The University of Denver took the No. 2 spot on the 2013 list of top Peace Corps volunteer-producing colleges and universities in the graduate school category, and No. 18 in the undergraduate medium school category. The annual list recognizes the highest volunteer-producing colleges and universities for small, medium, large and graduate institutions.
“Every year, graduates of colleges and universities across the United States are making a difference in communities overseas through Peace Corps service,” says Peace Corps Acting Director Carrie Hessler-Radelet. “As a result of the top-notch education they receive, these graduates are well prepared for the challenge of international service. They become leaders in their host communities and carry the spirit of service and leadership back with them when they return home.”
Last year DU ranked No. 3 in the graduate category and No. 27 in the undergraduate category. There are currently 20 graduate students and 23 undergraduate alumni serving overseas in 19 host countries. Since 1961, 541 DU alumni have served in the Peace Corps.
Many of the graduate students currently serving abroad are part of the Master’s International program, which allows students the opportunity to integrate a master’s degree with overseas service. Students who serve in the Peace Corps while pursuing a master’s degree at the Josef Korbel School of International Studies receive academic credit for their 27 months of service. Additionally, the School has 43 Paul D. Coverdell Fellows — returning Peace Corps volunteers who enroll at the Korbel School and receive academic credit for their service in the Peace Corps.
“The unique partnership between the Korbel School and the Master’s International program helps us promote the Peace Corps mission and reaffirms our collaboration and commitment to providing highly qualified volunteers who are committed to serving and making a difference in communities overseas,” says Mike McKay, southwest regional manager for the Peace Corps.
Currently, more than 8,000 Peace Corps volunteers are working with communities in 76 host countries on projects related to agriculture, community economic development, education, environment, health and youth development.