Campus celebrates 49th anniversary of Peace Corps

Boasting nearly 3,000 alumni who have served in the Peace Corps since its inception, including 77 currently serving, the University of Wisconsin–Madison is the second-highest producer of Peace Corps volunteers. Next week, a series of events commemorates this ongoing legacy of global service.

Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle, himself a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (RCPV), signed a proclamation designating March 1-7 as Peace Corps Week. UW–Madison’s Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Group hosts events throughout the week honoring the work of RPCVs while encouraging future service.

“Peace Corps service is a life-changing leadership opportunity,” says Peace Corps director Aaron Williams, who received his MBA from UW–Madison. “It’s a great career foundation in almost every field, ranging from international development, education, public health, engineering, agriculture and law.”

The Peace Corps presence at UW–Madison remains strong throughout the year. In addition to offering Peace Corps Master’s International programs (allowing students to combine service with graduate studies for credit), the organization maintains an on-campus recruiting office in Room 329 of Ingraham Hall.

Recruiter John Sheffy, a current graduate student, used his forestry background to start a coffee cooperative and teach sustainable environmental practices during his two years volunteering in Togo.

“As former Peace Corps volunteers, we are committed to bringing the world back home to our fellow Americans,” says Sheffy. “I want to give others here a glimpse of life in Togo and show them how one person can make a difference.”

Here are some events taking place during Peace Corps Week:

• 5-8 p.m., Monday, March 1: During the Multicultural Fair, stop by the Peace Corps information booth to learn more about ways to get involved. (Great Hall, Memorial Union, 800 Langdon St.)
• 6 p.m., Tuesday, March 2: Join Sheffy for an information session. Learn more about the Peace Corps experience, benefits and application process. Additional information sessions will take place on March 10, April 14 and May 12 (all Wednesdays) at the same time and place. (Media Room, Red Gym, 716 Langdon St.)
• 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 3: Get suggestions and tips on the application process from Sheffy and Writing Center staff during a Peace Corps Application Writing Workshop. (Writing Center, 6th floor of Helen C. White Hall, 600 N. Park St.)
• 6 p.m., Thursday, March 4: All Peace Corps applicants, families and friends of current volunteers, Returned Peace Corps Volunteers and those considering service are invited to the Peace Corps Send-Off event. (On Wisconsin Room, Red Gym, 716 Langdon St.)

Peace Corps volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age, but there is no upper age limit. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment.