Bridgepoint Education, Inc. (NYSE:BPI), a provider of postsecondary education services, hosted a special event on April 29 at the Sunroad Centrum building, 8620 Spectrum Center Boulevard in Kearny Mesa. More than 300 community and civic leaders as well as the company's special guests attended the celebration.
The event was held to commemorate 100 percent occupancy at Sunroad Centrum. Also that evening, the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corp. released results of its independent study on Bridgepoint Education's economic impact on the San Diego region; the company's title sponsorship of the Holiday Bowl was made official; and Promises2Kids was named beneficiary of $1 for every Holiday Bowl ticket sold to the 2010 game.
"Our commitment to the community is both economic and philanthropic in nature," Bridgepoint Education CEO Andrew Clark said. "We're here to celebrate both."
Julie Meier Wright, president and CEO of the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corp., reported that Bridgepoint Education's estimated economic impact on the San Diego region was $507 million in 2009, according to its study.
She further noted that the study says Bridgepoint Education ranks among the Top 10 private (non-government) employers in the San Diego region with 4,784 employees. It is now recognized as San Diego's fifth largest private employer.
Also according to the study, in 2009, Bridgepoint Education donated $440,000 in sponsorship and granting dollars to numerous San Diego non-profit organizations. In addition, it awards numerous San Diego scholarships.
Eric Graves, president of the 2010 Holiday Bowl, announced that Bridgepoint Education is the new title sponsor of the Holiday Bowl. The game will be called the Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl.
In addition to sponsoring the game, Bridgepoint Education pledged to donate $1 for every Holiday Bowl ticket sold to Promises2Kids, a non-profit organization serving abused and neglected children. Last year's Holiday Bowl attracted nearly 68,000 fans.
"We're dedicated to making a difference in our community," Clark said. "The Holiday Bowl sponsorship provides another opportunity for Bridgepoint Education to demonstrate its commitment to San Diego. We're embracing our new partnership with enthusiasm and excitement."
Clark added that the Holiday Bowl is a significant contributor to the San Diego economy. "Last year's event generated more than $40 million in local economic impact. We're proud to have our name on an event that does tremendous good for San Diego." In closing, Clark thanked Supervisor Ron Roberts and his staff for presenting Bridgepoint Education with a resolution from the County of San Diego.
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, director of Public Relations at 858.668.2580.