Annual Ranking: Ohio University 21st in Producing Peace Corps Volunteers

Contact: Orla Burke, (740) 593-0290; Dwight Woodward, (740) 593-1842 or woodward@ohio.edu

ATHENS, Ohio (March 9, 2001) -- Ohio University is ranked 21st in the nation in the annual listing of universities that produce the most graduates who go on to serve in the Peace Corps.

"We've had a special relationship with Ohio University for more than 25 years," said Linda Schmitz, regional manager for the Midwest office of the Peace Corps in Chicago. "Ohio University's percentage of graduates who go on to the Peace Corps is among the highest in the country. The university is also very friendly to returning volunteers in graduate school because they offer a lot to the classes because of their overseas background."

The Peace Corps ranking is based on the 37 graduates of Ohio University currently serving in the corps. Topping the list is University of Wisconsin with 93 graduates in the corps, followed by the University of Colorado with 74.

"Ohio University has a long history with the Peace Corps that includes graduates serving with the Peace Corps in other countries," said Orla Burke, Ohio University's Peace Corps strategic recruiter. "We also have a large number of Peace Corps volunteers who have returned from overseas to pursue graduate studies at Ohio University and a significant number of Ohio University faculty and staff have served in the Peace Corps."

Ohio University's ranking is particularly significant because of the university's medium size and location in Appalachia, Burke said.

"For the most part, the other universities with more volunteers are larger and located in urban areas," Burke said. "In today's global village, employers want students with international experience and the Peace Corps provides opportunities to learn a second language and experience another culture first hand."

Burke recruits students at information sessions in Alden Library, class talks, career fairs, advertisement and through professors advising students.

Many of those who serve in the Peace Corps return to the United States with a new perspective, according to Associate Provost for International Programs Josep Rota.

"The Peace Corps does two very important things," Rota said. "It sends graduates to a developing country where they learn new skills and knowledge and have an experience that can transform their life. Many returning Peace Corps volunteers also are inspired to go on to graduate school when they return to the United States. These students tend to be some of the most successful graduate students."

Volunteers sign on for two-year stints, working in underdeveloped countries worldwide. Some 7,300 volunteers are currently serving in 76 countries. Overall, more than 162,000 volunteers have served in the Peace Corps since President John F. Kennedy created the Peace Corps in 1961. Ninety-seven percent of those who serve have completed undergraduate degrees and 13 percent have completed graduate degrees.