In the past four years, a large number of UA alumni joined the Peace Corps, ranking the university as the 19th producer of volunteers of all time with 1,105 alumni who have joined the ranks.

In 2004, 43 alumni joined the corps, an increase from 41 volunteers in 2003, 35 volunteers in 2002 and 33 volunteers in 2001.

Since the Peace Corps began in 1961, more than 1,100 UA alumni have contributed their service.

Steven Cole, UA's Peace Corps recruiter, said he could not pinpoint the reason for the increased interest among UA alumni, but said each potential volunteer has a different idea of what they want from the experience.

"People join for a million different reasons," said Cole, a doctoral student of anthropology.

A person who joins the Peace Corps must commit to living in a foreign country for 27 months. Cole said when prospective volunteers find out about the required time commitment, they often change their minds about wanting to volunteer.

Cole decided to volunteer for the Peace Corps after he stumbled across an information packet his roommate sent away for. His roommate did not like the idea of leaving the country for 27 months, but Cole said, "Hey, I could do that."

Cole volunteered in Zambia to serve two 27-month sessions and now shares his experiences as a recruiter.

"My biggest asset as a recruiter is reflecting on personal experience," Cole said. "I'm able to portray the Peace Corps in its positives and negatives."

Cole said volunteers are interested in serving the country, seeing the world andlearning about a new culture in an adventurous way.

"You shake the context that the culture you live in is the right one," Cole said.

As a recruiter, Cole said he assesses each individual expressing interest and gives honest feedback whether or not the Peace Corps is right for him or her. Since he has been through the experience, Cole said he has the ability to relate to each potential candidate.

"They're in control of their destiny," Cole said. "Peace Corps is what you make out of it."

Cole said some volunteers in past years were interested in building their resume during the slowed economy, a possible reason for the increase in volunteers from the UA.

Among colleges with more than 15,000 undergraduate students, the UA ranks No. 22 for 2004, one spot higher than in 2003.

According to a press release from the national Peace Corps office, college graduates around the nation continue to step up and contribute around the world. About 97 percent of volunteers have at least an undergraduate degree.

Melody Akhavan, public affairs specialist for the Arizona Peace Corps region, said she has seen an increase in national interest in volunteers and the UA is no exception.

"There is a natural interest in Arizona with a spirit of public service and human interest," Akhavan said. "That's why the UA continues to be a top school that has produced volunteers."

Jennifer Borgen, the deputy press director in the Peace Corps National Office, said that the UA's consistent increase is a reflection of the students' values.

"It shows the university has a strong dedication to serving others," Borgen said. "They are going beyond their borders."

Borgen said that since Sept. 11, 2001, the Peace Corps has drawn a national increase in applicants and more interest among individuals.

"America has a really good spirit and a lot to give," Borgen said.