FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, May 19, 2016

Peace Corps Director Urges Graduates to Think Globally at Commencement Ceremonies Across the Country

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 19, 2016 - In her last year leading the Peace Corps, Director Carrie Hessler-Radelet spent commencement season emphasizing to more than 2,100 graduates the importance of service by urging them to look boldly and fearlessly to the future. In her commencement and baccalaureate remarks, Director Hessler-Radelet challenged students at Michigan Technological University, East Stroudsburg University, Virginia Wesleyan College and Boston University to continue to think big and think globally

“If you choose optimism, if you build relationships of trust, if you develop a service state of mind – I have no doubt that you will go on to create an incredible future – for yourself and for our world,” Director Hessler-Radelet told East Stroudsburg University’s graduating class of 2016.

Director Hessler-Radelet began her commencement speaking engagements at Michigan Tech on April 30 and encouraged to graduates to use the skills they developed as students to serve others. While addressing the graduates of ESU on May 7, Director Hessler-Radelet delivered remarks and received a plaque from University President Dr. Marcia Welsh in commemoration of her service to the ESU community.

On May 14, Director Hessler-Radelet addressed 325 graduates from Virginia Wesleyan College, where she will receive another honorary degree. Director Hessler-Radelet concluded her commencement season remarks the following day at her alma mater, Boston University, where she spoke to the graduating class of 300 about how they too can use their educations to change the world for the better.

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