University of Phoenix celebrates National Volunteer Week

On May 1, 2008, in association with National Volunteer Week, University of Phoenix hosted a Volunteer Fair for employees in Phoenix, Arizona. During the Fair, numerous non-profit organizations from throughout the Phoenix Valley came to the new Riverpoint building locations to provide employees with information on how they can become involved in their community through a number of different volunteering opportunities. Upon arrival, employees received cards to stamp as they visited each non-profit organization and at the end the non-profit organizations with the most stamps received a donation from University of Phoenix. The Arizona Science Center received a donation for $5,000, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society received a donation for $2,500 and Sunshine Acres received a donation for $1,000. The Fair was in association with the company's partnership with VolunteerMatch that provides employees throughout the nation with a resource for opportunities in their area.

Teaming up with a champion

On Saturday, May 25th, 2008, the University of Phoenix was proud to be a sponsor of An Evening with Champions in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Hosted by Kurt Warner and special guest Masters Champion Zach Johnson, it was a night to be remembered benefiting the Kurt Warner First Things First Foundation. Kurt Warner and Zach Johnson spent the evening sharing their personal stories of overcoming challenges, setting goals, and achieving their dreams. Bob Armbrust, Teresa Hutchinson and Jennifer Plutt from the Des Moines campus were in attendance to represent the University of Phoenix.

The Kurt Warner Foundation is dedicated to impacting lives by providing opportunities to encourage individuals that all things are possible when you seek to put first things first. Kurt Warner, quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals, founded The First Things First Foundation in 2001 to give back. In an effort to create a continued partnership, The Kurt Warner First Things First Foundation and the University of Phoenix have teamed up to create the First Things First Scholarship Program. The Foundation believes that "everyone needs an opportunity," and seeks to provide deserving individuals with the opportunity to receive an education and thus, prepare themselves for a better future. The University of Phoenix is setting an example by putting first things first and creating opportunities for underserved individuals to pursue their dreams of higher education.

University of Phoenix celebrates women in sports

On May 2, 2008, University of Phoenix was honored to present a full-tuition scholarship to Wendy Parades at the Phoenix Women's Sports Association's Annual "Power to Inspire Awards Dinner". Several employees represented University of Phoenix at the dinner which recognizes the outstanding accomplishments, both on and off the court, of Arizona's female athletes and their supporters. Scholarship recipient Wendy Parades was certainly deserving of the award. While working part-time, Wendy is a varsity letter winner in both softball and basketball and has been actively involved in the Arizona community for over seven years. PWSA reaches out to underserved girls and women to give them opportunities to reach their greatest potential by building confidence and self-esteem through participation in sports and fitness activities.

University of Phoenix celebrates the power of education

In May, 2008 University of Phoenix supported the Urban League of Denver's 62nd Anniversary. The University of Phoenix was proud to continue it's partnership with the Urban League of Denver to provide education to those in pursuance of their dreams through the University's First Chance Scholarship program. Established in 2006, the program has helped deserving individuals fulfill their dream of going to college by awarding full scholarships through partnerships with non-profit organizations like the Urban League. The University of Phoenix was represented by Colorado Vice President and Director Tammy Fernandez, who spoke at the event.

The partnership with the Urban League has helped reach the exceptional teenagers and young adults most in need of a college education, along with parents whose children would be first in their family to attend college

The Urban League of Denver is dedicated to serving African American and other residents of metro Denver by helping them attain social and economic equality and self reliance. Education is a big part of achieving this goal and University of Phoenix is proud to help the Urban League with their mission by helping those individuals achieve their dreams.

The University of Phoenix proudly supports the arts

Through 19 seasons, Arizona's Valley Youth Theatre has strived to provide children with the discovery of a lasting interest in and appreciation for the arts, and the inspiration to be the very best they can be. On June 14, 2008, the University of Phoenix was honored to be a Cast sponsor of "The Most VYTal Event of the Season 2008" as the Valley Youth Theatre celebrates it's 20th anniversary season. The event signifies the start of the season, with a special performance of Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella at Phoenix's Herberger Theater Center. The 20th season includes performances of Aida, Treasure Island, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Seussical the Musical, and more.

Founded in 1989, the Valley Youth Theatre has been making a positive impact in children's lives one child at a time. The Valley Youth Theatre provides education and outreach programs for nearly 5,000 disadvantaged and at-risk young people each season. The University of Phoenix is a proud sponsor of the Valley Youth Theatre's 20th anniversary season, which promises to be one that inspires, captivates, and educates audiences throughout the year.

Employees team up to help the Special Olympics

On the first weekend in May, a gathering of inspiring and exceptional athletes took place in Tempe, Arizona. Athletes from around the state came together for the 2008 Special Olympics Arizona Summer Games. Special Olympics Arizona seeks to provide children and adults who have intellectual disabilities with courage, friendship and physical fitness through sports programs. Three teams from the University of Phoenix offered their time and companionship to the Olympians, coaches and families involved in this amazing event. Teams were led by Lisa Adams, Executive Account Analyst, Online, Melissa Fernandez, Executive Finance Counselor, Online, and Julie Scaff, Associate Director, Disability Services Online.

