With more than 350 volunteer hours logged in 2011, Betsy Vanausdeln, an instructional specialist for Ashford University, has been named Bridgepoint Education’s Hero of the Year.
“It feels incredible to receive this honor. I feel like I am on top of the world,” said Vanausdeln. “Giving back to the community is something I have always done and will continue to do. This honor means a lot to me.”
As part of their commitment to enrich the communities they serve, Bridgepoint Education, Inc. (NYSE: BPI), a provider of innovative solutions that advance learning, recognizes an outstanding employee each year who goes above and beyond in embracing the company’s giving mission. Upon receiving the Bridgepoint Hero of the Year honor, Vanausdeln will also receive a trophy along with a $1,000 donation to go toward the charity of her choice.
“I would like to donate the money to the Girl Scout troop I lead,” said Vanausdeln. “The money will be used to help fund community service projects to help the members complete their award in girl scouting.”
Vanausdeln is an avid volunteer for the Girl Scouts of the United States of America.
Vanausdeln began her volunteer career with the Girl Scouts more than 30 years ago when she became a Brownie and her mother was her troop leader. Today, Vanausdeln is leader of her own troop of 14 Girl Scouts, which includes her 15-year-old daughter.
Vanausdeln is also co-chair of the Bridgepoint Heroes Committee at the company’s Iowa Online Center. The 12-person committee is responsible for overseeing projects to help the community align with the three focus areas in Bridgepoint’s Social Responsibilty Mission: Education, Youth and the Military. In the past year, the committee’s volunteer efforts have consisted of monthly and ongoing events helping several organizations in the Clinton community, such as book drives for the Clinton Area Education Agency, food drives for various charities, Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowl-A-Thon, and silent auctions for the United Way.
Involved with several charities through Bridgepoint Heroes, as well as outside of work, Vanausdeln is committed to making the world a better place through service to the community. “Being a veteran of the armed forces, I have always found it imperative to serve the community and will continue to be an active volunteer. I just love it. It makes me feel good,” said Vanausdeln.
About Bridgepoint Education
Bridgepoint Education, Inc. (NYSE:BPI) improves the way individuals learn. By harnessing creativity, knowledge and proprietary technologies, such as Constellation and Waypoint Outcomes, Bridgepoint Education has re-engineered the modern student experience with innovative solutions that advance learning. Its accredited institutions – Ashford University and University of the Rockies – embody the contemporary college experience. Ashford University offers associate's, bachelor's and master's degree programs while University of the Rockies offers master’s and doctoral degree programs. Both provide progressive online platforms, as well as traditional campuses located in Clinton, Iowa (Ashford University), and Colorado Springs, Colorado (University of the Rockies). For more information about Bridgepoint Education, visit www.bridgepointeducation.com or call Shari Rodriguez, associate vice president of Public Relations, at 858.668.2580.