Ashford University will recognize area educators during its annual “Ashford Night at the Ballpark” on Thursday, May 6, 2010. 

“We invite all area teachers, administrators and other school staff members to be our guests at Alliant Energy Field in Clinton to watch the Clinton LumberKings take on the Beloit Snappers,” said John Ballheim, Ashford University’s vice president/campus director.

Prior to the start of the baseball game, Ashford will announce the winners of its first-ever local teacher scholarships, as well as a “Teacher of the Year” award. In addition, all education professionals will be recognized. 

During a ceremony at 6:15 p.m., the university will award three full scholarships to its two online teacher education programs – the Master of Arts of Education or the Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning with Technology. It will also present $500.00 for classroom materials to the area’s first “Teacher of the Year.”

“Our area educators are among the most talented and dedicated in the nation, so we thought it was appropriate to do something special for them as another school year comes to a close,” Ballheim said. “We want to recognize the great contributions these individuals have made and will continue to make to our children.”

To be considered for one of the scholarships or the “Teacher of the Year” award, teachers must be employed at a public or private K-12 school in the Iowa counties of Clinton, Scott or Jackson; the Illinois counties of Carroll, Whiteside or Rock Island, or any school district that has hosted Ashford University student-teacher clinical placements.

Free tickets to the May 6 event are available at area merchants, area school offices and Ashford University. The baseball game’s first pitch is at 6:30 p.m.

Also as part of “Ashford Night at the Ballpark,” the University will host its alumni and guests in the picnic garden. Invitations have been sent to alumni. For additional information and to RSVP, please contact the Student Success Office at 563.242.4023, ext. 7794 by April 28. 

About Ashford University

Founded in 1918, Ashford University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (www.ncahlc.org). The University offers graduate and undergraduate degree programs online and at its Clinton, Iowa, campus. The University is known for its high quality yet highly affordable online and on-campus programs. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu or call Shari Rodriguez, director of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.