During its annual “Toot Your Own Horn” event on May 25, the Clinton Convention and Visitors Bureau presented its “Friend of Tourism” award to Ashford University. 

“Normally, you don’t think of an educational institution as a contributor to a community’s tourism efforts, but there is no doubt that Ashford University attracts large numbers of tourists to the Clinton area,” said master of ceremonies Gary Determan of KROS Radio. “The University’s campus attracts prospective students and their families to town. Concerts and sporting events keep them coming back. Many of their online students, who may have never stepped foot in Clinton, come and bring their families and friends to witness them walk across the stage at graduation.” 

He noted that an estimated 1,000 students and 4,500 guests came to Clinton for Ashford’s spring graduation in April.

“The economic impact of these visitors is extraordinary,” Determan said. “They stay in Clinton’s hotels, eat at our restaurants and shop at our local businesses. The Clinton Herald estimated that one day during their recent graduation would have an impact of $652,527. For this and many other reasons, Ashford University is this year’s ‘Friend of Tourism.” 

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