University of Phoenix Commencement
On Friday June 29 and Saturday June 30 University Of Phoenix, in Phoenix, Arizona, honored more than 2,000 graduates from around the country at its National Commencement ceremony. It takes place over two days to accommodate the large number of graduates. Friday, was for those receiving their Bachelor of Arts diplomas. Saturday’s program included those graduating with their Doctorates, in addition to those graduating with their Associates, Bachelors, and Masters Degrees. I was asked to speak at both ceremonies and I must say that I was so impressed by these graduates, many of whom work full-time jobs and have families to support. University of Phoenix is a wonderful school that works to support those who want to advance their education, with the intent of bettering their lives. It offers the best of both worlds with nationwide campuses and a diverse online program. The experience got me thinking about advancing my own education.
1 The commencement exercises for the University of Phoenix were held in Phoenix, AZ.
2 Because the graduating class is so large, it's held on two consecutive days at the University of Phoenix Stadium.
3 The University of Phoenix Stadium is, of course, the home of the football team, the Arizona Cardinals.
4 I had just arrived at the stadium and was about to be interviewed by many print and TV reporters.
5 While we were there, we were guided by Alex Clark - VP of Public Relations, Apollo Group and Sarah Ovies - Vice President, Strategic Partnerships & Initiatives, Apollo Group
6 The interviews were held in one section of the stadium.
7 This is Kristina Bolton of Arizona Foothills Magazine, a monthly lifestyle/luxury publication.
8 Here I am being interviewed by Lauren Joskowitz of sheknows.com, a lifestyle online publication, which helps empower women through articles and discussion related to women's issues including beauty, relationships, and parenting.
9 I answered questions from Tishin Donkersley, the editor of Green Living Magazine, a monthly lifestyle publication centered around 'live green, work green, play green.'
10 I had an interview with Elizabeth Hughes, the editor of Scottsdale Business + Life, a new monthly publication that is growing in the community. Elizabeth is writing a feature on women entrepreneurs.
11 I also spoke with Eugene Fields, OC Register who was graduating that day and was the student speaker. He is 40 and looks like he's 20! He asked me what degree I would go back for which got me thinking about getting another degree!
12 Eugene's fiancee and mother were waving from the stands.
13 Each year, the Phoenix Pipe Band is asked to play for the University of Phoenix Graduation ceremonies. They were excellent and the audience loves them.
14 Sharing words before the graduation with Dr. Alan Drimmer - Provost and SVP of Academic Affairs University of Phoenix, Joe D'Amico - President of Apollo Group, and Bill Pepicello - President of University of Phoenix
15 Here I am in my cap and gown.
16 With Bill Pepicello and Dr. Alan Drimmer
17 Sarah Ovies and Nicole Sutliff of Susan Magrino Agency, hit it off well.
18 In 1976, Dr. John Sperling founded University of Phoenix and made a commitment to provide working adults with local higher education options at convenient class times.
19 The students study at more than 200 locations, as well as through online programs available in countries around the world. Attending classes is convenient for students, who earn degrees on their terms.
20 The shool believes that higher education can open many doors but, overcoming the demands of family and work to focus on education can be a challenge.
21 They provide rigorous degree and certificate programs and a learning environment designed to support working adults. Plus, there's a dedicated Graduation Team who helps every step of the way.
22 The University of Phoenix has close to 600,000 graduates, nearly 480,000 current students and 32,000 faculty members, which combine to make an extensive network of potential contacts.
23 Here I am at the podium on Friday addressing those in attendance.
24 I spoke about the importance of working hard, finding passion, knowing it's never too late to achieve, be willing to rethink your ideas but persevere, stay curious, and taking the time to savor success and celebrate it with family and friends.
25 At the next day's ceremonies, I took part in an hour-long Town Hall/Q&A on the subject of leadership with 100-150 University of Phoenix graduating MBA and PhD-level students, which was moderated by sportscaster, Jim Gray.
26 Jim has worked with CBS Sports, NBC Sports, ESPN, ABC-TV, and is currently with Showtime, NBA Sacramento Kings, Dial Global, and Westwood One Radio.
27 Jim was very nice and accommodating and he even wanted me to sign a copy of my latest book, Martha's American Food.
28 On Saturday the program included those graduating with their Doctorates in addition to those graduating with their Associates, Bachelors, and Masters Degrees.
29 Phoenix University also has the largest ethnic population of students in the United States.
30 There I am at the podium again addressing the crowd.
31 On this day, one family had three generations graduating from Phoenix University!
32 On Saturday, Sarah and Nicole wore the very same dress, completely unplanned. Fortunately, Sarah accessorized hers.
MARTHA STEWART DELIVERS HER FIRST COMMENCEMENT SPEECH AT UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX! from Bader Media on Vimeo.
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Congratulations to all those graduates even if it is after the fact. They deserve it.
You looked lovely both days.
But, I have one question...when in the world would you find time to go back to school?
