Top-Ranking University for Educating Military Salutes Memorial Day Weekend in Memorable Way

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University of Phoenix Named 2009 Most Valuable Employer for Military

PHOENIX, May 22 /PRNewswire/ -- As a Memorial Day tribute to those who have lost their lives serving our country, approximately 50 volunteers from University of Phoenix's military division placed 7,000 American flags at the company's Riverpoint complex and its various campus locations in Phoenix. The freedom flags were sold to University of Phoenix staff for a $5 donation, with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting the USO and Salute a Soldier Foundation. The flags were placed at both locations on May 21-22, and then were delivered to the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona for placement on the veterans' graves in honor of Memorial Day. Similar tributes were created at many of the University's campus locations nationwide, with the money raised being donated to local military organizations within the communities they serve.

Another way the University is celebrating the holiday this year is by inviting students, faculty, alumni and staff to pay tribute to military heroes by signing their name to its Memorial Day Virtual Tribute Wall (click here). Additionally, University of Phoenix is launching a nationwide partnership with AT&T and Cell Phones for Soldiers. Employees, students, faculty and staff are invited to visit their local campus and donate their used cell phones or wireless devices to drop box locations at campuses and locations company-wide. The cell phones are then turned in to the organization and calling cards are sent to the troops overseas.

As a testament to their commitment to the military population, CivilianJobs.com recently named University of Phoenix as one of the 2009 Most Valuable Employers (MVE) for Military. The MVE for Military was open to all U.S.-based companies, and the winners and finalists were selected based on surveys in which employers outlined their 2009 recruiting, training and retention plans that best serve military service members and veterans. The CivilianJobs.com MVE for Military serves to help military-experienced job seekers identify the top employers to target for civilian careers.

University of Phoenix was also named by Military Advanced Education as one of the country's top 20 colleges and universities favorable to military personnel. The honor takes into consideration the number of military students served, the availability of military scholarships, and other policies benefiting military members and veterans. More than 2,000 colleges and universities participated in last year's survey, and University of Phoenix was selected among the top 20 by an independent panel of judges from both the educational and the military fields.

In addition, The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) recognized University of Phoenix with a federal award for its support of National Guard and Reserve personnel in its employment. The organization highlighted employers who provide "above and beyond" support that may include pay differential to offset the loss of wages and extension of health care benefits while employees are mobilized. Such actions, according to ESGR, are critical in maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation's National Guard and Reserve units. The Arizona Committee for ESGR presented the award to the University, which is headquartered in Phoenix.

"University of Phoenix has always held the deepest respect for the men and women who have served and continue to serve our country," said Mike Bibbee, vice president, University of Phoenix Military Division. "These recognitions further acknowledge our long-term commitment to providing members of the military with access to a quality education."


University of Phoenix serves a large and diverse military population, with nearly 29,000 active-duty military and their spouses, as well as veterans, enrolled in its various degree programs. More than 7,200 military members or veterans graduated from the University last year. University of Phoenix understands that frequent moves and deployments make it difficult for military members to take advantage of their educational benefits, which is why it has developed numerous programs to help serve the needs of military personnel while they are serving our country. The University works closely with information officers at hundreds of military bases around the globe to ensure it is providing the support and information necessary to help military personnel determine which educational programs best fit their lifestyle.

University of Phoenix makes education financially attainable through a variety of programs and scholarships for military members. The University extends tuition discounts to military students and their spouses, and partners with several government and military agencies to offer scholarships. In addition, the University has initiated its own scholarships specifically designed for military members. These include the AMVETS Scholarship Program, which offers 50 tuition scholarships valued at $4,000 each to active military, veterans and their families. The University's Severely Injured Veterans Scholarship Program was created to honor military personnel who return home from service in Iraq and Afghanistan with critical injuries. University of Phoenix works with Heroes to Hometowns, a national Department of Defense program, to provide five full-tuition scholarships annually to help ease the sometimes difficult transition to civilian life under the umbrella of the Severely Injured Veterans Scholarship Program.

Additionally, the Tuskegee Airmen Scholarship Foundation (TASF) was awarded a $20,000 grant from University of Phoenix earlier this year to help disadvantaged students pursuing their academic studies, in addition to five full-tuition scholarships. In order to continue to preserve the Tuskegee Airmen legacy, the TASF was established in 1979 to serve as a vehicle to provide annual scholarships to outstanding young people in their academic quest for excellence. The University's donation will support the Foundation's broad scholarship programs, including those in the areas of science and math.

"University of Phoenix believes the heroic men and women of the Armed Forces deserve educational opportunities to enhance their future and that of their families," Bibbee said. "Just as they feel it is their duty and honor to serve their country, University of Phoenix feels honored and privileged to serve these individuals and help them reach their academic goals."

University of Phoenix is constantly innovating to help students balance education and life in a rapidly changing world. Through flexible schedules, challenging courses and interactive learning, students achieve personal and career aspirations without putting their lives on hold. As of February 28, 2009, 397,700 students were enrolled at University of Phoenix, the largest private university in North America. University of Phoenix serves a diverse student population, offering associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs from campuses and learning centers across the U.S. as well as online throughout the world.
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