Return to: U of M Home |
|
|
myU | One Stop | Directories | Search U of M | |
|
|||
|
|||
|
|
|
Expert Alerts |
|
|
|
U of M ranks ninth nationwide in number of Peace Corps Volunteers
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL ( 1/23/2009 ) -- With 65 alumni currently serving as Peace Corps Volunteers, the University of Minnesota's Twin Cities campus held its rank as the No. 9 university on the Peace Corps' recently-released list of top 25 large schools nationwide in producing Peace Corps Volunteers. The U of M has made the Peace Corps' Top Schools list since the ranking system began in 2001, and since Peace Corps' inception in 1961, 1,241 U of M alumni have served in Peace Corps, making Minnesota the 18th-largest producer of volunteers all-time. The U of M garnered the most Peace Corps Volunteers in the state in 2008, with local small colleges St. Olaf College, Macalester College, Gustavus Adolphus College and Carleton College also ranking highly in their respective categories. "The spirit of service is very strong in Minnesota," said Sheilla Collins, program director in the U of M's Office of International Programs. "Here at the University of Minnesota, we enjoy strong study abroad programs, which also contributes to increased Peace Corps participation." The U of M also offers a Peace Corps Master's International program in the area of Natural Resource Science and Management. This unique program, which allows students to combine Peace Corps service with graduate studies for credit, is only offered at a handful of universities and was introduced at the U of M in 1994. There are approximately 243 Minnesota residents serving in the Peace Corps. Overall, 5,847 Minnesota residents have served in Peace Corps since 1961, when it began under President John F. Kennedy. Historically, more than 195,000 Peace Corps Volunteers have helped promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of the 139 countries in which they have served. Applications to serve in the Peace Corps have increased 16 percent this past year, the largest boost in the last five years. ---------- |
|
||||
|
