FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, May 1, 2003

American University Honors Peace Corps

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 1, 2003 – American University in Washington, D.C., recently recognized the Peace Corps for its commitment to diversity during the university’s annual Celebrating Diversity networking reception. The annual diversity award was established last spring to honor employers who have strong relations with American University and who strive for diversity among their staff.

Rae Ann Bories-Easley, director of employer outreach and marketing at American University’s Career Center, commented on the importance of the relationship between the Peace Corps and American University, “Students recognize and appreciate organizations that not only show their commitment to diversity on paper, but also make a point of reaching out to them on campus. The Peace Corps has shown an unfaltering dedication to its relationship with AU students, and this is something we want to recognize.”

“American University has been a wonderful resource for the Peace Corps as we strive to provide all Americans with the opportunity to serve as a volunteer. America in the 21st century is more vibrant and more diverse than ever before, and we are actively working to promote that same level of diversity within the ranks of our volunteers,” said Peace Corps Director Gaddi H. Vasquez.

The Peace Corps also received a complimentary booth at American University’s Job and Internship Fair in March to continue its recruitment efforts. Currently, 27 American University alumni serve in the Peace Corps. Over the Peace Corps’ 42-year history, more than 600 American University graduates have been Peace Corps volunteers in 103 countries. Of the applicants from American University, 18 percent are of color.

Since 1961, more than 168,000 volunteers have served in the Peace Corps, working in such diverse fields as education, health, HIV/AIDS education and awareness, information technology, business development, the environment, and agriculture. Peace Corps volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a two-year commitment.

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