Campus & Community / Magazine Feature

University celebrates Peace Corps anniversary with dinner, discussions

DU is celebrating the Peace Corps 47th anniversary with a week of special events Feb. 25–March 3.

The week is meant to reach beyond established groups and to network Peace Corps experiences and opportunities with graduate and undergraduate student groups as well as the greater Denver community, says Peace Corps Coordinator Laraine Martin.

Martin served as a volunteer in Togo from 2004–06 and currently is pursuing her master’s in international development and global health at Graduate School International Studies (GSIS) as a Peace Corps fellow.

The University’s tie with the agency has grown extensively over the last five years, Martin says.

More than 100 DU graduate students currently are involved with Peace Corps Fellows and Master’s International programs. “The DU Peace Corps Community [based at the GSIS] has transformed over the last few years from a small group into a hub of social, academic and community service activities for students,” Martin says.

DU ranks as the third most prominent producer of Peace Corps volunteers in the graduate school category, according toPeace Corps’ Top Colleges and Universities 2007.

GSIS features the Master’s International program that seeks to create a solid academic foundation prior to Peace Corps service as well as an accelerated master’s program for returned Peace Corps volunteers. The school also features the Peace Corps Fellows program, which links tuition assistance with community service.

DU recognizes that practical international experience is a critical component of an education in international studies, Martin says.

Events celebrating Peace Corps include a wine and cheese event with returned Peace Corps volunteer and Colorado First Lady Jeannie Ritter Feb. 27; a fundraising dinner Feb. 29; and panel discussions throughout the week. Details areonline.

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