Gloria G!!
Posted by: Gloria | July 9th, 2012 at 12:21 am
Commencement photos are gorgeous. North Dakotans are buying Arizona homesin record number as economy and housing market has changed. The stadium seems empty. My thoughts are that many older students should be taking opportunity bow to further education with chance for new degree.
Posted by: ann | July 9th, 2012 at 1:13 am
I believe the formation of the University of Phoenix is yet another example of the strength and unending output of American innovation. It will be interesting to see what brick and mortar higher education does to respond to that level of flexibility and cost-effectiveness. America, with its spiraling student debt load, sure could use the insiders of higher ed to innovate costs down before the politicians end up doing it for them in ways they don't like.
Posted by: Karen | July 9th, 2012 at 1:34 am
I have a lot of admiration for The University of Phoenix. There are a lot of people who want to further their education but with the demands of work and family need an institution that is flexible and allows students to achieve their goal as you say Martha on their own terms. You looked lovely on both days, love the wrap you were wearing on Saturday! How funny that Sarah and Nicole wore the same pretty, green dress! Thanks for sharing this wonderful weekend with us Martha and I'm not one bit surprised you would be considering advancing your education!
Posted by: Cindy F | July 9th, 2012 at 7:50 am
The students were lucky to hear from you, Martha! Your message about perseverance, curiosity, and celebrating success was spot-on. These people represent the very best of what makes our country great. I join you in wishing for them much success and happiness. Let us hope they all go on to do great things for themselves, their families, and their communities.
Posted by: BG in SF | July 9th, 2012 at 8:15 am
What would you study Martha? Great event!
Posted by: Teresa Touey | July 9th, 2012 at 9:04 am
Hi Martha,
I enjoyed hearing both of your inspiring speeches online with live feed from the event. I only saw one interview so thanks for informing us of the many others. Wow, that was a busy two days for you but what’s new, right? It will be interesting to learn if you do take some courses to further your education. That would be a wonderful inspiration for others and you could probably do it online as I believe others do. I’ve thought about it a few times myself – I see ads often. I agree with the others here – you looked great but then you always do! Trish
Posted by: Trish | July 9th, 2012 at 9:16 am
Martha,
Thanks for sharing this blog.
Posted by: KLBrown | July 9th, 2012 at 10:23 am
Hi Martha, I was so thrilled to see and hear your inspiring speeches for all of those graduates at the University of Phoenix online on June 29th and 30th! You were so thoughtful to tweet us so we were able to enjoy them and i will check them out again on the websites that you shared with us today! I love all of the photos that you shared during the speeches and the information was so informative about improving their lives and learning even more as they progressed in their futures-all about inspirational 'Living'! This blog today is fabulous and all of these photos are fantastic and you look so gorgeous! It was also fun to see all of those people who were interviewing you and I'm sure they learned a lot from you, too! Where do you think you will go to advance you education? As you have always said, it's important to 'learn something new everyday' and I learn something new everyday from you-thank you so much! Hope you have another great day! Off to see The Daily Wag where Francesca is seeing "What's Lurking in that Tree?" at the farm! Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | July 9th, 2012 at 10:31 am
Here in Arizona we have seen dreadful cuts in university and primary school education funding. I am so pleased to see you out there serving as an advocate for education. I would never be where I am at if I was not pushed by my mother to learn, learn, learn.
Posted by: homer | July 9th, 2012 at 11:15 am
Anybody remember Robert James Waller's remarks about education and medical insurance? United States Taxpayer needs to take lessons in economy from Martha..
Posted by: ann | July 9th, 2012 at 12:11 pm
What an honor Martha! Great photos of the commencements. Also, I cannot believe how many interviews you completed. How thoughtful of you. That must be tiring, but at the same time, it must be enlightening to learn so much from so many!As always...you looked lovely. I love the shoes!
Posted by: Nantucket Daffodil | July 9th, 2012 at 1:23 pm
Whew! You had a very busy 2 days! Congratulations on being chosen as the speaker. Your comment about degrees made me curious. Just what degrees do you already have and what degree would you aim for if you were to go for one?
Posted by: Brenda Knowlton | July 9th, 2012 at 1:53 pm
Loved!!! both of these fashions "looks" on you!!!!! Elegant, simple, but makes a statement.........Ms. Martha at her stylin' best.......
Posted by: memoir | July 9th, 2012 at 6:04 pm
Congratulations to the new graduates.
Posted by: Toyin Faseki | July 10th, 2012 at 1:28 am
It was a great day for me as mother of a graduate, and I was so proud to have my son give the the student speech, BUT, to see you and have you give me a wave was AWESOME!!!. I became a Martha Stewart devotee at a very low period in my life after seeing you on a 60 Minutes profile, and remained one ever since. Admire,Respect and Joy that is what I feel when I think of you, and Thank You for the beautiful pictures of a great day.
Posted by: Jo Anne Greene-Fields | July 10th, 2012 at 3:14 pm