For the third consecutive year, the George Washington University ranks first among medium-sized universities producing Peace Corps volunteers, according to the corps’ annual rankings.
GW currently has 72 undergraduate alumni serving overseas. Fifteen alumni from GW’s graduate programs are also serving, placing the university fourth among graduate school Peace Corps providers. A total of 1,054 GW alumni have served in the Peace Corps since the corps was founded in 1961.
“GW attracts people who want to make a difference, and we are proud that so many of our graduates are continuing this tradition of service around the world,” says Amy Cohen, executive director of GW’s Center for Civic Engagement and Public Service.
The Peace Corps ranks its top volunteer-producing schools annually according to the size of the student body. Medium-sized schools, GW’s category, have between 5,001 and 15,000 undergraduates. The rankings are calculated based on fiscal year 2010 data self-reported by Peace Corps volunteers as of last Sept. 30.
“For the last 50 years, colleges and universities across our country have been an integral part of the Peace Corps family, from developing young leaders to hosting trainings and teaching the importance of lifelong learning,” says Peace Corps Director Aaron S. Williams.
This year the Peace Corps commemorates its 50th anniversary. President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps on March 1, 1961, by executive order. Over the past half century more than 200,000 Americans have served with the Peace Corps in 139 host countries.
The Center for Civic Engagement and Public Service plans to hold a 50th anniversary Peace Corps luncheon as part of Alumni Weekend on Sept 17. The center is also interested in hearing from GW Peace Corps alumni. They should email [email protected].