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Whitworth University celebrates Peace Corps Week at a special info session Feb. 29

February 24, 2012
More than 150 Whitworth alumni have served in the Peace Corps since 1961

To celebrate more than 50 years of service abroad, the Peace Corps will be hosting a special information session on Wednesday, Feb. 29 at 6:30 p.m. at Auntie's Bookstore, in downtown Spokane.

The Peace Corps recognizes the first week of March as Peace Corps Week to commemorate the signing of President John F. Kennedy's executive order establishing the federal agency on March 1, 1961. Broadcast quality audio and video of the historic occasion are available on the Peace Corps website.

To receive updates about upcoming events in the area, visit www.peacecorps.gov/info or "like" the Peace Corps' Facebook page: www.facebook.com/PeaceCorps.

Peace Corps Regional Representative and Whitworth alumna Erin Erickson, '99, who served in the Republic of Moldova, will be at the event to share information about opportunities available with the Peace Corps, the benefits of serving with the agency, and tips to guide potential volunteers through the application process.

Whitworth University has a strong legacy with the Peace Corps. More than 150 Whitworth alumni have served with the agency since 1961; six alumni are currently serving overseas.

President Kennedy established the Peace Corps to promote world peace and friendship through three goals: helping the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women; helping promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the people served; and helping promote a better understanding of other people on the part of Americans. Read more milestones from the Peace Corps’ rich 51-year history.

Since President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps by executive order March 1, 1961, more than 200,000 Americans have served in 139 host countries. Today, 9,095 volunteers are working with local communities in 75 host countries. Peace Corps volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment and the agency’s mission is to promote world peace and friendship and a better understanding between Americans and people of other countries. Visit http://www.peacecorps.gov/ for more information.

Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). The university, which has an enrollment of nearly 3,000 students, offers 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Contacts:

Melanie Forthun, public affairs, Peace Corps, (206) 239-6603 or mforthun@peacecorps.gov.

Erin Erickson, regional representative for Whitworth University, Peace Corps, (206) 239-6624 or eerickson2@peacecorps.gov.