Walden University Celebrates Winter 2009 Commencement

Social Work Legend to Address Graduates from 50 States, 15 Countries

Minneapolis, MN (PRWEB) January 22, 2009 -- Walden University will celebrate the graduation of more than 3,000 students from all 50 states and 15 countries at its 41st commencement ceremony Jan. 24, 2009, in Dallas, Texas. Social work legend, author and longtime Walden Board of Directors member Dr. Barbara J. Solomon, research professor in the University of Southern California (USC) School of Social Work's Hamovitch Center for Science in the Human Services, will deliver the commencement address.

"Dr. Solomon has improved the lives of countless people through her research and advocacy on behalf of veterans, children, the mentally ill, the elderly and the dispossessed, and we are honored that she will address our graduates," said Jonathan Kaplan, president of Walden University. "Her exemplary work continues to serve as a model for every member of the Walden community as we all strive to put education into action to improve the world around us."

Solomon was the first African American to hold a deanship at USC and is well-known for her landmark book, "Black Empowerment: Social Work in Oppressed Communities." She is the recipient of the Presidential Medallion, USC's highest honor, and the Rosa Parks Freedom Award from the Los Angeles chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. USC has credited her as having helped build the university into "a touchstone for diversity and community outreach."

The commencement ceremony will be held from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Sheraton Hotel Dallas, and can be viewed live via webcast at www.WaldenU.edu.

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 bachelor's programs in business administration, psychology, child development, computer information systems, interdisciplinary studies, and instructional design and technology. Walden University is a member of Laureate International Universities, a leading 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; 1-312-263-0456.

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