News Release

Ecampus welcomes record-breaking numbers at graduation reception

June 4, 2008

With the number of Oregon State University Extended Campus (Ecampus) graduates growing exponentially each year, students who completed their degrees completely online and at a distance this year will be congratulated at an on-campus graduation reception. For many students, this will be their first time on the OSU campus.

The OSU Ecampus Student Graduation Reception will be held on campus on the day of OSU’s commencement exercises, June 15, in the Student Lounge area across from the Bites convenience store on the Mezzanine level of the Memorial Union building from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

Over 30 Ecampus students are scheduled to travel to Corvallis and attend the reception. However, a total of 131 Ecampus students will receive their OSU diplomas for the 2007-08 academic year. This is a significant growth from last year’s total of 87, the 71 in 2005-06 and 49 in 2004-05.

Extended Campus provides access to more than 15 accredited undergraduate and graduate degrees, allowing students to complete their OSU degrees through online and distance programs and courses.

Vice Provost of OSU Outreach and Engagement Scott Reed acknowledges the record number of Ecampus graduates this year.

“The evidence is clear,” Reed said. “Every year, more students discover the flexibility of a degree online. This year, we realized a 40 percent increase of Ecampus graduates. Oregon is a state of pioneer history and our online student body continues to pioneer innovative educational models that work in today's world.”

Dave King, the interim associate provost of Ecampus, is looking forward to sharing this milestone with the Ecampus class of 2008.

“For most of these students, online learning through OSU Ecampus appears to be the perfect solution for their busy lifestyles,” King said. “Finishing your degree online is becoming an increasingly appealing option for individuals that must balance work, personal and family obligations. I am happy that OSU Ecampus offers access to quality online degree programs to our graduates. It is great to see them as they receive their OSU diplomas.”

Claudia Broderick Adkins, a graduate receiving her Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources, will travel from Ohio to attend the reception and commencement exercises. For her, completing her degree means achieving a life-long goal.

“Ecampus allowed me to complete my entire degree online, while still running my own business,” Adkins said. “The quality of education far exceeded my expectations and the professors at OSU are top-rate. This degree will enable me to pursue a career in natural resource management and to make a difference in the world in which we live.”

Also expected at the reception is Environmental Sciences graduate Randy Grimsey from Bonney Lake, Wash. As his second attempt at a college degree, he said his Ecampus degree will enhance more than just his career.

“The completion of my degree gives me a sense of closure and accomplishment,” Grimsey said. “It also sets the right example for my children. Seeing me graduate should provide some incentive for them to follow through in their own educational goals.”

For questions about the Ecampus Graduation Reception, please contact Emily Higham at 541-737-2576 or Emily.higham@oregonstate.edu.

2008 Ecampus graduates should view our important Graduation Information page.

For more information about OSU undergraduate, graduate and professional programs offered from a distance and online, visit Online and Distance Degrees.

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