Kaplan University, a leader in higher education innovation, celebrated the graduation of its summer 2011 class during a graduation ceremony on Aug. 6 at the Arie Crown Theater in Chicago.

During her address, former Secretary of Labor Alexis M. Herman spoke to the online graduates about the importance of education to workforce development and global competitiveness.

The following local students were awarded degrees:

• Marcy Blackmer of Cranberry Lake, NY was awarded a Bachelor's degree in Nursing.

• Rose Perry of Canton, NY was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice.

• Winter Stephens of Massena, NY was awarded a Associate of Applied Science degree in Business Administration.

• Cindy Rockhill of Massena, NY was awarded a Master of Science degree in Nursing.

• Joshua LaRose of Ogdensburg, NY, was awarded a Bachelor's degree in Health Sciences.

The Kaplan University's summer 2011 class included more than 7,200 graduates who earned associate's, bachelor's and master's degrees, all online.

More than 1,000 of them traveled from around the country to attend the ceremony, meeting face-to-face for the first time.

Others watched from home via a live webcast.

Since 2001, Kaplan University has graduated nearly 40,000 students who have used their education to advance professionally and meet personal goals.