University of Phoenix volunteers participated in various ways at the track and field and kayaking events. They enjoyed helping with event staging, cheerleading, and generally supporting the athletes. The Olympians showed determination, competitiveness, and amazing fitness that proved to be motivating to all who were in attendance. Employees were inspired by the hugs, stories, and unbridled excitement they witnessed throughout this great weekend with Special Olympics Arizona. It was certainly a day that the University of Phoenix teams won't soon forget. Regardless of who crossed the finish line first, everyone left the event a winner.

NBA D-League and University of Phoenix team up for Continuing Education Advocacy program

In partnership with the University of Phoenix, 2007 NBA D-League MVP, 2008 D-League Champion and New Orleans native Randy Livingston hosted an event on May 31 at the Family Community Resource Center, Frederick A. Douglass High School, in New Orleans to announce the names of the three New Orleans Recovery School District parents selected to receive full college scholarships to the online degree program. In addition, the University of Phoenix presented the Recovery School District with a check for $15,000 to support the District's Family Community Resource Centers.

The full scholarships to the University of Phoenix were awarded as part of the new joint D-League and University of Phoenix "Continuing Education Advocacy" program. The winning New Orleans Recovery School District parents were selected as part of a contest inviting them to submit an application containing their personal reasons for pursuing a college education.

Livingston is one of several D-League players attending the University of Phoenix. He is currently pursuing a degree in business and will share his online classroom experiences with parents, as well as emphasize the importance of supporting their children in their pursuit of knowledge and higher education.

Driving bright ideas

Green, sporty and loaded with energy, the new University of Phoenix solar powered golf cart travels the Phoenix campus as a new member of the security team. The Colombia SMT-4 utility vehicle has zero emissions, operates for just pennies per mile and can travel for a month before needing to be charged by battery. The solar panel roof takes advantage of those sunny Arizona days at a top speed of 19 MPH and continues operation on rare rainy days through the high-grade battery.

This four-seat, sunlight-capturing utility vehicle, is one more way University of Phoenix is demonstrating its forward thinking and innovative approach to sustainability. The energy savings of operating a solar powered vehicle are incredible as the need for electricity is reduced. Additionally, the vehicle will pay for itself in 2-3 years, illustrating its long-term financial savings.

University of Phoenix - Puerto Rico graduate proposes a new business model for PREPA

The Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) could have a new business model a year from now. Designed and introduced by Ramon Caldas, University of Phoenix graduate, the new model proposes a shift from a cost center model to a profit center, one that would offset the increase of oil prices to produce energy.

Caldas' proposal was conceived as his capstone course final project. He later presented it to PREPA, where it was welcomed. The new model is currently being evaluated.

"I wanted to grow further within PREPA, take my career to another level, so I started looking around for an institution that would allow me to continue carrying on my work responsibilities while furthering my education," said Caldas. "University of Phoenix offered me that flexibility and I took the opportunity."

Along with more than 600 students, Caldas received his MBA diploma April 27 during the Puerto Rico campus commencement ceremony.

Students learn to look the look, walk the walk, and talk the talk

University of Phoenix, Cleveland campus hosted its first career fashion show and career fair, "Look the Look, Walk the Walk, Talk the Talk," to further educate all students in the Cleveland community, regardless of which school they attend, on how to achieve success in the workplace and leave a memorable impression at every job interview.

Tina Hamrick, incoming president for the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Cleveland Chapter and owner and vice president of operations for SJK Beringer, joined the event as a keynote speaker and gave an inspiring talk with advice for graduates on preparing for the future. Dress for Success Cleveland also joined University of Phoenix for this event and donated the outfits for the fashion show. At the end of the fashion show, two lucky audience members won a professional makeover, complete with a work appropriate outfit to utilize out in the workplace!

The fashion show, complete with University of Phoenix enrollment counselors showcasing appropriate business attire, was a huge success with more than 60 attendees including faculty, students and members of the Cleveland community.

University of Phoenix holds grand opening in Miami

University of Phoenix - South Florida is preparing to offer classes at its new campus location in Miami this summer.

For more than a decade, the University has steadily expanded its ground presence statewide. In South Florida, there are campus locations in Cypress Creek, Fort Lauderdale, Miramar, and Palm Beach Gardens. The latest grand opening is taking place at Miami's Dolphin Commerce Center, located at 1410 NW 20th Street.

"In constructing a campus location in the heart of this community, our intent is to make higher education more accessible for as many aspiring students as possible," said Adriana Garay, South Florida campus director for University of Phoenix.

The 25,827-square-foot facility houses 14 classrooms and six study rooms to accommodate the University's collaborative team learning model. There also is space dedicated for faculty, prospective employee and student interviews, a breakroom, and administrative space.

The campus is also equipped with a 13-station computer lab, where students can access rEsource, the University's electronic portal to all course content and support materials. Wireless connections are available in every classroom, as well as the Student Resource Center, which features an on-site copy center.

