has its main campus in Davenport, Iowa, and its headquarters in Chicago, is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Kaplan University serves more than 61,000 online and campus-based students. The University has 11 campuses in Iowa, Nebraska, Maryland and Maine, and Kaplan University Learning Centers in Maryland, Wisconsin, Indiana, Missouri and Florida.

Kaplan University is part of Kaplan Higher Education, which serves more than 92,000 students online and through more than 70 campus-based schools across the United States. Kaplan Higher Education schools offer a spectrum of academic opportunities, from certificates and diplomas to graduate and professional degrees, including a juris doctor degree. Kaplan Higher Education is part of Kaplan Inc., a leading international provider of educational and career services for individuals, schools and businesses. Kaplan Inc. is a subsidiary of The Washington Post Company and its largest division. For more information about Kaplan University, visit http://www.kaplanuniversity.edu.