The Peace Corps recently announced that Case Western Reserve University is one of the top volunteer-producing universities in the nation.

Since its inception in 1961, the Peace Corps has given U.S. citizens the opportunity to volunteer in international communities of need. The mission of Peace Corps is to help build and connect a global community of cultural awareness and understanding, as well as provide training to volunteers.

Currently CWRU ranks 14th among small colleges and universities with 10 alumni currently serving overseas as Peace Corps volunteers. Since its inception, 181 CWRU graduates have served in the Peace Corps.

“Most [students] choose Peace Corps in order to make a difference, gain relevant experience, live and work overseas and give back,” said Annabel Khouri, a recruiter for the organization.

“CWRU students are engaged in their campus and their community via outlets such as the Center for Civic Engagement and Learning (CCEL), the Office of Multicultural Affairs, the Office of Education Abroad and others,” she added. “These outlets inspire interest in the global community and give students a chance to think more broadly about their future.”

Recent CWRU graduate and Peace Corps volunteer Kevin Russell also emphasized that CCEL plays a role in CWRU’s strong ranking.

“One of the greatest things about CWRU is CCEL, where they encourage students to get involved in service, coordinating different events like the Saturday Day of Service, and organize and support many of the volunteer efforts on campus,” he said. “This office really inspired my volunteer efforts, and as a result, I became involved in my local community and campus community by becoming a tutor, volunteering at the food bank and mentoring youth working, as well as working with different local community organizations.”

Russell also stated that the Peace Corps helped solidify his future goals and aspirations.

“Before I began my Peace Corps service, my career aspirations post-service were to pursue a degree in law, and later practice,” he said. “I had little to no idea of what type of law I wanted to go into; but five months into service, I think I am leaning more towards pursuing a career in international law. Had it not been for my Peace Corps experience, I do not think that I would have ever considered international law as a career.”

“Serving as a volunteer has definitely opened my eyes to different career opportunities not only within the U.S. but abroad as well,” he added.

Students interested in learning more about the Peace Corps should visit peacecorps.gov.