Tufts receives award for most Peace Corps volunteers

President Bacow accepted an award Friday from the Peace Corps, recognizing Tufts for having the highest number of alumni volunteering from a small college in 2002. Tufts claimed the honor by sending 23 alumni abroad last year, and a total of 461 students since the program began in 1961.

Tufts sends a large number of students to the Peace Corps because it is able to foster an environment where the values of service to others and international spirit are constantly being absorbed, Jody Olsen, Deputy Director of the Peace Corps, said. During her presentation of the award Olsen praised the "quality and tone of the attitude" at the University, which stressed the importance of service.

"Since we have such a strong commitment to the international perspective and service, it is not surprising we are number one in the country," Bacow said when accepting the award. For the past several years, American University in Washington, DC has been the award's recipient.

Tufts' close relationship with the Peace Corps also explains the high rate of alumni volunteering with the organization. On-campus recruiters speak several times a year to graduating seniors to ensure that they consider the Corps as an option. In addition, Career Services works closely with students during the application process and can answer questions about the program.

Many of the ceremony's attendees were Peace Corps alumni who are now enrolled in the Fletcher School. "Peace Corps was an invitation to have an international life, and that is exactly what Fletcher provides," said Elizabeth Erickson, who served with the Corps in Guinea.

All of Tufts' graduate schools, not just Fletcher, recognize the experience gained in the Peace Corps, Erickson said. Professors and other staff encourage students to talk about their experiences abroad to enhance each student's learning.

Alumni pointed out the many benefits of volunteering after receiving an undergraduate degree. "I had tremendous professional and personal development [during Peace Corps]," Erickson said. "There's no way I could have gone right into a job from undergrad."

Peace Corps allows students to travel to parts of the world not frequented by American tourists, such as Tanzania _ where three Tufts graduates are currently serving. Students can build strong relationships with the local people, according to Stephanie Schmidt, another Fletcher student in attendance.

The Peace Corps sends volunteers on two-year missions to developing countries, where they can serve in a variety of ways. The assignments fall into the areas of education, business, environment, health, community development, and other focus areas. All volunteers receive skill-based and cultural training before they begin working with local populations.

President John Kennedy started the Peace Corps over 40 years ago to provide opportunities for young people to serve their nation. Since then, the organization has grown to include more than 7,300 volunteers and trainees working around the globe. There has been a resurgence of interest due to recent world events and participation is now at its highest level since 1974.