by Niki Acton '16

Over the next several months, five 2014 Knox College graduates who have been accepted into the Peace Corps will begin their service in the Philippines, Paraguay, Fiji, Morocco, and the Dominican Republic.

"Knox encourages students to see all perspectives and look at problems from multiple perspectives," said Robin Ragan, director of the Peace Corps Preparatory Program at Knox. "Peace Corps also embodies those ideals, which ultimately break down to making a difference for others, yourself, your country, and the world."

Knox's dedication to producing volunteers has been recognized by the Peace Corps itself, which ranked Knox 10th on its list of the nation's top volunteer-producing colleges. Knox is also the first college or university in the country to institute an official Peace Corps Preparatory Program, which features a curriculum designed to prepare students to serve in the Peace Corps or other international service programs. Peace Corps Prep includes coursework in international studies, education, and foreign language; opportunities for community service; the option to study abroad; and the experience needed to become a strong candidate for the Peace Corps.

"Knox fosters a sense of critical thinking and citizenship among its graduates," said Ragan, who is also director of the Eleanor Stellyes Center for Global Studies.

New Peace Corps Volunteer Matt Hendrick '14 credits his broad liberal arts education at Knox with preparing him for service in the Peace Corps. "I am thankful that Knox challenged my beliefs on issues greater than myself," said Hendrick.

Hendrick, who double majored in secondary education and English literature, will work in youth development as a youth asset builder, helping to develop knowledge and skills through the English language.

Tom Courtright '14 (pictured above) will spend his Peace Corps service working as a community health empowerment volunteer in Fiji. "Most volunteers are working on dietary issues," says Courtright, "but I'm hoping to get involved in working on gender violence."

Throughout his time at Knox, Courtright spent significant time abroad. In his four years as an undergraduate, he traveled to countries across Africa, South America, and Europe.

"I've always wanted to join the Peace Corps, in order to learn another language and culture while engaging directly with development issues on the ground, without living or working in the more developed regions of a nation," said Courtright, an international relations major who chose to attend Knox because of its high commitment to Peace Corps.

Gabrielle Charles '14, who double majored in anthropology and sociology and economics, was very involved with the Peace Corps Prep Program. In March 2015, she will travel to the Dominican Republic to begin her service.

Eli Mulhausen '14 has already begun his service in the Philippines as a Coastal Resource Management Extension Worker. At Knox, he majored in environmental studies and spent six months in Thailand through the International Sustainable Development Studies Institute off-campus program.

Caleb Thompson '14, who majored in anthropology and sociology, will spend his service in Paraguay.

These five graduates join a long tradition of Knox graduates serving in the Peace Corps. To date, roughly 200 Knox graduates have served as Peace Corps volunteers.

"Knox helped me realize that true happiness and change in the world can't be bought," said Hendrick, "but can only come through working with others and giving back to those who are less fortunate."