Grand Opening Ceremony for 116-Year-Old University's Eighth Georgia Campus Focuses on Adult Higher Education

L-R: Buddy Carter, State Rep., District 159; Tina Bonifacio, Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce; Otis Johnson, Savannah Mayor; Kim McClendon, Campus Director; Aaron Ard, Campus Dean; and Robert S. Silberman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Strayer University, a leading post-secondary adult education institution, opened a campus in Savannah on Wednesday, November 19, 2008 with a grand opening luncheon focused on the role that higher education plays in strengthening the regional economy. The program included remarks by Savannah Mayor Otis Johnson; state Rep. Buddy Carter, District 159; and Tina Bonifacio, vice president of workforce and economic development of the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce.

"As today's economy continues to embrace globalization, attaining a bachelor's or master's degree has become essential for professionals to gain a competitive edge and for long term carcer advancement," said Robert Silberman, chainnan and chief executive officer of Strayer Education Inc., the holding company for Strayer University.

"Strayer University's strength lies in helping working adults gain the education they need while they continue on their career paths," he said.

Johnson noted that according to the U.S. Census Bureau, only 20 percent of adults in Savannah have a college education; statewide the figure is only 24 percent of adults with a degree.

"The only thing standing between our citizens and career advancement is a college degree," Johnson said. "The need for a degree has never been more urgent than it is today, and I am pleased to welcome Strayer University to Savannah as a partner in higher education."

For Carter, an educated workforce is what makes a community attractive to prospective employers.

"As a member of the state House, I know firsthand just how important higher education is on the local level," Carter said. "This is certainly the case in Chatham and Effingham counties, and we welcome the opportunities that Strayer University offers."

According to Bonifacio, the Savannah Chamber welcomes its newest partner in higher education that can help prepare today's working adult for the jobs of tomorrow.

"Working adults are critical to the economic health of any community," Bonifacio said. "If we are to retain and grow our economic base in Savannah, then we must make sure that our workforce has a competitive edge in the marketplace."

Strayer University's Savannah Campus is located at 20 Martin Court off of Exit 94 of Interstate 95.

Strayer University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and has been in operation since 1892. The University offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in business administration, accounting, information technology, education and public administration. With more than 44,000 students, Strayer University operates 62 campuses in 12 states in the Eastern United States and Washington, D.C., as well as worldwide via the Internet.

For more information, visit www.strayer.edu or call 1-888-4-STRAYER (888- 478-7293).