Peace Corp Ranking Reflects JMU Service Commitment

HARRISONBURG – James Madison University retains its No. 14 place for the second consecutive year in the 2008 Peace Corps top 25 list for large colleges and universities. With 53 undergraduate alumni serving in the Peace Corps, JMU ties with Indiana University on the annual list of "Top Peace Corps Volunteer Producing Colleges and Universities." 

The 2008 ranking is the second in which JMU has been grouped in the "large colleges and universities" category for schools with more than 15,000 undergraduate students. 

A total of 347 JMU alumni have volunteered for the Peace Corps since the organization was established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy. JMU is the No. 122 producer of volunteers in the organization's history. Volunteers agree to a 27-month service commitment.

In addition to the 53 undergraduate alumni, two JMU alumni with advanced degrees are serving in the Peace Corps. JMU is ranked No. 127 in the third annual graduate school rankings. 

The level of service among JMU alumni continues a tradition of Peace Corps involvement. Previously ranked among "medium-size colleges and universities," JMU held No. 2 and No. 4 places in 2006 and 2005, respectively. The mid-level category ranks schools with between 5,001 and 15,000 undergraduate students. 

Alumni participation in the Peace Corps builds on a service culture encouraged at JMU. Through its Community Service-Learning, Alternative Spring Break and other programs, the university supports the development of leaders committed to service. 

While a college degree is not required for Peace Corps service, the majority of volunteers over the last 46 years have been college graduates, according to the Peace Corps.