BET Founder Robert L. Johnson to Give Strayer University Commencement Address

BET Founder Robert L. Johnson to Give Strayer University Commencement Address

University's Largest-Ever Graduating Class Also to Hear From U.S. Marine General Robert Magnus

ARLINGTON, Va., June 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Robert L. Johnson, founder and chairman of the RLJ Companies and founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET), will deliver the keynote address at Strayer University's commencement exercise at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 23 at the Patriot Center in Fairfax, Va.

Strayer University, a leading post-secondary adult education institution, will award degrees to more than 6,400 adult students -- a record for the 115- year-old University -- at four ceremonies in 2007. The University is hosting two ceremonies at the Patriot Center on June 23. The 10 a.m. ceremony is for Bachelor's candidates, while the 3 p.m. ceremony is for Master's and Associate candidates.

Johnson, a prominent business leader in the entertainment and hospitality industries, is the owner of the Charlotte Bobcats NBA basketball team and a member of The Clinton Global Initiative, which addresses the world's most pressing challenges, including education.

"There is no greater tool for increasing economic opportunity than education," Johnson said. "Education has always been the benchmark by which careers are made, and this is certainly the case today in an economy that demands a better educated and well-trained workforce."

Johnson earned a bachelor's degree in social studies from the University of Illinois and a master's degree in international affairs from Princeton University. His commencement address will remind graduates of the role that higher education will play on a global stage.

"As a member of Strayer Education Inc.'s Board of Directors and as a business person, I look forward to addressing the graduating class on the role that enhanced career education will play in their economic future and in overall U.S. economic growth in a competitive global environment," he said.

The keynote speaker for the University's 3 p.m. ceremony is Gen. Robert Magnus, Assistant Commandant, U.S. Marine Corps. He holds a bachelor's degree in history from the University of Virginia and a master's degree in business administration from Strayer University. His formal military education includes naval aviator training, the U.S. Marine Corps Command Staff College and the National War College.

Magnus will focus his remarks on the role that higher education is playing with today's military students.

"There is an increased focused on training and education in today's Armed Forces," said Magnus, who will receive the University's 2007 Outstanding Alumni Award during the ceremony. "Education used to be an afterthought for service men and women, but that is no longer the case as more and more military personnel are earning their degrees while serving."

Dr. Joel Nwagbaraocha, interim president of Strayer University, will address graduates, noting the significance of adult students fulfilling life- long dreams of a earning a college degree.

"Graduation day is an emotional experience for adult graduates, who arrive at commencement filled with pride as they prepare to write a new chapter in their personal and professional lives," he said. "As our graduates will hear from both Mr. Johnson and Gen. Magnus, the need for a college degree is greater now than ever before."

Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Strayer University tailors its programs to working adults who are unable to attend school full time, offering day, night and weekend courses in a supportive environment for adult students. In addition, Strayer University Online allows students to combine traditional classroom instruction with online study or pursue a degree online.

Strayer University provides undergraduate and graduate degrees in business administration, accounting, information technology, education and public administration. With more than 32,000 students, the University operates 47 campuses in 10 states and Washington, D.C., as well as worldwide via the Internet through Strayer University Online. For more information, visit http://www.strayer.edu/.

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FCMN Contact:

Source: Strayer University

CONTACT: Sonya Udler of Strayer University, +1-703-247-2517,
sonya.udler@strayer.edu

Web site:

http://www.strayer.edu/

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