Kaplan University announced Alpharetta students were among the graduates in 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, according to a news release from Read Media.
She said 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.
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"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," Secretary 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:
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Marie Montes of Alpharetta was awarded a Bachelor's degree in Nursing.
Keith Coffey of Alpharetta was awarded a Bachelor's degree in Information Technology.
Derek Pickett of Alpharetta was awarded an Associate of Applied Science degree in Information Technology.
Leslie Pickett of Alpharetta was awarded an Associate of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies.
Belange Sala-Diakanda of Alpharetta was awarded a Master of Science degree in Accounting.
Jason Boyce of Alpharetta was awarded a Master of Science degree in Accounting.
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