Although they had never met in the flesh, about 700 online students celebrated their graduation from Kaplan University in the winter of 2013. They traveled to Miami’s James L. Knight Center with their friends and family members to celebrate their college graduation the old-fashioned way, even though they had earned it the modern way.

The seven hundred students represented exactly one-tenth of the total online class, which was seven thousand strong. When asked why they came, most students responded that they wanted to meet their instructors in person and thank them for the gift of learning they had given them.

Kaplan University is one of the few institutions of higher learning that stages online college graduation commencements. We do so because we believe that every student who has earned his/her diploma should have the option of accepting it in person. Furthermore, we believe that every college graduate deserves a special day where they are celebrated for their accomplishments.

Kaplan University will continue to host these ceremonies and we encourage our graduating students to attend. At present, we host two commencements each year: one in Chicago in the summer and the other in Miami in the winter.

Why go?

No matter how you achieve it, an accomplishment should always be celebrated. Graduating from college is a major life milestone that you and your family should be proud of. Celebrating success with others who have worked just as hard as you have helps create a spirit of community, even if you live in different parts of the country.

In fact, many of our students become pen or internet pals after they meet at a Kaplan University commencement. They stay in touch and share their life and career successes with each other. It might be unconventional, but you may encounter some of the best friends you will ever have online. Getting to know them in person at a commencement ceremony could be a life-changing experience.