Nearly 200 employees, students, faculty members, and staff from Ashford University and its parent company, Bridgepoint Education, spent the morning of Saturday, Sept. 27, beautifying San Diego’s Chollas Lake Park. The volunteer effort was part of the University’s biannual “Heroes Day” event.

At the event, the volunteers were broken up into three different groups that were in charge of different projects throughout the park. Assigned tasks included cleaning, painting curbs, and beautifying the park. While each group had its own specific responsibilities, they all worked together to improve the park. The volunteers’ combined efforts saved the city of San Diego an estimated $13,000 in labor and waste fees.

“This event marked the first time Ashford staff was able to work together with local Ashford students on Heroes Day, and I am continually impressed by how many of our employees and students want to give back to the community,” said Dr. Richard Pattenaude, Ashford University president and chief executive officer. “I am proud to be a part of Ashford and lead a team of people who are so committed to making the world a better place.”

This was the second Heroes Day held in 2014. In April, more than 100 Ashford Heroes volunteered their time to build new bicycles for local youth in San Diego, helped update the Mi Casa Resource Center in Denver, and picked up trash along the Millcreek Parkway in Clinton, Iowa.

About Ashford University
Where heritage meets innovation – that’s Ashford University. At Ashford, students discover relevant degree programs, innovative technology, and cherished tradition. Ashford offers associates, bachelor’s, and master’s online degree programs, while the Clinton, Iowa campus offers bachelor’s programs. Whether on campus or online, Ashford students enjoy the same supportive community. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu, www.facebook.com/ashforduniversity, www.twitter.com/AshfordU, or call Shari Winet, Vice President of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.

About Bridgepoint Education
Bridgepoint Education, Inc. (NYSE:BPI) harnesses the latest technology to reimagine the modern student experience. Bridgepoint’s technologies, including Waypoint Outcomes^®, enhance the way people learn in the digital age. Bridgepoint owns three academic institutions – Ashford University, University of the Rockies, and Denver Learning Institute. Together, these programs, technologies, and resources represent a unique model for advancing education in the 21st century. Bridgepoint stands for greater access, social learning, and exposure to leading minds. For more information, visit www.bridgepointeducation.com, www.facebook.com/BridgepointEducation, or call Shari Winet, Vice President of Public Relations, at 858.668.2580.