The Peace Corps has announced that Denison University is the No. 1 college among its peers for Peace Corps volunteers, with 16 Denison alumni currently volunteering worldwide. Denison students and alumni consistently have been strong volunteers for the international service organization. They increase the capacity of communities around the world, in turn, they build personal capabilities in problem-solving, organization, communication, team-building and other skills that are highly valued by employers. Since the Peace Corps’ founding in 1961, 278 Denison alumni have traveled abroad to serve as volunteers.
“We are thrilled to see our first-place rank among like-size colleges, which is an indicator of the value of a Denison education as our graduates achieve these very competitive positions” said Denison University Vice President Laurel Kennedy. “The Peace Corps is a distinguished organization that enhances the lives of people around the world through its fact- and results- based programming and training. Our graduates make real a difference in the world and at the same time receive invaluable experience that contributes to their professional and personal success.”
Service in the Peace Corps is a life-defining, hands-on experience that offers volunteers the opportunity to travel to a community overseas and make a lasting difference in the lives of others. Miranda Russell, a 2015 Denison graduate, is currently making a difference overseas as an education volunteer in Mozambique. The education she received at Denison motivated Russell to serve communities abroad after earning her bachelor’s degree in biology.
“Denison instilled in me both the desire and the capacity for international service,” said Russell. “Service work has become an increasingly important piece of the educational experience at Denison, and I'm proud to see this process continue.”
In Mozambique, Russell works as a natural sciences and English teacher at a teacher training institute for local teachers. Her main job is to help teachers improve their educational mechanisms and identify new training resources for the students. She also teaches life skills to female youth through workshops, camps and classes.
“My favorite part of my service has been my interactions with my students,” said Russell. “Their open minds and curiosity has continuously reminded me of my time at Denison and inspired me to be a better educator and learner.”
After completing her Peace Corps service in 2017, Russell plans to earn her master’s degree and then go on to become a nurse. Eventually, she hopes to serve with Doctors Without Borders.
“Peace Corps service is an unparalleled leadership opportunity that enables college and university alumni to use the creative-thinking skills they developed in school to make an impact in communities around the world,” Acting Peace Corps Director Sheila Crowley said. “Many college graduates view the Peace Corps as a launching pad for their careers because volunteers return home with the cultural competency and entrepreneurial spirit sought after in most fields.”
The Peace Corps sends Americans with a passion for service abroad on behalf of the United States to work with communities and create lasting change. Volunteers develop sustainable solutions to address challenges in education, health, economic development, agriculture, environment and youth development. Through their Peace Corps experience, volunteers gain a unique cultural understanding and a life-long commitment to service that positions them to succeed in today's global economy. Since President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps in 1961, more than 225,000 Americans of all ages have served in 141 countries worldwide.