Recognized for Alumni Peace Corps Volunteers; Ranks Second on List of Medium-Sized Universities
Contact: Paul Cocke, director, University Communications, (360) 650-3350
BELLINGHAM – Western Washington University ranks second among the top medium-sized colleges and universities with alumni serving as
This is the highest ever ranking for Western. Last year the university was ranked third among medium-sized colleges and universities.
“Western graduates foster thriving communities throughout our state, nation and world. This Peace Corps ranking shows the commitment of our alumni to make a difference and to give back to others,” said President Bruce Shepard.
Since the inception of the
In the rankings for medium-sized schools, George Washington University tops the list, followed by Western, American University, Cornell University and the University of Vermont. And Western also has more alumni serving than a number of notable schools, including Boston College, Georgetown University, University of Notre Dame, Syracuse University, Tufts University, and Brown University.
alumna Stephanie Van Cleave is serving as a health volunteer in Turkmenistan. “I was motivated to join Peace Corps because it’s a great opportunity to gain professional and multi-cultural experience, travel, and to challenge the way you think,” Van Cleave said. “Two years is a long time to commit to living in a foreign country but it is a short time to commit to improving yourself in ways not acquirable in the States.”
Colleges and universities are ranked according to size of the student body. Small schools are those with less than 5,000 undergraduates, medium-sized schools are those with between 5,001 and 15,000 students and large schools are those with more than 15,000 students. To view the entire list, visit the
Other highly ranked schools in Washington include the University of Washington, ranked second among large schools.