The University of Redlands congratulates the Peace Corps as it celebrates 60 years of promoting international peace and friendship, volunteerism, and service.

Almost 300 Bulldogs have volunteered with the Peace Corps to support projects in more than 60 countries around the world, and the University has been named as a top volunteer-producing school for three years running before the pandemic.

Tony Mueller, director of community service learning, said U of R embraces a culture of service for undergraduates, so the fact that students carry on after graduation with the Peace Corps is a natural partnership. “We’ve had a strong connection to the Peace Corps for many years, including two national directors, but the idea that service here or abroad is a natural step after graduation speaks highly to the character of our graduates.”

Peace Corps Director Jody Olsen said in her 2020 congratulations to Redlands, “These schools are institutions that emphasize being global citizens and service-minded students. 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.”

As it commemorates this milestone year, the University is equally excited to note a new beginning for the Peace Corps. In March 2020, the pandemic paused the agency’s operations requiring more than 6,000 individuals serving in more than 60 countries to be called home. The agency is now recruiting and planning for a return to service.

Learn more about the Peace Corps at peacecorps.gov. Learn more about community service learning at Redlands here.