Capella University to Partner with USA Cares on Feb. 16 in Tampa to Send Hundreds of Care Packages to Soldiers

Capella University, an accredited online university that has built its reputation by providing high quality online degree programs for working adults, is partnering with USA Cares to host a volunteer event on Feb. 16 in Tampa where hundreds of care packages will be assembled for military servicemembers. Dozens of volunteers are expected to help assemble the packages between 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. at the Tampa Marriott Waterside hotel, as part of the Council of Colleges and Military Educators (CCME) annual symposium.

"All of us at Capella pride ourselves in the support services we provide to our students who are affiliated with the military. We have developed close relationships with many of our students who are serving our country, so it is an honor to join USA Cares in preparing care packages for them," said Randy Plunkett, Capella’s manager of federal education. “I also serve on the board of CCME, and this is the first service project ever conducted in conjunction with our symposium. We anticipate many of our attendees will be eager to have a part in this great event.”

Approximately 12 percent of Capella students are affiliated with the military. Capella participates in the Post-9/11 GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon program, and for the fourth consecutive year, Military Advanced Education magazine has given Capella its Top Military-Friendly Colleges and Universities award. Capella has also been proclaimed a "Yellow Ribbon" organization by the Minnesota National Guard and former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty for its ongoing efforts to support servicemembers and military family members.

As of Sept. 30, 2010, more than 38,000 students are pursuing an online degree at Capella, with 30 percent enrolled in Capella’s doctoral degree programs, and 48 percent enrolled in Capella’s master’s degree programs.

USA Cares is a nonprofit organization that exists to help bear the burdens of service by providing post-9/11 military families with financial and advocacy support. Assistance is provided to all branches of service, all components, and all ranks. Since 2003, USA Cares has responded to over 26,000 requests for assistance with more than $7,600,000 in direct support grants.

About Capella University
Capella University (www.capella.edu) is an accredited online university* that has built its reputation by providing quality online degree programs for working adults. Nearly 80 percent of Capella students are currently enrolled in master’s, specialist, or doctoral degree programs in business, information technology, education, human services, nursing, psychology, public administration, public health, and public safety. Capella also offers bachelor’s degree programs in business, information technology, public administration, and public safety. Within those areas, Capella currently offers 136 graduate and undergraduate specializations and 17 certificate programs. More than 38,000 learners were enrolled as of September 30, 2010, from all 50 states and 52 other countries. Capella is committed to providing high-caliber academic excellence and pursuing balanced business growth. Founded in 1993, Capella University is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Capella Education Company, headquartered in Minneapolis. For more information, please visit http://www.capella.edu or call 1.888.CAPELLA (227.3552).

BUSINESSWIRE