Bucknell ranks sixth in Peace Corps volunteers

LEWISBURG, Pa. -- Bucknell University moved up 15 spots this year to sixth on the Peace Corps’ top 25 list of small colleges and universities producing Peace Corps Volunteers.

Bucknell has 21 alumni currently serving as Peace Corps Volunteers, ranking it among the nation's top colleges and universities with fewer than 5,000 undergraduate students, according to the latest annual Peace Corps survey. Since the Peace Corps’ inception, 238 Bucknell alumni have joined the ranks, making it the No. 178 producer of volunteers of all time.

"We believe in enrolling outstanding students who have passion for both learning and life," Bucknell President Brian C. Mitchell said. "We are proud that as alumni they engage at the highest levels with the world around them to help make a difference. Their high involvement in the Peace Corps is proof of that."

Last year's rank
Last year, Bucknell was ranked 21st among small colleges and universities, with 16 volunteers, up from 10 volunteers the year before.

The latest 21 alumni to join are volunteering in 18 different countries, according to the Peace Corps. Those countries are Bolivia, Cameroon, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Ghana, Honduras, Kyrgyz Republic, Mali, Morocco, Namibia, Nicaragua, Panama, the Republic of Azerbaijan, Samoa, Senegal, The Gambia, Togo, and Zambia.

Bucknell joined a number of prestigious institutions in the Peace Corps' top 10 for each size category, including the University of Chicago, the University of Virginia, and the University of Washington.

View top colleges
Bucknell tied at No. 6 in its size category with Lewis and Clark College and the University of Mary Washington. View the entire "Peace Corps Top Colleges 2008" list.

"The Peace Corps provides a unique opportunity for graduates to use their education and skills, and apply them in the real world," said Peace Corps Director Ron Tschetter. "I am proud that there are 1,192 institutions of higher learning currently represented by Peace Corps Volunteers serving in 74 countries overseas. These institutions can be proud of the contributions that their graduates are making in the lives of others around the globe."

Although it is not a requirement for service, the majority of volunteers who have served in the Peace Corps since its founding 46 years ago have been college graduates. Currently, 95 percent of volunteers have at least an undergraduate degree, with 11 percent of those also possessing graduate-level degrees.

46 years of service
The Peace Corps is celebrating 46 years of service. Currently there are more than 8,000 volunteers abroad, a 37-year high for volunteers in the field. Since 1961, more than 190,000 volunteers have helped promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of the 139 countries where volunteers have served.

Peace Corps Volunteers must be U.S. citizens, at least 18, and willing to serve a 27-month commitment. To learn more, visit the Peace Corps.

Contact: Office of Communications

Posted Jan. 16, 2008

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