University of Phoenix, CMT One Country Announce Scholarship Recipient

University of Phoenix, CMT One Country Announce Scholarship Recipient

Alex Vanderheide from Hays, North Carolina, Receives Scholarship in Recognition of His Volunteer Efforts

PHOENIX, Aug. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Earlier this year, University of Phoenix and CMT One Country, the pro-social initiative for cable network CMT, joined forces to reward one deserving volunteer with a full scholarship to University of Phoenix. This week, in a spot that aired on CMT during the CMT TOP 20 COUNTDOWN, it was announced that Alex Vanderheide, from Hays, North Carolina, will receive the scholarship.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060926/LATU075LOGO-a)

Through on-air messaging beginning last April, CMT encouraged individuals to nominate dedicated community volunteers for the scholarship. Vanderheide was chosen from among 500 nominations to receive the scholarship from University of Phoenix, the nation's largest private university in North America.

Vanderheide has dedicated countless hours to help others less fortunate and to those serving our country. From his work as a VFW Military Assistance Program Officer for families of the deployed National Guard, to playing taps at the funerals of America's war veterans, he is admired by many. Adding to this noteworthy patriotism is his role in teaching CPR and water safety classes for the Red Cross chapter -- as well as volunteering at the local elementary school.

Dr. Bill Pepicello, President of University of Phoenix, said, "Clearly, Alex is an exemplary community volunteer who demonstrates his love and compassion for others through serving the greater good." Dr. Pepicello added, "Volunteerism like Alex's is unique. The time and dedication he gives veterans, service men and women, families in crisis and even as an illustrator in his wife's first-grade classroom is exemplary. University of Phoenix salutes Alex's leadership, spirit and character. He is the quintessential hometown hero."

"Alex's extraordinary dedication to his community and his leadership embodies the spirit of CMT One Country," said Lucia Folk, director of public affairs, CMT. "Rewarding Alex's volunteerism by giving him a University of Phoenix scholarship is a wonderful way to encourage his future success and continued support of his community. We wish him the best as he furthers his education and investment in himself."

The spot featuring scholarship award winner, Alex Vanderheide, can be seen on Web site http://www.cmt.com/one_country/index.jhtml beginning Wednesday.

University of Phoenix was established more than 30 years ago to meet the educational needs of working individuals. Today, the University provides access to education for over 300,000 working students worldwide.

CMT One Country, CMT's pro-social initiative, was launched in the fall of 2005 to promote civic participation and inspire CMT viewers to take action and bring about important change in their communities. CMT One Country partners include America's Second Harvest, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Habitat for Humanity, Hands On Network and the USO (United Service Organizations). Led by Advisory Board members President Jimmy Carter, Maya Angelou and General Colin Powell, whose combined service to America is legendary, CMTONECOUNTRY.com aims to offer tools to help anyone start making a difference immediately. For information: http://www.cmtonecountry.com/.

CMT, America's No. 1 country music network, carries original programming, specials, and live concerts and events, as well as a mix of videos by established country music artists and new cutting-edge acts, including world premiere exclusive videos. Founded March 6, 1983, CMT, owned and operated by MTV Networks, reaches 84 million households in the United States. Go to country music's biggest web site at http://www.cmt.com/.

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, 2007, more than 311,100 students were enrolled at Apollo Group institutions, which include 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 more than 190 campuses and learning centers in the U.S. as well as online throughout the world.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060926/LATU075LOGO-a
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

Source: University of Phoenix

CONTACT: Marla Sheiner of University of Phoenix, +1-480-557-1711,
marla.sheiner@apollogrp.edu; or Natasha Powell of CMT, +1-615-335-8412,
natasha.powell@cmt.com

Web site: http://www.cmtonecountry.com/
http://www.cmt.com/

---

Profile: International Entertainment