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UNC Alumni Rank Fourth in Peace Corps Service

Carolina has moved up four spots among large schools to fourth on an annual ranking of universities with alumni serving in the Peace Corps.

The University currently has 81 volunteers working for the corps. The University of Washington leads with 113 current volunteers.

In the category of large schools — those with more than 15,000 undergraduates — the University of Wisconsin-Madison is still a close second, with 99 current volunteers, followed by the University of Colorado-Boulder, with 94.

Michigan State and the University of Michigan are tied for fifth, with 80 current volunteers each.

Since Peace Corps’ inception in 1961, 1,012 UNC alumni have joined its ranks, making Carolina the No. 25 producer of Peace Corps volunteers of all time.

There are currently more than 8,000 volunteers abroad, a 37-year high for volunteers in the field. Since 1961, more than 190,000 people have served as volunteers.

Jody Olsen, deputy director of the Peace Corps, is scheduled to visit UNC on Monday, Feb. 25, to celebrate Peace Corps Week, which runs from Feb. 25 to March 3, and recognize the UNC alumni who have served as volunteers. A presentation to faculty and students will highlight the benefits of Peace Corps service. The event will be noon to 1 p.m. Monday in the Student Union’s Class of 2000 Lounge.


Related coverage is available online:

  • UNC Alumni Rank Eighth in Peace Corps Service
    News report from January 2007
  • International Ambition: A whole world awaits alumni seeking life abroad; whatever their route or destination, it’s bound to involve risk and rewards.
    From the Carolina Alumni Review, November/December 2006, available online to Carolina Alumni members.
  • High Idealists: For four decades, Carolina has given more than its share to the Peace Corps.
    From the Carolina Alumni Review, July/August 2003.

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