University of Portland is ranked 7th nationally among peer institutions as a top producer of Peace Corps volunteers according to a study released by the Peace Corps. UP currently has 12 alumni serving around the world. Since the Peace Corps’ founding in 1961, more than 230 University graduates have become Peace Corp volunteers.
“At UP, I was inspired to be a servant leader,” said Marissa Kelly ’15, an alumna and Peace Corps volunteer. “My time at UP gave me the professional tools and the service-oriented lens that I needed to be a successful volunteer and, more importantly, a compassionate human being.”
The Peace Corps annually ranks its top volunteer-producing colleges and universities based on the size of the school. University of Portland jumped to No. 7 from its No. 9 spot last year and has been a top school for the last three years. UP’s size places it among the “small school” category and is one of three Oregon universities included in this year’s rankings.
“These schools are institutions that emphasize being global citizens and service-minded students,” said Jody Olsen, Peace Corps director. “I am excited to know the graduates coming from Peace Corps’ Top Colleges are using their skills to make a positive impact on their communities at home and abroad.”
View the 2020 Peace Corps rankings.