The largest graduating class in the history of American
Public University System (www.apus.edu)
(APUS) was recognized recently at the APUS Class of 2009 commencement.
Comprised of member institutions American
Military University (AMU) and American
Public University (APU), APUS is an accredited online university
system that serves more than 45,000 working adults studying worldwide.
More than 300 of the 2800 graduating students were in attendance –
traveling from destinations as close as Maryland and as far away as
Denmark and Germany – at the Westfields Marriott in Chantilly, Va.
Graduates received master’s, bachelor’s and associate degrees that were
earned exclusively online.
Originally founded as American Military University by a former Marine
Corps officer and instructor, James P. Etter, APUS focused on meeting
the unique educational needs of the military – a very mobile population
with extended, irregular schedules and limited financial resources. At
its launch, AMU enrolled 18 students in 22 courses and offered only
graduate degrees. APUS has grown exponentially since that time,
expanding to include American Public University. It continues to educate
those who serve with a mission of educating the nation's military and
public service communities by providing respected, relevant, affordable,
and student-focused online degree programs. APUS now offers 74 degree
programs which prepare students for service and leadership in a diverse,
global society.
AMU Founder, James P. Etter, was awarded a Doctorate of Business
Administration honoris causa during the commencement ceremony. “You
should have much satisfaction and a justifiable feeling of great pride,”
said Etter to graduates. “The university has come a long way since
January of 1993 and 18 students. It’s had its ups and downs, but today
it is a solid academic institution from which any student should be
proud to be a graduate.”
The commencement address was given by Dr. Thomas J. Haas, President of
Grand Valley State University. Haas is a graduate of the U.S. Coast
Guard Academy and served 27 years in the Coast Guard, retiring as a
Captain. He is also an internationally recognized expert in hazardous
waste transportation who holds a PhD in Chemistry from the University of
Connecticut. He served as Dean of Academics at the Coast Guard Academy
prior to serving as Vice President of William Penn College in Iowa and
President of the State University of New York at Cobleskill.
Dr. Haas shared his philosophy that decisions are made by leaders.
“Leadership is the confidence to do the right thing,” said Haas.