Preserving black history this side of the river

Ryan Rowe, faculty member and enrollment counselor at University of Phoenix - Raleigh, co-directed and co-produced "This Side of the River," a film that brings to the surface a moving re-telling of Princeville - a town established in 1885 by freed slaves, and the oldest town in the United States incorporated by African-Americans.

He has also reincarnated "This Side of the River" into the Princeville Outreach Project. Its mission is to create "a partnership of Princeville leaders and international supporters using film, music, and other media arts to raise awareness and support for the historical preservation and sustainable future of the town." Current plans include efforts to effectively market and distribute the film on a national level, while using publicity and public screenings of the film to raise funds, awareness and partnerships for community programs.

What started in 2003 as a research project for Ryan's thesis has developed into a bigger, stronger commitment. He knows the town's past represents a significant chapter in history, but he ends his day every night knowing that many more chapters remain to be written.

University Of Phoenix - Wichita celebrates graduating students, including the first class of
associates graduates

University of Phoenix - Wichita campus celebrated its commencement ceremony on May 3 at the Hyatt Regency Wichita. The ceremony recognized 65 students, including the first class of graduates from Axia College.

"We congratulate our students for their commitment to higher education, along with our faculty, for their unwavering dedication to helping students realize their dreams of earning a degree," said Cindy Yoakum, campus director.

Student speaker Allan Sudduth shared his inspirational story of investing in his future after a terrible battle with testicular cancer. The cancer had spread to his entire body, which resulted in the doctor's tragic report: Sudduth was told he had only two days to live. After nine months of intensive treatment and living in the hospital, he was finally cancer-free.

As a survivor, the 42-year-old Sudduth was still apprehensive to invest in his future, but getting married and starting a family helped ease his fears. After 14 years out of the classroom, Sudduth finally made the commitment to go back to school. On May 3, he received his master's degree in business administration and walked across the stage with a degree he never thought he would live to receive.

Planting for the future

The nation recently took part in the Great American Cleanup. It's an annual event that started in 1999 and many consider it to be the largest community improvement project in the country. Floridians have participated by picking up litter, beautifying outdoor spaces, painting over graffiti, repairing homes and businesses, and holding recycling drives and workshops.

Joining in the effort this year were more than a dozen employees and students from University of Phoenix - Palm Beach Gardens who sacrificed their time on April 26 to help the City of Palm Beach Gardens plant 1,000 tree seedlings in City Park.

The seedlings included 750 bald cypress and 250 southern maple, which were purchased with grant money from Keep Palm Beach County Beautiful - an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, Inc., a national nonprofit that forms public-private partnerships and programs to engage people to take greater responsibility for improving their community environments.

"University of Phoenix has a social and corporate responsibility to take care of the earth for ourselves and future generations," said Elaine Harris, lead enrollment counselor for the Palm Beach Gardens campus location. "We hope our contributions, small and large, will make a long-term difference in our community."

Lending a helping hand

University of Phoenix - Palm Beach Gardens lent a helping hand at a Habitat for Humanity construction site on May 10. Both students and employees from the University were encouraged to volunteer their time to work on a home in the Jupiter Gardens area known as Kennedy Estates.

The home has been designated to a single father of three. Employees who participated said the effort presented an opportunity for University of Phoenix - Palm Beach Gardens to give back to the community in which it serves.

"Words cannot describe the sense of fulfillment that comes from working side by side with the family whose dream of home ownership is taking place right before their very eyes," said Lead Enrollment Counselor Elaine Harris, University of Phoenix - Palm Beach Gardens.

The house will sit amid 27 other homes on the site known as Habitat Village at Kennedy Estates.

Birmingham campus supports their local boys of summer

The boys of summer are back in full swing in Alabama and for the second year, the Birmingham campus is a proud supporter of its local youth baseball team and playing field - the Oak Mountain Youth Baseball & Softball program. This year, the campus sponsored the A's, the team of 9-year-olds, in addition to the 11- to 12-year-old field at the local baseball park. As a sponsor, University of Phoenix's logo is displayed on a banner that hangs in the outfield, challenging the young boys to hit the ball over it to score a home run.

MTV visits the Charlotte campus

A Charlotte campus student, Sgt. Shameeka Gray, was recruited by MTV to take part in the network's "Choose Or Loose" campaign to mobilize young people to take action in the election.

Sgt. Gray, a Kuwait and Iraq veteran, will be profiled in a documentary on veterans. The crew filmed Sgt. Gray while she went about her daily routine, which included attending class at the Charlotte campus where she's studying for her degree in business management.

University of Phoenix opens downtown learning center in St. Louis

University of Phoenix - St. Louis opened a Downtown Learning Center at Metropolitan Square with a ribbon cutting and open house May 21. University of Phoenix educates more than 3,100 students in the St. Louis area and is already considering further expanding classroom space at the Downtown Learning Center to meet the growing demand for downtown classes. University of Phoenix also has learning centers in Des Peres, Earth City and O'Fallon, Mo.