The Peace Corps
has recognized the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point as one of the top
volunteer-producing colleges in the nation.
UW-Stevens Point
was ranked 14th among medium-sized schools in the Peace Corps’ annual Top
Colleges list, with 16 alumni serving overseas as Peace Corps volunteers. It is
the first time UW-Stevens Point has made the list of top volunteer-producing
colleges and universities. More than 430 UW-Stevens Point alumni have served in
the Peace Corps since the agency was created in 1961.
UW-Stevens Point
alumnus Aaron Ross said that volunteering in the Peace Corps was a natural step
after completing his undergraduate degree in business administration in May
2011 and serving in the AmeriCorps. He has been a food security volunteer in
Nepal since September 2014. The Albany, Wis., native has been helping Nepalese
communities by planting more fruit-producing trees, creating gardens and
teaching English, nutrition, health and sanitation courses at the local
schools.
“UW-Stevens Point
facilitates an environment that makes the jump to international service
incredibly easy,” Ross said. “It offers many affordable study abroad programs
and actively encourages students to participate.” Volunteer opportunities are
available through university-led programs, he added, and faculty and staff are
helpful.
UW-Madison was
ranked second among large-size schools, and UW-La Crosse ranked 20th
among medium-sized schools. In total, 149 graduates of the UW System are
currently serving as Peace Corps volunteers. More information on the Peace
Corps’ rankings may be found at www.peacecorps.gov.
To learn more
about serving in the Peace Corps, contact UW-Stevens Point’s advisor Jason
Lemberg at jlemberg@peacecorps.gov or go to www.peacecorps.gov/events.
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