Carrie Hessler-Radelt Gets Out Of Cold DC To Recruit in Florida

Peace Corps Press Release

The Peace Corps Acting Director Carrie Hessler-Radelet
to Visit the University of Florida

WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb. 5, 2014 – Peace Corps Acting Director Carrie Hessler-Radelet will visit the University of Florida on Monday, Feb. 10 to talk with students and faculty about how Peace Corps service can give them a competitive edge in today’s global job market. She will be joined by the University’s Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Joseph Glover, and Former Dean of the University’s International Center and Professor Emeritus of Agronomy David Sammons.

Peace Corps volunteers travel to the farthest corners of the world where they work toward sustainable change while gaining hands-on experience and developing the skills employers are looking for now more than ever. College graduates who have served with the Peace Corps return home with a global perspective as well as cross-cultural, leadership, community development and language skills. They give back to their communities here at home and enrich the lives of those around them, helping to strengthen international ties and increase our country’s global competitiveness.

The University of Florida is a long-time supporter of the Peace Corps, consistently ranking among the top colleges and universities in the country for Peace Corps recruits. In 2013, the University tied for the No. 1 spot in the nation, and for the second consecutive year, produced more graduate alumni volunteers than any other graduate school. Through the Peace Corps Master’s International program, the agency partners with the school’s College of Agricultural & Life Sciences to offer students a unique opportunity to integrate a master’s degree with overseas service. Gainesville is also home to a large community of returned Peace Corps volunteers.

Since the Peace Corps was established in 1961, more than 215,000 Americans representing all 50 states have served in 139 countries worldwide. The Peace Corps has eight regional recruitment offices across the country that work closely with prospective Peace Corps volunteers of all ages and backgrounds to ensure that all Americans who want to serve have the opportunity to do so. Peace Corps recruiters are also based locally throughout the region. Students and community members can contact the North Florida field-based recruiter Chad Chernet at cchernet@peacecorps.gov to learn more.

While in Gainesville, Hessler-Radelet will also meet with returned Peace Corps volunteers, the Gainesville Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Association, and University of Florida officials.

WHAT:          Peace Corps event with UF students and faculty
WHO:            Peace Corps Acting Director Carrie Hessler-Radelet
UF Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Joseph Glover
Former Dean of the UF International Center and Professor Emeritus of Agronomy David Sammons
WHEN:          9:30 a.m. ET, Monday, Feb. 10, 2014
WHERE:        Smathers Library (Library East) at the University of Florida, Room 1A
After entering the main doors of the library, Room 1A will be on your left