University marks Iowa campus closure with last commencement

CLINTON, Iowa (AP) — A nearly 100-year-old university has held its final commencement for graduating students on its campus in eastern Iowa.

"What's really special is that you're part of a nearly century-old tradition," Jane McAuliffe, executive vice president/chief academic officer for Bridgepoint Education, told graduates during her commencement speech.

Ashford University's owner, Bridgepoint Education, announced last summer that the Clinton campus would close at the end of this school year due to declining enrollment.