BOONE—Appalachian State University is included in the Peace Corps’ 2009 list of top colleges and universities in terms of the number of Appalachian graduates signing up as Peace Corps volunteers in 2008.

Appalachian ranked 19th in the medium-sized undergraduate school category along with the University of New Hampshire. Each school had 22 alumni who entered the Peace Corps following graduation.

The University of Washington was ranked No. 1 on the undergraduate list in the large schools category, with 104 alumni serving as Peace Corps volunteers.

“Appalachian has created a culture of volunteerism that stays with our graduates throughout their lives,” said Kyle Laird who has been the university’s Peace Corps recruiter since August 2007.
“There is a very strong sense of risk taking, a need for challenge and a joy for life in many Mountaineers that, added with the volunteer spirit, begins to create the perfect Peace Corps volunteer.”

Peace Corps volunteers from Appalachian are serving in more than 80 foreign countries, including Armenia, Mongolia, Vanuatu and Zimbabwe.

Allison Pranger graduated from Appalachian in 2005 and served in the South African country of Lesotho from 2005-07 as a secondary/high school English as a Second Language teacher. She was one of 200 returned Peace Corps volunteers invited to march in the Jan. 20 inaugural parade.

Pranger has coordinated the collection of books for the African Library Project which is collecting books to create small libraries in African villages and schools. So far, more than 1,000 books have been collected for the project.

“I still actively serve,” Pranger says of her ongoing work as a volunteer. “I’m a member of Big Brothers, Big Sisters and work with a 10-year-old girl, so service doesn’t end once you leave the Peace Corps. Service is addictive!”

Since its inception in 1961, the Peace Corps has received volunteers from more than 3,000 institutions across the United States and Puerto Rico.

“The Peace Corps provides a unique opportunity for graduates to use their education and skills, and apply them in the real world,” said Peace Corps Director Ron Tschetter. “I am proud to know that over 3,000 institutions of higher learning are currently represented by Peace Corps Volunteers serving in 76 countries overseas. These institutions can be proud of the contributions that their graduates are making in improving the lives of others around the globe.”

As the Peace Corps approaches its 50th anniversary, its service legacy continues to promote peace and friendship around the world. Historically, more than 195,000 volunteers have helped promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of the 139 countries in which they have served. Applications to serve in the Peace Corps have increased 16 percent this past year, the largest boost in the last five years. Currently, 7,876 Peace Corps volunteers are serving in 76 countries. Peace Corps volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment.

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