SAN DIEGO, Jan. 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Ashford University, a Bridgepoint Education academic institution, showed its support of the men and women who serve in the U.S. armed forces by sponsoring a baby shower for dozens of expectant mothers with ties to the military. Held Tuesday, Jan. 25, the event reiterated Ashford's ongoing commitment to honoring servicemembers and their families.

"Ashford University is always eager to support the men and women of the military," said Dr. Elizabeth Tice, president and chief executive officer of Ashford University. "This baby shower gives us an opportunity to give back to the military families that give so much to our country."

The shower was held at the picturesque Torrey Pines Golf Course during the Farmers Insurance Open, the popular San Diego stop on the PGA Tour. Thirty-five expectant mothers were invited to enjoy the golf tournament in the Military Appreciation Tent which was decorated for a festive baby shower. The mothers-to-be were given a box full of shower gifts, including baby essentials such as clothing, toys, books, diapers, bottles and more. San Diego news anchor Kimberly Hunt hosted the luncheon.

The San Diego shower was the first of several similar shower events that will be held across the country in 2011. The March of Dimes and Operation Shower are teaming up to organize all of the showers and they are relying upon sponsors such as Ashford University to provide shower gifts and other amenities for the events.

"March of Dimes is very proud to have Ashford University as the sponsor of our San Diego inaugural Operation Shower," said Shannon Rimmereid, executive director for the San Diego-Imperial Division of the March of Dimes. "We were thrilled to be able to bring a baby shower to more than 30 very special military moms during the 2011 Farmers Insurance Open. Ashford's support allowed us to make this event very memorable for these deserving families who sacrifice every day for all of us."

The baby shower was intended to help pregnant mothers prepare for the upcoming birth of their child and to offer them relief from the stress often associated with pregnancy.

"Having a baby is a joyful experience, but it's also one that comes with anxiety and concerns," said Jane Massey, chief operation officer for the March of Dimes. "Being in the military, whether as a serviceperson or as the partner of a serviceperson, can cause extra stress."

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, associate vice president of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.

About Bridgepoint Education

Bridgepoint Education's postsecondary education services focus on offering associate's, bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs in such disciplines as business, education, psychology, social sciences and health sciences. Bridgepoint Education's regionally accredited academic institutions – Ashford University and University of the Rockies – deliver their programs online as well as at traditional campuses located in Clinton, Iowa, and Colorado Springs, Colorado. For more information about Bridgepoint Education, visit www.bridgepointeducation.com or call Shari Rodriguez, associate vice president of Public Relations, at 858.668.2580.

About the March of Dimes

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For more information, visit their website at marchofdimes.com.

About Operation Shower

Operation Shower is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that hosts joyous baby showers for military families to ease the burden of deployment. For more information, visit their website at operationshower.org.

SOURCE Ashford University