Walden University Summer 2007 Commencement Comes Home to Minneapolis

Walden University, an accredited online institution, welcomed graduates from 40 states and 19 countries to its summer commencement.

Minneapolis, MN (PRWEB) August 16, 2007 -- Walden University, an accredited online institution, celebrated the graduation of more than 2,000 students in its hometown of Minneapolis on Saturday, July 21, 2007, at 2 p.m. at the University of Minnesota's Northrop Auditorium. Matt and Jessica Flannery, co-founders of the first person-to-person micro-lending Web site, Kiva.org, gave the commencement address at the traditional ceremony, which can be viewed via Web cast at www.WaldenU.edu.

"We are excited about hosting commencement in Walden University's hometown of Minneapolis for the first time," said Jonathan A. Kaplan, J.D., Walden's interim president, before the commencement.

"Our newest graduates represent 19 countries around the world as well as 40 states, and are coming together to celebrate their achievements as they embark on another chapter of their professional lives. These graduates, along with fellow Walden alumni and students, have the education and knowledge needed to become leaders in their profession and make a positive impact on their communities," he said.

The Flannerys addressed Walden graduates, faculty and guests on the impact individuals can have in effecting positive social change. They also discussed the impact of micro-lending in reducing poverty in developing countries by helping entrepreneurs grow their businesses through flexible loans.

Kiva.org uses the power of the Internet to facilitate millions of dollars in low-cost loans between entrepreneurs in developing countries and socially minded individuals around the globe who want to make funds available. While working for a micro-lending organization in Africa, the Flannerys were inspired by the impact of small loans to entrepreneurs. They sought help from people on their wedding invitation list to fund $3,100 in loans to seven businesses in Uganda. Since then, Kiva.org, the microfinance organization that they founded, has attracted more than 40,000 members of the public to fund more than $3 million dollars in low-cost loans to entrepreneurs in developing countries.

For more commencement information, visit www.WaldenU.edu/commencement.

About Walden University
Since 1970, Walden University has offered working professionals the opportunity to earn advanced degrees through distance learning. Today, this comprehensive, accredited online university offers master's and doctoral degrees in education, psychology, management, public policy and administration, and health and human services, as well as master's programs in engineering and IT and a bachelor's completion program in business. Walden University is a member of the Laureate International Universities network, the largest global network of accredited campus-based and online universities. For more information, visit www.WaldenU.edu.

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, www.ncahlc.org , 312-263-0456.

The University of Minnesota is not affiliated in any way with Walden University or the activities conducted by Walden University on the University of Minnesota campus. All classes, lectures and other offerings for the event are the product of Walden University. The relationship between the University of Minnesota and Walden University is solely that of a licensor and licensee.

Contact:
Ana Sanchez
410-843-8083
Minneapolis, MN 55401

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