Two area students were awarded degrees from Kaplan University during a live graduation ceremony on Feb. 5 in Miami for the winter 2011 class.

Bill Richardson, former two term governor of New Mexico, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, U.S. energy secretary and multiple Nobel Peace Prize nominee, served as the commencement speaker.

Noelda Martinez of Beeville was awarded a associate of applied science degree in criminal justice.

Gracie Ramos of Sinton was awarded a associate of applied science degree in business administration.

The Kaplan University winter 2011 class, which included more than 5,600 graduates, earned associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees – as well as professional certificates – completely online. More than 1,000 of them traveled from around the country and the world to attend the ceremony, meeting face-to-face for the first time.