SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — As seniors from Wittenberg University prepare to graduate this Saturday, May 15, a report from the Peace Corps’ 2004 list of “Top Producing Colleges and Universities” places Wittenberg No. 22 nationwide among small-sized schools, or those with enrollments of 5,000 or fewer undergrads, in number of Peace Corps volunteers. This year, institutions that topped the list had, on average, 15 percent more of their alumni serve in the Peace Corps than in the previous year.

Wittenberg has 17 alumni serving in the Peace Corps right now, five more than last year when the statistics were released. To date, four Wittenberg students from the class of 2004 have committed to service in the Peace Corps.

“The Peace Corps information session is consistently well attended by Wittenberg students,” said Stephanie Ford, director of the Career Center. “From my observation, the Peace Corps is an attractive option to students seeking a cultural immersion experience, an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others, a short-term experience before they continue their studies, or a paid ‘time out’ of sorts to better define their career interests and goals. Regardless of their motivation for applying to the Peace Corps, it’s refreshing to see just how committed these students are to making a difference through service to others,” Ford continued.

There are currently 7,533 volunteers serving in the Peace Corps, the highest number since 1974. Since 1961, more than 170,000 volunteers have served in the Peace Corps, working in such diverse fields as education, health, HIV/AIDS education and awareness, information technology, business and development, and the environment and agriculture. Peace Corps volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment. For more information about the Peace Corps, visit www.peacecorps.gov or call (800) 424-8580.

Wittenberg University, a private liberal arts and sciences college affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, promotes a style of education that emphasizes high academic achievement, personal attention, and a faculty that is dedicated to teaching excellence. With more than 40 academic majors, over 100 campus organizations and 23 intercollegiate sports, students enjoy a dynamic learning environment. For mor einformation about WIttenberg University please call (800) 677-7558.