CU ranks number two on the Peace Corps’ annual Top Colleges list, making it one of the most instrumental American universities for the philanthropic group.
According to the Peace Corp Web site, CU follows behind University of Washington, the number one school for three consecutive years in the large schools category.
Since the establishment of the Peace Corps in 1961, about 2,100 CU Boulder students have gotten involved in the organization.
The Peace Corps is an international organization that assists in a variety of different programs to rebuild and develop communities. Projects include environmental protection, HIV/AIDS education and information technology.
Aid is given to nations that are in the most need, and the issues that the Peace Corps focus on depend on the problems that are most prevalent in the region.
College graduates and community members can volunteer to participate in the program for 27 months or more.
CU’s philanthropic spirit can be seen in some of its students.
“Of course [I would join],” said Sarah Kim, a freshman integrative physiology major. “It’s kind of a dream of mine. I want to be a missionary doctor and give back to the community.”
Other students say they feel that joining the Peace Corps would be a commitment that they are not necessarily willing to make.
“As greedy as it may sound, I don’t think I want to live in conditions of poverty,” said Kyle Bergenthal, a freshman open-option major.
Some faculty members say they are not surprised by CU’s participation in the Peace Corps.
“It shows CU students’ dedication and their interest for…the common good,” said Peter Simons, director of the Institute for Ethical and Civic Engagement at CU. “CU attracts students that want to do this kind of work.”
For interested students, Veteran Peace Corps volunteers will speak Tuesday about their work and experiences at 6:30 p.m. in UMC 235.
For more information, please visit http://www.colorado.edu/iece/peacecorps.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Sushupta Srinidhi at Sushupta.srinidhi@colorado.edu.
