Wittenberg ranked on Peace Corps’ list of top volunteer-producing schools

Wittenberg University has been ranked number 16 on the Peace Corps’ list of top volunteer-producing colleges and universities in 2020, according to the university.

Wittenberg offers undergraduate opportunities to participate in the Peace Corps Prep program, which prepares students for international service through course work, volunteering and mentoring, the university said in a statement earlier this week.

Currently, 10 Wittenberg alumni are volunteering in countries around the world, the statement said.

“These schools are institutions that emphasize being global citizens and service-minded students,” Peace Corps Director Jody Olsen said. “I am excited to know the graduates coming from Peace Corps’ Top Colleges are using their skills to make a positive impact on their communities at home and abroad.”

Triad scores high rating, sells bonds for new athletic facility

Since its funding in 1961, over 230 Wittenberg alumni have served abroad as Peace Corps, including 2015 graduate Kaitlyn Mansoorieh, who served as a water sanitation and hygiene volunteer in Panama from 2016 to 2019.

“I knew I wanted to serve since I was 14, and choosing Wittenberg was a step in helping me achieve this goal because of the university’s dedication to public service,” Mansoorieh said. “Studying abroad through the Witt in Wittenberg program allowed me to broaden my international and intercultural experience, preparing me for my three years of service in the Peace Corps.”

Fish fry, other events in Clark, Champaign counties this weekend

Justin Unternaher, 2019 graduate of Wittenberg and a current Peace Corps member, is currently serving in Lesotho as an HIV/AIDs and adolescent health volunteer until December 2021.

“I first heard about Peace Corps from some of my high school teachers, but I seriously never thought about it until speaking to Dr. Rosenberg and attending the Lesotho Service-Learning trip in the summer of 2017,” Unternaher said. “After spending a month in the country, I had a calling of wanting to learn more about the Basotho culture and lend a helping hand to such amazing people.”

About the Author