PHOENIX,AX. - December 15, 2008 "“ The American Red Cross presented Apollo Group, Inc., parent company of University of Phoenix with its national 2008 Circle of Humanitarian Award. The award recognizes the company's generous support and commitment to the Red Cross' overall mission to provide relief to victims of disasters and help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.

"The Circle of Humanitarian Award is considered one of the highest honors that the American Red Cross can bestow on corporations or companies in recognition of their corporate citizenship and social responsibility," said Ken Krueger, Grand Canyon Chapter chief executive officer.

"Apollo Group, and our subsidiaries, embodies the spirit of compassion and humanity that the award represents," he added. "We are proud to acknowledge their service and commitment to others in this way."

The Grand Canyon chapter, headquartered in Phoenix, Ariz., nominated Apollo Group, Inc. for the national award based on a number of compelling factors.

Following the horrific earthquakes in China earlier this year, all Apollo Group employees, including those who work at the over 100 University of Phoenix locations, rallied support and funds to donate to the Red Cross's episodic disaster fund to benefit those affected. Apollo donated $75,000 and agreed to match the $25,000 raised by its employees, making a total contribution to the Red Cross of $125,219.

Apollo Group also demonstrated its commitment to the Red Cross by becoming the lead sponsor of Arizona's 28th Annual Red Cross Ultimate Lifeguard Challenge in July. The event is designed to train Red Cross lifeguards from throughout Arizona in water safety. It also provides an opportunity for lifeguards to showcase their skills in a competitive environment. University of Phoenix employees volunteered their time to man the event as well.

In addition, Apollo Group Vice President and Chief Audit Executive, Bonnie Trowbridge, represents the company by lending her business and financial expertise as a member of the Grand Canyon Chapter's 2008-09 Board of Directors.

"The American Red Cross serves individuals and communities in their most vulnerable and heartrending moments; their selfless gifts of aid and comfort are immeasurable," said Joe D'Amico, president and chief financial officer, Apollo Group. "To have an organization of this magnitude and compassion recognize our own company's efforts to help others is both humbling and gratifying. Apollo Group, and its subsidiaries, will continue to make social responsibility a priority so we exemplify all that The American Red Cross and the Circle of Humanitarian Award represent."

About Apollo Group, Inc.
Apollo Group, Inc. has been an education provider for more than 30 years, providing academic access and opportunity to students through its subsidiaries, University of Phoenix, Institute for Professional Development, College for Financial Planning, Western International University, Meritus University, Insight Schools and Apollo Global. It also owns Aptimus, a provider of innovative digital media solutions.

The Company's distinctive educational programs and services are provided at the high school, college and graduate levels in 40 states (as of May 31, 2008) and the District of Columbia; Puerto Rico; Alberta and British Columbia, Canada; Mexico; Chile; and the Netherlands, as well as online, throughout the world.

About The American Red Cross
The American Red Cross helps people present, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Last year, almost a million volunteers and 35,000 employees helped victims of almost 75,000 disasters; taught life-saving skills to millions; and helped U.S. service members separated from their families stay connected. Almost 4 million people gave blood through the Red Cross, the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States. The American Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. An average of 91cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money and blood to do its work.

University of Phoenix/Apollo Group

University of Phoenix/Apollo Group

More from University of Phoenix/Apollo Group