Press release
American Public University System Honors Class of 2022 and Several Award Recipients at In-Person Commencement
U.S. Army Major General Barbara Fast (Retired) Encourages Action in Keynote CHARLES TOWN, W.Va., June 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- American Public University
About this update from American Public Education, Inc.
[{"type":"text","content":"U.S. Army Major General Barbara Fast (Retired) Encourages Action in Keynote\nCHARLES TOWN, W.Va., June 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- American Public University System (APUS), which offers online degree and certificate programs through American Military University (AMU) and American Public University (APU), proudly celebrated over 14,000 graduates and recognized numerous award recipients at its 26th annual commencement on Friday and Saturday. The ceremony marked the first in-person graduation since 2019, due to the pandemic.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\"Remember to always follow your passion, set new paths, embark on new journeys, and do not be afraid to embrace the next challenge that comes your way,\" said APUS Acting President Dr. Katherine Zatz in her convocation address. \"This is what you are now prepared to do, to take the theory you have learned as a scholar and use this knowledge to infuse your decisions as a practitioner in your chosen field.\"\nU.S. Army Major General Barbara Fast (retired), President of BGF Enterprises, delivered the keynote speech, saying, \"There's an expression that knowledge is power, but I believe that knowledge gives you the power to be good or bad. It's how, and for what purpose, you use this knowledge that makes the difference. Use your power for good to improve your life and the lives of those around you.\" APUS awarded General Fast the Doctor of Public Service, Honoris Causa, in recognition of her extraordinary achievements in service and academia.\nMaria Clark spoke as a representative of the Class of 2022 at the graduate level, and Ethan Grow gave remarks on behalf of the Class of 2022 at the undergraduate level.\nThe awards presented at commencement recognized students, faculty, and alumni who have excelled and positively impacted their community during their time at APUS and beyond. In addition to the Class of 2022 awardees, APUS recognized a total of 62 award winners from classes of 2020 and 2021 at commencement. This year's class, which includes over 8,600 military service members, 2,600 veterans and over 3,800 service minded students, comprises students who finished their studies in the previous 12 months, from August 2021–June 1, 2022. Among the Class of 2022, 39 individuals received awards.\nAmong the most prestigious awards, The Mary Kim Ward Resilience and Service Award recognizes resil...