DU is commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Peace Corps with multiple events in late February and early March.
Organizers say the events are designed to mark a major milestone for the organization and to connect members of DU’s Peace Corps communities.
Here’s a list of events:
A photo exhibit and silent auction will be held Feb. 28–March 6 at the Cyber Café in the Korbel School of International Studies. The event will show photos of Peace Corps volunteers serving in communities around the world. The 8×10 photos will be on sale through a silent auction lasting all week. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the Peace Corps international master’s degree, which includes Peace Corps service as part of the academic program.
Returned Peace Corps volunteers from DU can dine with other volunteers from their regions of service at Dine Around Denver at 5:30 p.m. on March 4 at different ethnic restaurants in Denver. If you are a returned Peace Corps volunteer and wish to dine with other returned volunteers from your region of service, contact the person listed by Feb. 28.
The Caribbean: Jenni Stanford
Central America and Mexico: Sue Golding
South America: Dan Taubman
Eastern Europe and Central Asia: Arianne Burger
North Africa and the Middle East: Jon and Becky Bringewatt
Africa: Evan Roth
Asia: Randy Monson
Pacific Islands: Casey Burnette
American Idealist: The Story of Sargent Shriver will be shown at 8 p.m. on March 4 at the Denver FilmCenter/Colfax. The film is a documentary on the life of Shriver, founder of the Peace Corps and other social initiatives. Shriver passed away on Jan. 18 at the age of 95. To purchase a ticket, visit the event site.
Panel discussions will take place from 1 p.m.–5:15 p.m. on March 5 at Sturm Hall. Panelists will include Colorado Supreme Court Justice Gregory Hobbs and Colorado Democratic Party Chair Pat Waak. Topics include: “Peace Corps through the decades,” “Peace Corps and politics,” “I was there when…,” “How the Peace Corps change our lives,” “Future of Peace Corps” and “Adjusting to different cultures.” An interlude with appetizers and drinks will be at 5:30 p.m. at the Driscoll University Center.
The March 5 events culminate with the “Celebrating the Journey” gala at 7 p.m., also at the Driscoll University Center. Guests are encouraged to wear attire from their country of service. All dishes on the menu are from the “Peace Course” cookbook that was created returned Peace Corps volunteers from Colorado. Several music groups from around the world will perform live music at the event, including a Brazilian samba pianist and a West African percussion and dance group. Guests can take part in the entertainment without attending the full gala by purchasing tickets at the door for $5. A cash bar will be available.
Proceeds from all of the events on March 5 will benefit the Clean Cookstove Project in El Salvador. Visit the event site to purchase tickets for these events.
DU Chaplain Gary Brower and returned Peace Corps volunteers will hold a non-denominational meditation service for peace at 9:30 a.m. on March 6 at the Korbel School. The meditation service will be followed by a farewell brunch, hosted by the DU Peace Corps community at 10:30 a.m. in the same location. Both events are free, but registration is required.
“The 50th anniversary celebration at DU is meaningful for both our Peace Corps community and the larger Peace Corps community in Colorado,” says Diana Gravallese, vice president of community relations for the DU Peace Corps Community. “… Almost every country where Peace Corps volunteers have served will be represented. We are excited to bring together this diverse group to reflect on the past 50 years of Peace Corps service across the world and connect returned volunteers with those in our community who are waiting to leave.”
For more information about Peace Corps, visit the DU Peace Corps Community website at www.pccdu.org or the official Peace Corps website at www.peacecorps.gov.