David Gellner CWU Public Affairs 425-268-3278 GellnerD@CWU.

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Peace Corps Grateful for Central Washington's Support

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 9, 2011 ELLENSBURG,Wash Central Washington University currently ranks No. 42 among all mid-sized colleges and universities in the nation for Peace Corps participation. A total of 1,529 Central Washington alumni have served as Peace Corps volunteers since 1961. With Central Washington's help, Washington State has consistently lead the nation in providing Peace Corps volunteers. The Peace Corps is extremely grateful for the tremendous support that the faculty and staff, and, of course, the graduates of Central Washington University have provided to the Peace Corps since 1961,said John Williams, director of the Peace Corps. Washington has provided more than 27,000 volunteers since 1961, more than twice the amount as California, which ranks second. Currently there are 1,134 Washingtonians currently serving worldwide. Central President James Gaudino said, Students and graduates of Central Washington University have long supported the ideals and activities of the Peace Corps, and that so many of them volunteer to serve each year is a great statement about their commitment to national service and global concerns. In 1961, President John F. Kennedy called upon America's youth to volunteer to live and work in developing countries. The Peace Corps is now marking it's 50th anniversary and is currently serving more than 77 countries worldwide. About Central Washington University Central Washington University's mission is to prepare students for responsible citizenship, responsible stewardship of the earth, and enlightened and productive lives. Faculty, staff, students, and alumni serve as an intellectual resource to assist central Washington, the state, and the region in solving human and environmental problems. ###