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APUS to Celebrate Over 18,000 Graduates at One of its Largest-Ever Commencements on May 9-10

Class of 2025 Graduates, Including 11 Doctoral Students and Several Award Winners, Will be Recognized during Two Days of Events at the Gaylord National Resort

CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. , May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- American Public University System (APUS), which offers online degree and certificate programs through American Military University (AMU) and American Public University (APU), will celebrate some 18,100 graduates from all 50 states and several countries at one of its largest-ever commencement events on May 9-10. The ceremonies will be live streamed here for those who cannot attend in-person at the Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor, Md.

Click here for more information on the two-day celebration.

The Class of 2025 – one of the largest graduating classes ever – includes 11 doctoral degree recipients, over 4,600 master's degree recipients, 9,600 bachelor's degree recipients, and 3,900 associate degree recipients. Some exciting facts about the 29th annual commencement:

  • The oldest graduate is 81 years old; the youngest one is 17.
  • 10%, or almost 2,000 graduates, are under 25 years old; nearly 3% are 55 or older.
  • There are over 1,155 first-generation students (self-reported, based on commencement attendees).
  • Over 4,200 graduates are earning their second AMU or APU degrees or certificates.
  • 66% of graduates are active-duty military, National Guard or Reservist; over 19% are veterans; 4% are military spouses or dependents; almost 11% are non-military.

At commencement, inspiring keynote speakers, including two graduating students, will share powerful success stories, invaluable advice, and motivating words.

"While my story is my own, I am certain it sounds similar to many others: distractions, stress, and life, all competing for our time and making us choose what is really important in our lives," stated Seth Casey, an AMU student speaker who earned his Bachelor's Degree in Management, in prepared remarks. "This is what I found to be special about my journey with the American Military University: seeing just how many other people are in the same boat, going through the same struggles, encouraging each other to continue on, finishing what we set out to do, and building our legacies."

"As we reflect on how far we've come, let's take a moment to honor ourselves and each other for the perseverance and strength we've shown," said Kristina-Amy Jean-Mehu, an APU student speaker who earned her Master's Degree in Public Health, in prepared remarks. "We didn't just earn degrees; we learned to balance life's challenges and rise stronger with each one. As we move forward, let's carry these lessons of resilience and hope, using our knowledge to make a positive impact and face whatever lies ahead."

Keynote speakers include U.S.Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Lori E. Reynolds (retired), who has commanded Marines at every rank over the course of her distinguished, 35-year career, including as a General Officer and as commander of the Marine Corps Forces Cyberspace Command.

"In a world that is swirling with bad information, guard your thoughts. Be careful with your words. Prove through your actions every day the kind of leader or teammate you want to be. Listen to understand and not to respond. Focus on those habits that truly represent the character you wish to have," stated Lt. Gen. Reynolds, APUS Board of Trustees Vice Chair, in prepared remarks. "…Our country needs you today. It needs your energy, your wisdom, your leadership and your character."

Other speakers encouraged graduates to be proud of their accomplishments.

"The odds of you being here today, just as you are, are close to zero. The odds of this group, sitting in this room together, are nearly a cosmic accident. So, what do we do with this miracle? We make the most of it," stated APUS President Nuno Fernandes in prepared remarks. "We take care of ourselves. We support each other. We stay grounded in our values. And we lead with courage and compassion."

"You've earned your degrees at a time when some voices in the media and public discourse question higher education's value. Let me be clear: education has never been more important than it is today," stated Dr. Mary Papazian, an APUS Board of Trustees member, in prepared remarks. "In an era of misinformation, technological disruption, and complex global challenges, your educational foundation provides the critical thinking, ethical framework, and specialized knowledge essential for navigating uncertainty. Your degree doesn't simply change your trajectory; it positions you to transform countless lives."

Award Winners
During the commencement celebration, the University will also recognize outstanding students, faculty, and alumni who have made remarkable contributions to the University community.

