UA ranks in top half for Peace Corps volunteers

Charles C. Labenz Arizona Daily Wildcat John Kaltenbach, left, UA's Peace Corps campus representative and former UA recruiter Martin Hartney have been responsible for placing over 900 of UA graduates around the world.

The first volunteers of the Peace Corps, inaugurated by President John F. Kennedy, left for service in Ghana in the fall of 1961. In the 36 years since, 931 University of Arizona alumni have joined the Peace Corps to serve two years in various countries around the world.

The UA placed 22nd out of a list of 50 colleges and universities that was topped by the University of California at Berkeley, which saw 2,960 students join the Peace Corps.

"Throughout its history, the Peace Corps can trace much of its success to the energy and idealism of American college students," wrote Gearan in his congratulatory letter.

Gearan continued in his letter applauding students with the desire to serve people other than themselves, and the institutions that produced them.

"These colleges and universities are to be commended for producing students committed to making a difference, with a thirst for adventure and with the desire to experience a new culture in an ever-changing world," Gearan said.

Approximately 6,500 men and women are currently serving in 87 countries around the world, fulfilling assignments in the fields of agriculture, and health and economic development, he said.

Volunteers have helped to stop the spread of dangerous diseases, worked with the indigenous communities to make croplands arable, bring in fresh water and teach English as a second language to people of all ages.Peace Corps representative and UA graduate student John Kaltenbach explained the recruiting procedures of the Peace Corps.

Standard Peace Corps tours of duty last two years, plus a three month initial training period while volunteers learn the language of their host country, become more efficient in their technical fields and culturally adapt to the environment.

Kaltenbach said after the 27 months of duty, volunteers are eligible to a $5,400 readjustment allowance. Partial deferral of student loans while in service is also possible, or, according to Kaltenbach, partial absolution of up to 30 percent of a Perkins loan.

The Peace Corps will be present on campus at an upcoming career fair, and will have a booth on the UA Mall on Sept. 25.

Kaltenbach, who was himself a volunteer in Guatemala, has an office in Room 245 of the Education building for people interested in the program.