Suzannah Ellis Johnston, a UNC graduate and Peace Corps recruiter, will host an information session for interested students on Wednesday, Feb. 22 at 7 p.m. in Hanes Hall, Room 239B.
Carolina ranks consistently among the top ten universities providing volunteers to the Peace Corps. There are 87 undergraduate UNC alumni serving overseas. Since Peace Corps’ inception, 1,178 alumni of UNC-Chapel Hill have served in the Peace Corps.
Ellis Johnston, who received her bachelor’s degree in international studies from UNC-Chapel Hill in 2006, served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Niger from 2006 to 2008. Ellis Johnston now serves as UNC-Chapel Hill’s campus recruite.
“Being on this year’s list of top colleges speaks to Carolina students’ commitment to the global community, willingness to serve, to learn and make a difference,” Ellis Johnston said. “As a UNC graduate, I’m proud to bring my Peace Corps service back to this community and to share my newfound perspective with those around me.” Suzannah will be hosting an information session on campus on the evening of Wednesday, Feb. 22 at 7:00 p.m. in Hanes Hall, Room 239B. To find out additional details about the event (or Peace Corps in general) please contact Ellis Johnston at 919-962-0185.
The Peace Corps’ nine regional recruiting offices across the United States work to recruit and provide information and guidance to prospective volunteers. Applicants are encouraged to apply for Peace Corps service one year in advance of their targeted departure date. Americans with backgrounds in agriculture, environment, teaching English as a second language, and other technical or language skills related to Peace Corps assignment areas are encouraged to apply.
Justin Tabor, a 2007 UNC graduate, who is serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Philippines, says the University provided excellent preparation for his current position. “UNC is a school where everyone seems to be involved in lots of groups, activities, etc. but still finds ways to achieve well in the classroom. This balance of following interests but also excelling at the main task has been really useful in Peace Corps,” Tabor said. “In college I also started my travels in Southeast Asia and fell in love with the region. Peace Corps was a great way to combine my love for service and travel in a safe and meaningful way.”
Published February 14, 2012.