June 3, 2009, Orchard Park, NY - Bryant & Stratton College announced today that Philip Rosedale, Founder and Chairman of Second Life, will speak at its graduation, the live Second Life college graduation to be held June 10, 2009. Mr. Rosedale has agreed to speak at this historic event to the approximately 40 graduates from the 150 year old institution’s online degree program as they receive their hard earned diplomas in their avatar form on the college’s virtual campus (http://online.bryantstratton.edu/slgraduation).

“These graduates are pioneers overcoming life’s obstacles to pursue their educational goals through online education to start a new life.  So, it is particularly gratifying and fitting that they celebrate their achievement hearing from the man who pioneered a whole new world —Second Life,” says Scott Traylor, Director of Admissions of Bryant & Stratton.

The Bryant & Stratton Second Life graduation will be fully hosted on Second Life, including the procession, the conferring of degrees to students draped in their caps and gowns, and the commencement address by Mr. Rosedale.  Students, who range in age from 25 to 45, will be graduating from a variety of the Bryant & Stratton online degree programs, including business, accounting, paralegal, IT, medical administrative assistant and human resources.

While only graduates and their families will be in attendance at the June 10^th virtual graduation, those interested in Bryant & Stratton’s campus and graduation can explore their island in Second Life, view a video about the graduation, or learn more about Bryant & Stratton College at http://online.bryantstratton.edu/slgraduation.

Editor’s Note:  Bryant & Stratton Second Life graduates, students and the student who became a student via Second Life are available to speak with reporters about their experiences.  Representatives from Linden Lab® are available to speak about the uses of Second Life for education and events.

About Bryant & Stratton College

For 150 years, Bryant & Stratton College, the premier accredited private career college, has been helping students develop meaningful career skills in a concise, contemporary and effective manner.  Bryant & Stratton offers flexible scheduling at its 15 campuses in four states, including Wisconsin, Ohio, Virginia and New York, as well as through its online degree programs.  Its focus is on delivering education that upgrades student capabilities and maximizes their marketability in the areas of business, healthcare, information technology, and social sciences.90% of recent Bryant & Stratton College graduates find placement within their chosen fields.  For more information on Bryant & Stratton College, visit http://online.bryantstratton.edu.

Second Life and Linden Lab are trademarks of Linden Research, Inc.

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Contact:        

Ron Zwerin

303.949.3050

rzwerin@comcast.net