Peace Corps Turns 45, Honors University of Virginia as Leading Producer of Volunteers



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March 8, 2006 -- The University of Virginia will sponsor a daylong celebration of the 45th anniversary of the Peace Corps on March 15. The event is intended to recognize the Peace Corps and its returned volunteers and to honor the University for its rank as a top producer of Peace Corps volunteers.

For the fifth consecutive year, U.Va. ranks No. 1 among comparably sized universities in sending its graduates into Peace Corps service to work in countries throughout the world. More than 400 U.Va. graduates have served in the Peace Corps since 2000, and more than 800 throughout its history.

U.Va.’s March 15 celebration begins with a Miller Center of Public Affairs Forum with featured speaker Anthony Essaye, who served in the Peace Corps General Counsel’s office from 1963 to 1967, under Sargent Shriver, the first director of the agency.

The celebration continues with two afternoon presentations in Newcomb Hall by former Peace Corps volunteers. The times and locations are as follow:

1:30 to 3 p.m.	Returned Peace Corps volunteers share their memories and artifacts from their countries of service, South Meeting Room of Newcomb Hall
2 to 4 p.m.	Peace Corps presents opportunities for overseas volunteer service, with returned volunteers discussing their experiences and responding to questions. Kaleidoscope Center for Cultural Fluency of Newcomb Hall

In addition, a photo exhibit of images from returned Peace Corps volunteers will be on display throughout the month of March in the Kaleidoscope Center in Newcomb Hall.

The day culminates with a private reception and dinner in the Dome Room of the Rotunda, when special guest Jody K. Olsen, deputy director of the Peace Corps, will speak about “A Legacy of Service at Home and Abroad.” Olsen also will present a gift to the University in recognition of its strong tradition of service and support of the Peace Corps.

The media will have the opportunity to ask U.Va. President John T. Casteen III and Olsen questions from 6:15 to 6:30 p.m. on the steps of the Rotunda.

For more information about this event, please e-mail Suzanne Louis, director of the Lorna Sundberg International Center at U.Va. at sl@virginia.edu or call (434) 924-7980.