Kaplan University Holds First Commencement Ceremony for Online Graduates

Kaplan University Holds First Commencement Ceremony for Online Graduates Harold O. Levy, Former New York City Schools Chancellor, Delivers Commencement Address FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Jan. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Kaplan University, a regionally accredited university, held its first commencement ceremony for online graduates this morning, January 23 at 11:00 a.m. Andrew S. Rosen, President, Kaplan University, presided over the ceremony at the Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six Hotel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Harold O. Levy, Executive Vice President and General Counsel for Kaplan, Inc., and former New York City Schools Chancellor, delivered the commencement address. "Today we celebrated the success of our graduates and the exponential growth of our school, which has doubled enrollments each year since our inception in 2000," said Kaplan University President Andrew S. Rosen. "This event was a wonderful opportunity for our online graduates to gather together to celebrate their achievements in person." Graduates and faculty members flew in from around the country to attend the event, many of whom met face-to-face for the first time. Approximately 100 instructors and deans participated in the ceremony, where diplomas for certificate, associate and bachelor degrees were awarded. For those who could not attend, the commencement for online graduates will be available online at http://www.kaplan.edu/ on January 25, 2005. Kaplan University recognized four graduates with Outstanding Student Awards based on cumulative grade point averages of 4.0. In addition, Penny Freeland, an online composition instructor with Kaplan University, received the Outstanding Faculty Award for her consistently high evaluations from students. Kaplan University, based in Davenport, Iowa, is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). Kaplan University currently serves nearly 22,000 online and on-ground students, and has conferred a total of 1,340 certificates, and associate and bachelor degrees to online students during the year 2004. About Kaplan Higher Education and Kaplan, Inc. Kaplan, Inc.'s higher education division, including Kaplan University and Concord Law School, comprises 70 campus-based locations in 16 states. Kaplan Higher Education offers master, bachelor and associate degrees, as well as certificates designed to provide students with the skills necessary to qualify them for employment in fields such as business, criminal justice, education, fashion and design, healthcare, information technology, legal and paralegal studies. Kaplan is a leading provider of educational and career services to students, schools, professionals and businesses worldwide. For nearly 70 years, Kaplan has helped millions of individuals achieve their educational and career goals. Kaplan is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE:WPO). For more information about Kaplan, please visit http://www.kaplan.com/ Press contact: Charles Lynn, clynn@kaplan.edu, tel. (954) 515-4574/cell (561) 350-1363 Source: Kaplan University CONTACT: Charles Lynn, clynn@kaplan.edu, +1-954) 515-4574, or cell +1-561-350-1363 Web site: http://www.kaplan.com/ NOTE TO EDITORS: Kaplan is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO) ------- Profile: International Entertainment