SUNY students truly embody the Power of SUNY by spreading the spirit of public service not only locally, but all around the world. Our vibrant community of students, faculty and staff commit to volunteerism and community service every year, with over half a million students and three million alumni supporting the missions of volunteer organizations, like the Peace Corps.
In its recent list of top volunteer-producing colleges and universities, the Peace Corps has ranked SUNY Geneseo and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in its 2014 rankings of the top volunteer-producing colleges and universities across the country. Geneseo ranks 22nd among medium schools with 17 alumni with undergraduate degrees currently volunteering worldwide, and ESF ranks second among small schools, also with 17 alumni volunteers.
Interim SUNY Geneseo President Carol Long says, “Public service is central to the mission of Geneseo as a public liberal arts college, and it’s gratifying to learn that so many of our alumni are in the Peace Corps. We aim to develop analytical thinking and intercultural competence throughout our curriculum, and this kind of education thoroughly prepares graduates to be successful in the Peace Corps and similar organizations.”
With 246 Geneseo alumni and 164 ESF alumni having served with the Peace Corps, the Power of SUNY has spread to Cameroon, China, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ethiopia, Fiji, Georgia, Jamaica, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Liberia, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mexico, Morocco, Panama, Paraguay, Rwanada, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Thailand, Ukraine, and Zambia. Their work has impacted various sectors including agriculture, education, English, health, and youth development.
“The same passion that launched the Peace Corps more than 50 years ago fuels progress in developing countries today thanks to the leadership and creativity that college graduates bring to their Peace Corps service,” said Peace Corps Acting Director Carrie Hessler-Radelet. “The unique Peace Corps experience helps recent graduates cultivate highly sought-after skills that will launch their careers in today’s global economy.”
To read more:
Peace Corps Announces the 2014 Top Volunteer-Producing Colleges and Universities