"We proudly recognize those who have made a lasting impact and helped shape our University into what it is today," said APUS Provost Dr. Elizabeth Johnson. "We celebrate their noteworthy accomplishments, hard work, perseverance, and dedication to excellence."

This year's distinguished award winners include:

  • Nikki E. Allmann (AMU) and Mikishia Wade-Chavis (APU), who will receive The Mary Kim Ward Resilience and Service Award which recognizes resilience, patience, and determination, and student impact and influence on public service, social justice, and inclusion.
  • Dr. Isabelle Vladoiu, who will be recognized with the 2025 Dr. Wallace E. Boston Leadership Award, honoring the positive impact she has made in the community.
  • Brandon Adams, who will receive the 2025 James P. Etter Creativity and Innovation Award, in recognition of his innovation and creativity as a member of the APUS community.
  • Danika Winter-Crete Harmon (AMU), who will be recognized at the undergraduate level, and Isaam Sean Peters (AMU), who will be honored at the graduate level with the 2025 President's Award, which honors students for their commitment to service, scholastic achievement, outstanding character, and leadership.
  • Nikki E. Allmann (AMU), Tymesha Bland (AMU), Erica Ames Conness (APU), Paul Edward Davis Jr. (AMU), Stephen Ridenour (AMU), Josa Elaine Talley (AMU), Vashti Torres (AMU), Mikishia Wade-Chavis (APU), and Vanessa Zander (AMU), who will receive The Academic Scholar Award, which honors students who have engaged in excellent scholarly conduct and accomplishments as students.
  • Bryan A. Sodders (AMU), who will be recognized with the 2025 Alumni Service Award, in recognition of his dedication to his community and the University culture.
  • Hwal Lee (APU), who will receive the 2025 Distinguished Graduate Award in recognition of his determination in the face of adversity and service to his community.
  • Victor J. Cruzosuna (AMU), Helen T. Fernholz (APU), and Nicholas Lee Rinell (AMU), who will receive the Outstanding Campus Leader Award, which honors students who have taken on leadership roles in the university community, acting as role models.
  • Dr. Les Pang, Professor of the School of STEM, who will receive the Voices of Impact Award for his significant impact on the APUS community by actively engaging differing viewpoints, facilitating meaningful discussions, and promoting a culture of respect and understanding.
  • Mari-Amanda Dyal, Professor in the School of Health Sciences, who will win the Outstanding New Faculty Member of the Year Award for her commitment to learning, innovation and student success.
  • Nyla Wolfgang, Professor in the School of Arts, Humanities, and Education, who will be recognized at the undergraduate level, and Donna Ross, Professor in the School of Health Sciences, who will be honored at the graduate Level, with the 2025 Excellence in Teaching Award, which honors instructors who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in their disciplines.

About American Public University System
American Public University System (APUS) delivers affordable, high-quality, workforce-relevant higher education. With a rich, 33-year history and vibrant community of over 153,000 alumni from more than 80 countries, APUS is recognized for its innovative approach to online learning1. APUS is in the top 22% for students' return on educational investment, compared to 4,396 colleges and universities nationwide, based on data collected by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce (2025)2. 

APUS, which includes American Military University (AMU) and American Public University (APU), is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. APUS is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Public Education, Inc. (Nasdaq: APEI). For more information, visit www.apus.edu.   

1  APUS has been honored with the online Learning Consortium's Gomory Award for Quality Online Education and is a five-time recipient of the consortium's Effective Practice Award https://www.apus.edu/newsroom/awards/. 

2 https://cew.georgetown.edu/cew-reports/roi2025/  Ranking based on the most recent data available (2021-2022 cohort) showing students' median earnings 20 years following their initial enrollment at APUS.   

American Public University System, American Public University, and American Military University are not affiliated with American University or the U.S. Military. 

CONTACT
 Frank Tutalo
Associate Vice President, Public Relations
ftutalo@apus.edu 

 

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SOURCE American Public University System