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Pepperdine Students Rank Second in Peace Corps Volunteerism

Pepperdine University was named the number two producer of Peace Corps volunteers among all small colleges in California, according to the annual list of Peace Corps' "Top Colleges and Universities." Azusa Pacific University just edged out Pepperdine with 13 volunteers currently serving, compared to Pepperdine's 11.  Since Peace Corps' inception in 1961, 130 Pepperdine alumni have served in the federal agency devoted to world peace and friendship.

"I am terribly proud of our students," says Pepperdine University president Andrew K.  Benton. "Both they and the world will be better for their service."

Pepperdine alumni are currently serving in 11 of the 76 countries where Peace Corps programs exist. The majority of volunteers are working in the education sector, although there are also volunteers in the business, youth development, and health sectors. A broad range of majors is represented, but the most common are English, psychology and international studies.

"Pepperdine students typically have a strong track record of volunteer activities on campus," says Shane Mathias, Peace Corps recruiter. "This service background makes them much more competitive when they apply to the Peace Corps." Mathias will be recruiting on the Pepperdine campus at the Non-profit Career Fair on Thursday, Apr. 2, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Waves Café on the Malibu campus.

For more information about the Non-profit Career Fair, call (310) 506-4184.