Representatives of Ashford University joined San Diego Padres catcher Rob Johnson at the El Cajon Library Tuesday morning, presenting a combined $1,000 gift from the two organizations to the San Diego County Library system. Johnson then sat with a group of children to read, sing and sign everything from baseballs to children’s hands.

“Ashford University and Bridgepoint Education are keenly aware of the importance of education. Supporting America’s youth is at the core of our corporate philosophy,” declared Jane McAuliffe, executive vice president and chief academic officer of Bridgepoint Education (NYSE: BPI), parent company of Ashford University. “We welcome the opportunity to join the Padres in sponsoring our local libraries, and in turn, improving the lives of children in our community.”

The support provided by the Padres and Ashford University to San Diego County libraries will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the County of San Diego’s matching funds program, and all money gifted will help expand and maintain its selection of books, video and audio material.

In addition to many members of the local community, the El Cajon Library Reading Corner was attended by representatives of Assemblyman Brian Jones (77th Assembly District), Padres front-office personnel, regional library officials, and reporters from KUSI-TV, Fox 5 TV, and the San Diego Union-Tribune.

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.