Rasmussen University Celebrates 2026 Commencement Ceremony with Over 450 Graduates
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Apr 13 2026
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Should l Buy APEI?
Source: Newsfilter
- Record Graduate Numbers: Rasmussen University will celebrate the achievements of over 450 graduates at the 2026 Illinois Commencement, representing 24 states, showcasing the university's national reach and appeal.
- Distinguished Keynote Speaker: Chief Nursing Officer Kristie Geil will deliver the keynote address, emphasizing the growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals and inspiring graduates to lead innovation in the evolving healthcare landscape, reflecting the university's commitment to nursing and health sciences.
- Alumni Community Welcome: 2021 graduate Doris Jones will welcome new graduates into the alumni community during the ceremony, symbolizing the transition from student to alumnus and further strengthening the connection between Rasmussen University and its over 84,000 alumni.
- Future Ceremony Arrangements: The Illinois commencement is the first of three celebrations nationwide in 2026, with subsequent ceremonies planned in Florida and Minnesota, demonstrating Rasmussen University's ongoing influence and commitment to education across the country.
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Analyst Views on APEI
Wall Street analysts forecast APEI stock price to fall
6 Analyst Rating
5 Buy
1 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 60.600
Low
38.00
Averages
45.40
High
53.00
Current: 60.600
Low
38.00
Averages
45.40
High
53.00
About APEI
American Public Education, Inc., through its institutions, American Public University System (APUS), Rasmussen University (RU), Hondros College of Nursing (HCN), and Graduate School USA (GSUSA), provides online and campus-based postsecondary education and career learning. Its segments include APUS, RU and HCN. The APUS segment provides online postsecondary education directed primarily at the needs of the military, military-affiliated, public service and service-minded communities through American Military University (AMU), and American Public University (APU). APUS provides online postsecondary education to approximately 88,400 adult learners. The RU segment provides nursing and health sciences-focused postsecondary education to over 14,600 students at its 20 campuses in six states and online. The HCN segment offers pre-licensure nursing programs that are designed to prepare individuals for productive careers through both a PN degree and an ADN degree, and two Direct Entry ADN degrees.
About the author

Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
- Platform Transition: Rasmussen University has selected D2L Brightspace to replace Blackboard, aiming to enhance content creation efficiency through artificial intelligence, thereby optimizing educational experiences and increasing student engagement.
- Technological Innovation: D2L Brightspace will leverage its award-winning platform and AI-driven Lumi tools to provide personalized learning recommendations, assisting educators in creating high-quality content, which in turn enhances student outcomes and retention rates.
- Implementation Plan: Rasmussen plans to pilot D2L Brightspace in May 2026, followed by a full rollout with a focus on nursing education, addressing modern learners' needs for flexible and personalized learning opportunities.
- Long-term Partnership: The collaboration between D2L and American Public Education, Inc. reflects a shared commitment to educational innovation and student success, expected to enhance educational quality and student satisfaction.
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- Platform Transition: Rasmussen University has selected D2L Brightspace to replace Blackboard, aiming to enhance content creation efficiency through artificial intelligence, thereby streamlining administrative processes and improving learning experiences, which further drives educational innovation.
- Implementation Plan: A pilot is scheduled for May 2026, followed by the rollout of D2L Brightspace across all programs, with a particular focus on nursing education to meet students' demands for personalized and flexible learning, thereby enhancing educational quality.
- AI Integration Tools: Rasmussen University will also implement D2L Lumi Tutor and Lumi Feedback, which provide tailored study support for students and time-saving tools for educators, facilitating the construction of high-quality personalized learning activities.
- Long-term Partnership: The collaboration between D2L and American Public Education, Inc. will be further strengthened, reflecting a shared commitment to student success and educational innovation, supporting Rasmussen University's ongoing development in the education sector.
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- Graduate Count: Rasmussen University will celebrate the achievements of over 450 graduates during its 2026 Illinois Commencement Ceremony, showcasing the institution's national reach and appeal with participants from 24 states.
- Speaker Lineup: Keynote speaker Kristie Geil, Chief Nursing Officer, will address the growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals, inspiring graduates to lead and innovate in the evolving healthcare landscape, reflecting the university's commitment to nursing and health sciences.
- Alumni Welcome Ceremony: 2021 graduate Doris Jones will lead the Alumni Pinning Ceremony, symbolizing the transition of graduates from students to alumni, thereby strengthening the connection between Rasmussen University and its community of over 84,000 alumni.
- Future Event Schedule: The Illinois ceremony is the first of three commencement celebrations planned for 2026, with subsequent events in Florida and Minnesota, highlighting the university's ongoing influence and commitment to education across the nation.
See More

- Record Graduate Numbers: Rasmussen University will celebrate the achievements of over 450 graduates at the 2026 Illinois Commencement, representing 24 states, showcasing the university's national reach and appeal.
- Distinguished Keynote Speaker: Chief Nursing Officer Kristie Geil will deliver the keynote address, emphasizing the growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals and inspiring graduates to lead innovation in the evolving healthcare landscape, reflecting the university's commitment to nursing and health sciences.
- Alumni Community Welcome: 2021 graduate Doris Jones will welcome new graduates into the alumni community during the ceremony, symbolizing the transition from student to alumnus and further strengthening the connection between Rasmussen University and its over 84,000 alumni.
- Future Ceremony Arrangements: The Illinois commencement is the first of three celebrations nationwide in 2026, with subsequent ceremonies planned in Florida and Minnesota, demonstrating Rasmussen University's ongoing influence and commitment to education across the country.
See More

- Innovative Digital Model: The American Public University System (APUS) has been awarded the 2026 Distance Learning Compass Award for its innovative digital-first ecosystem that supports the mental health and well-being of nearly 89,000 active students, particularly benefiting military-affiliated learners.
- Comprehensive Mental Health Services: APUS offers 24/7 teletherapy and crisis support, along with a global peer support network available in 25 languages, designed to enhance the student experience and promote persistence, especially for those balancing military and family commitments.
- Community Engagement and Organizations: Since its inception, APUS has engaged approximately 72,000 students through over 75 student-run organizations, creating opportunities for connection and belonging that are crucial for mental health and student persistence, thereby strengthening the social support network.
- Education and Resilience Integration: APUS emphasizes the combination of strong academic coursework with comprehensive wellness support, helping students build resilience and adaptability to face personal and professional challenges, ultimately enhancing educational quality and student success rates.
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- Tuition Grant Program: American Military University has partnered with the Military Officers Association of America to offer a 20% tuition grant to 350,000 MOAA members and their families, covering spouses, legal partners, children, grandchildren, and dependents, aimed at supporting the educational needs of servicemembers and their families.
- Expanded Educational Opportunities: This grant not only provides greater access to higher education for servicemembers and their immediate families but also has the potential to impact future generations, demonstrating MOAA and AMU's long-term commitment to those who serve and their families.
- No Application Fees: AMU's undergraduate and master's programs do not charge application fees, allowing students to pursue degrees at various levels, including associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral, thereby lowering educational barriers and promoting educational engagement among servicemembers and their families.
- Online Learning Model: AMU offers a flexible online learning model with asynchronous courses and monthly class starts, catering to the unique needs of military families and ensuring they can continue their education and develop career skills while on the move.
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