University of Phoenix employees at 62 campuses, 43 affiliated sites open

               cupboards, hearts to help feed nation's hungry



    PHOENIX, July 25 /EMWNews/ -- It was Thanksgiving in June for the

nation's hungry as employees at University of Phoenix' 62 campuses, 19

online divisions, 20 corporate departments and four subsidiaries collected

enough non-perishable food items and monetary donations to provide more

than 68,000 meals. The staggering total was a result of combined efforts by

the University in its first Hunger Is Happening national food drive.



    "In just two weeks, our employees opened their cupboards, hearts and

wallets to help those less fortunate in their own communities," said Nancy

Hennigan, Director of Community Relations, University of Phoenix. "Once

again, University of Phoenix employees have shown how their dedication and

commitment to their individual communities extend far beyond the

classroom."



    The University launched the national food drive June 14 at University

of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., during an employee event. The drive

then rolled out to campuses and other University-affiliated locations

throughout the country from June 16-27. Each location could designate the

local food bank or non-profit organization of its choice as the recipient

of items collected in that particular city and state. In Phoenix, St.

Mary's Food Bank Alliance was the recipient of nearly 13,400 pounds of

non-perishable food donations.



    University of Phoenix - Northern Nevada campus averaged more than 71

donated food items per employee, followed by the New Mexico and Des Moines,

Iowa, campuses with 56 and 41 donated food items per employee,

respectively.



    Summer is traditionally a time when food banks have lower-than-average

donations, so the need is the greatest. In fact, statistics reveal that

more than half a million residents consider their food source as insecure.

Nationally, over 35.5 million people -- including 12.6 million children --

live in households that experience hunger or the risk of hunger.

    About University of Phoenix



    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 May 31, 2008,

345,300 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.