Almanac

Campus again produces most Peace Corps volunteers
For the 10th consecutive year, more Peace Corps volunteers were graduates from UW–Madison than from any other school.

The Peace Corps says that 142 UW–Madison alumni volunteered in 2003, up from 123 the previous year. The universities of Texas (108), Colorado (98), Washington (90) and Michigan (86) round out the top five.

“I am so proud of our students and their dedication to public service. And, of course, our students become alumni with the same dedication,” says Mary Rouse, director of UW–Madison’s Morgridge Center for Public Service. “I can’t speak highly enough about the long tradition of public service that has developed here over many decades.”

The Peace Corps reports that 7,533 total volunteers were serving in 2003, a 15 percent increase.

“During this time of adversity in our world, the important role that these alumni continue to play in promoting hope, opportunity and freedom cannot be underestimated,” Gaddi H. Vasquez, Peace Corps director, writes in a statement announcing the rankings. “We at the Peace Corps are pleased and excited that an increasing number of college alumni are not only considering the Peace Corps, but are answering the call to service that is no necessary and imperative in our global community.”

UW–Madison ranks second, with 2,801, in the total number of alumni who have volunteered since 1961. The University of California, Berkeley, is first with 3,173 volunteers. More than 170,000 people have volunteered for the Peace Corps in 137 countries during the last 43 years.

Peace Corps volunteers, all of whom must be U.S. citizens older than 18, sign on for two-year commitments. They work in areas such as education, health care, HIV/AIDS education and awareness, information technology, business development, the environment and agriculture.

Camp Randall suites sell out
The “For Sale” sign for Camp Randall Stadium Suites has been taken down.

The athletics department has received commitments for all 72 of the Camp Randall suites, which will be available for occupancy in the 2004 football season, according to Senior Associate Athletic Director Vince Sweeney.

“This has been a team sales effort from a number of dedicated individuals in our department, especially those in the Badger Fund,” Sweeney says. “It has been equally rewarding to see so many businesses and loyal donors step forward.”

The financial plan for the Camp Randall renovation project is based upon brisk sales of suites and club seating areas, and continued strong season ticket sales.

“We have also received commitments from many individuals for Buckingham Club and Varsity Club Seats as well,” Sweeney says. “Now that the suites are gone, our emphasis shifts to marketing the club seat sections and the upcoming regular-season ticket renewals.”

Backward glance
From Wisconsin Week of Feb. 2, 1994: The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences announces a major initiative to balance its budget and reposition its programs toward farm profitability, environmental protection and nutrition. CALS faces a $3 million deficit that requires a 10 percent cut to programs. … Wally Douma, legendary “dean of financial aid,” retires after 36 years of distinguished service. … Eminent mathematician Stephen Kleene passes away at age 85. People remember him for work in recursion theory. … UW–Madison committees announce broad revamps of requirements in English, math and chemistry curricula. … Chancellor David Ward names five finalists for the position of provost.