More than 300 employees, faculty members, and staff from Ashford University and its parent company, Bridgepoint Education, are expected to spend tomorrow morning, Sept. 14, cleaning up the city’s Balboa Park. The beautification of San Diego’s historic landmark is part of the University’s “Heroes Day,” a biannual volunteer event.

“As a University, helping people change their lives and improving our communities is innately ingrained in our culture. I am continually impressed by how many of our employees and faculty members consistently give back to the community – and not just at our Heroes events,” said Dr. Richard Pattenaude, president and CEO of Ashford University. “I am proud to be a part of this University and to lead a team of people who are so committed to making the world a better place.”

Visited by thousands of people from around the world each year, Balboa Park is a 1,200-acre urban cultural park located in the city’s Uptown District. It is known for its beautiful open areas, natural vegetation, gardens, museums, and the world famous San Diego Zoo. For more information, visit http://www.balboapark.org/.

For the Heroes Day event, Ashford University partnered with I Love a Clean San Diego. The beautification will focus on cleaning up the park’s Florida Canyon, which will also include storm drain stenciling. For more information, visit http://ilacsd.org/index.php.

About Ashford University

Ashford University is defining the modern college experience by combining the heritage of a traditional campus with the flexibility and effectiveness of online learning. The University provides a vibrant learning community where high-quality programs and leading-edge technology create a dynamic, immersive and stimulating learning experience. The University offers practical and progressive associate's, bachelor's and master's degree programs online, as well as bachelor’s degree programs at its Clinton, Iowa, campus. Ashford University – where heritage meets innovation. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu or call Shari Winet Rodriguez, vice president of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.

About Bridgepoint Education
Bridgepoint Education, Inc. (NYSE:BPI) improves the way individuals learn. By harnessing creativity, knowledge and proprietary technologies, such as Constellation, Thuze and Waypoint Outcomes, Bridgepoint Education has re-engineered the modern student experience with innovative solutions that advance learning. Its academic institutions – Ashford University and University of the Rockies – embody the contemporary college experience. Ashford University offers associates, bachelor's and master's degree programs while University of the Rockies offers master’s and doctoral degree programs. Both provide progressive online platforms, as well as traditional campuses located in Clinton, Iowa (Ashford University), and Colorado Springs, Colorado (University of the Rockies). For more information about Bridgepoint Education, visit www.bridgepointeducation.com or call Shari Winet Rodriguez, vice president of Public Relations, at 858.668.2580.