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Berkeley College celebrated the ribbon cutting for its new School of Graduate Studies on its Woodlawn Park campus on Wednesday. Attending the celebration were lawmakers, civic leaders, graduate students, faculty and administrators.The school began offering its first classes in September and will begin offering online MBA courses on Nov. 1.

Michael J. Smith, president of Berkeley College, said, “We are bringing the Berkeley online degree program which is ranked among the Top 100 in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, to the School of Graduate Studies to expand our reach, impact, flexibility and competitiveness.”

He added: “We have come a long way since 1931 when Berkeley College was founded as a secretarial school (and) as we celebrate this historic milestone at Berkeley College, we are proud of our achievements and we look forward to more.”

Chris Grevesen, dean of the Berkeley College of Graduate Studies said, “Our local and regional communities, which have been so supportive of Berkeley College throughout the years, will benefit enormously as these talented graduates one day rise to the helm of business firms, not-for-profit organizations, and government agencies.”

The college reports that 75 percent of its graduates move on to find employment in their fields of study within six months of graduation.