SCHAUMBURG, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Actress and singer Tatyana Ali, best known for her role as Ashley Banks on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” will deliver the American InterContinental University (AIU) commencement address in Chicago on Aug. 2, 2014. AIU selected Ali for her commitment to education and providing young people with leadership opportunities.
Ali is a supporter of education-related programs such as Millennium Momentum Foundation, Step Up Women’s Network and the United Negro College Fund’s (UNCF) efforts to inspire students to take control of their academic destinies. She also serves as an ambassador for Teach for America.
“AIU’s degree programs are designed to provide students with resources they need to set themselves up for success,” said Dr. George Miller, president of AIU. “Tatyana Ali shares our dedication to helping students achieve their educational goals and preparing them to move forward in their careers.”
Ali is a Harvard University graduate and three-time National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Image Award winner. Currently, she can be seen on the hit BET comedy “Second Generation Wayans” and in a recurring role on “The Young and the Restless” on CBS. Ali also recently released a new R&B album called “Hello” and will be featured later this year in the Queen Latifah-produced romantic comedy “November Rule.”
“Walking across the stage during my own commencement ceremony, I remember the sense of pride I felt knowing that all of my hard work and sacrifices had paid off,” Ali said. “I'm really excited to be a part of AIU students' special day as they take this important next step in their lives.”
Showcasing Student Achievement
AIU’s commencement ceremony will also feature student and alumni speakers. Graduates can apply to become the AIU Student Speaker by submitting a speech highlighting the personal and educational experiences that contributed to their degree via email at graduation@aiuonline.edu. Previous graduates are invited to apply for the Distinguished Alumni Award. The award recognizes the professional and academic achievements of alumni after completing their degree at AIU. Applications will be accepted for both speaking opportunities until Friday, May 30.
Commencement Events
AIU’s 2014 commencement ceremony will be held on Saturday, Aug. 2, at 11 a.m. at the Navy Pier Ballroom in Chicago. Ali will also participate in a special meet-and-greet Alumni Evening event for graduates on Friday, Aug. 1, at Harry Caray's Italian Steakhouse in Chicago. Graduates and their families can register for the graduation ceremony event and find more details at http://www.aiuniv.edu/students/graduation-and-commencement/chicago-graduation.
Graduates also will be able to share their experiences with family and friends who are unable to attend in person through AIU’s social photo booth. The social photo booth will be available at the commencement ceremony and will allow students to take photos highlighting their achievement and share them in real-time on their personal Facebook and Twitter pages.
In the last 10 years, AIU has graduated more than 83,000 students through its online and ground campuses.
To learn more about AIU, visit www.aiuniv.edu.
About American InterContinental University:
Founded in Europe in 1970, American InterContinental University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees in programs such as business, healthcare, IT, design, criminal justice and education at campuses in Atlanta and Houston and an Internet-based online campus headquartered in suburban Chicago. AIU is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association. Additional information is available at www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org.
AIU is a member of the Career Education Corporation network of universities, colleges and schools. For more information, visit www.aiuniv.edu. American InterContinental University cannot guarantee employment or salary. Not all programs are available to residents of all states. Find employment rates, financial obligations and other disclosures at www.aiuniv.edu/disclosures.