Community News

Benin, Caribbean, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Ukraine, Washington DC, Dominican Republic, Honduras, Morocco, Nicaragua, Senegal, Somalia

By JoAnna Haugen on Thursday, April 7th, 2011

BENIN

Former math and science teacher Robert Strong (80-82) started the SMART (science, math, art, research and technology) Center in 1995, which allows kids and adults to perform hands-on science activities and provides educational support for teachers. Strong and his wife also own a science store called Smart Center Market. As an avid astronomer, Strong became an ambassador for one of NASA’s outreach science programs in 1997, and today he is a solar system ambassador, which encourages people to explore space in their own backyards.

CARIBBEAN, KYRGYZSTAN, NEPAL, SRI LANKA, UKRAINE, WASHINGTON DC

Currently the dean of education and human services at Baker College in Muskegon, Donna Fiebelkorn (Eastern Caribbean 91, 92; Kyrgyzstan 95; Nepal 79-81, 83, 85-89; Sri Lanka 90; Ukraine 99-02; Washington DC 81-82, 97-99) has spent nearly 15 years working with the Peace Corps. After her service as a volunteer, Fiebelkorn worked on the paid Peace Corps staff in Nepal and as a training consultant in Sri Lanka, a program developer in the East Caribbean, the deputy director in Ukraine and a volunteer recruiter stateside. She has a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of Vermont.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Global Connections Television (GCTV) recently won the bronze Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation – UNCA Global Prize. Awarded by the United Nations Correspondents Association, the honor was bestowed upon GCTV for its programming based on sustainable development and climate change. Bill Miller is creator and moderator of GCTV.

HONDURAS

Ryan Van Duzer (03-05) has landed his dream job as the first host for the travel-oriented television show “Paradise Hunter,” which will air in Canada. Duzer received the job through an internet competition. In addition to becoming the host of the show, he will also earn a $60,000 salary and be given $150,000 to put toward a home in the paradise of his choice. His most recent gig was on a Discovery Channel TV Series called “Out of the Wild.”

MOROCCO

The Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership Program has named Marisa Larson (95-97) as its new vice president and assistant director. In this position, Larson will work on fundraising and class recruitment and assist with seminar coordination. Prior to this appointment, she worked for MJL Editing and Research as a writer, editor and researcher; UHLIG LLC as an editor and writer; and the National Geographic Society as a research editor and Middle East regional editor for National Geographic Magazine and as a researcher and associate producer for National Geographic Channels International. Larson is an active mentor and tutor to inner city youth and also volunteers as an ESL tutor for Spanish-speaking students.

NICARAGUA

Marybeth Peña (91-93) is a senior community health nurse with the Martin County Health Department’s School Health Program. She works at with multiple schools, where she devotes her time to basic care for children with medical needs, conducts diabetes education and provides lessons about nutrition, exercise and hygiene.

SENEGAL

Molly Melching (76-79) was included in Newsweek’s and The Daily Beast’s list of 150 Women Who Shake The World. Melching is the founder and executive director of Tostan, a non-profit organization that empowers African communities through sustainable development and positive social change.

SOMALIA

The National Peace Corps Association has awarded U.S. Representative Tom Petri (66-67) with the Congressional Leadership Award. He was honored for his commitment and support to Peace Corps’ values and activities.

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