State Alumni Rank High in Peace Corps Support
By Gayle Perez, The Pueblo Chieftain, Colo.
Jan. 27–Alumni from Colorado colleges and universities are among some of the biggest supporters of the Peace Corps.
According to recent rankings released by the Peace Corps, four Colorado universities are ranked among the top 25 in the nation with a combined 269 alumni currently serving as Peace Corps volunteers.
The Peace Corps program started in 1961 under late President John F. Kennedy, which allows for Americans to perform work in underdeveloped countries. Some of the work projects involve helping to build schools, improve water supplies and introduce better farming methods.
Peace Corps volunteers do not have to be college graduates; however, the vast majority are, according to the Peace Corps Web site.
The University of Colorado in Boulder is ranked No. 3 in the nation among the large colleges (more than 15,000 students), with currently 100 of its graduates serving in the Peace Corps.
Colorado State University-Fort Collins is ranked 12th with 57 alumni serving as volunteers.
In the small school division (fewer than 5,000 students) Colorado College is ranked seventh with 21 alumni serving, while Denver University is ranked ninth with 20 graduates involved in the Peace Corps.
Among graduate schools, DU’s is ranked No. 3 in the nation with 18 students currently involved in the Peace Corps.
Locally, Colorado State University-Pueblo has one graduate currently serving in the Peace Corps, according to a Peace Corps recruiter. CSU-Pueblo also had one volunteer in 2003 and 2004.
Cora Zaletel, a university spokeswoman, said CSU-Pueblo has had more students apply to serve in the Peace Corps, but for various reasons either were not accepted or did not accept the invitation to serve.
At CSU-Fort Collins, a spokeswoman said interest in the Peace Corps increased following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
“We’re seeing a huge number of Colorado State students volunteer for the Peace Corps. I’m impressed with the student body. They want to do service,” said Martha Denney, director of International Education.
“I’m really proud of Colorado State because I feel that our students have a huge amount to contribute and to learn,” Denney said. “When all is said and done, we gain more than we give — it completely shifts your life and makes you a better person.”
To contact the Peace Corps, call 1-800-424-8580 or visit online.
ON THE NET:
Peace Corps: http://www.peacecorps.gov
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Copyright (c) 2007, The Pueblo Chieftain, Colo.
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Business News.
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