In Deep Water
From 1979 to 1981, I was a Peace Corps Volunteer marine biologist and advanced scuba diver assigned to the Barbados Parks and Beaches Commission to help establish the Barbados Marine Reserve and Marine Museum, the first marine protected area for the island nation. The Commission wanted me to promote the reserve through cooperative work with underwater filmmakers and marine scientists. On the weekends, when the museum offices were closed, I offered my services to filmmakers and marine scientists staying at McGill University’s Bellairs Research Institute, who were working on coral reef projects within the marine protected area of the reserve....
Time, Space, Presence
Very few people represent the values of Peace Corps better than Jody Olsen. Olsen, who served as director of the agency from 2018 to 2021, is one of just a handful of directors who also served as Volunteers before ascending to that position. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Olsen made the unprecedented decision to evacuate all 7,000 Volunteers in the field to bring them safely home. She’s also a longtime champion of women’s economic empowerment. Today, she serves as co-chair of the RPCV group Women of Peace Corps Legacy, and chair of the Peace Corps Park advisory committee. Her most recent endeavor is the publication of her memoir, A...
The Stream: Winter 2024
The Women by Kristin Hannah This historical fiction novel is a powerful story of courage and sacrifice, following young nursing student Frankie McGrath as she joins the Vietnam War and faces a changed America upon her return. The novel shines a light on the stories of all women who put themselves in harm’s way to help others. (Link to Book) The Burning Earth by Sunil Amrith In this sweeping global history ranging from the Mongol expansion to contemporary climate change, Sunil Amrith explores how 500 years of human expansion, environmental exploitation, and empire have reshaped both humanity and the...
A Founding Father
At 92 years old, Chuck Laskey embodies a rare spirit of dedication and adventure. As a former Peace Corps Volunteer and international relief worker, Laskey spent over three decades traveling the world, helping those in need, and experiencing the beauty of cultures across continents. His story is one of courage, resilience, and an enduring commitment to humanity. It also exemplifies an often-overlooked early collaboration between the Peace Corps and the stalwart development agency CARE International (Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere), founded in 1945 to fight global poverty. “When the Peace Corps emerged in 1961 as a government program, they...
Democracy Calling
Can you name five people who served in the Peace Corps who have gone on to achieve towering accomplishments or influence hundreds of lives in their careers? Easy, right? Our legions of Volunteers, 250,000 who have served since 1963, are the people changing the world and our country in ways few others can claim. Simply put, Peace Corps service makes America better. As Returned Peace Corps Volunteers in these turbulent times, it is incumbent upon us to ensure the future of Peace Corps and protect its legacy by standing in unity for our common cause: fostering international peace and friendship...
Seton Hall School of Diplomacy and International Relations
We treat our students as colleagues, and we work together to make an impact. Fast Facts Strategically located 14 mi from NYC and in the heart of DC 12 customizable graduate programs 600+ partner internship institutions in over 70 countries 24 professional development workshops and career sessions per year More than 100,000 global alumni to build your network Learn More Join us for our next informational webinar! Access to the Best The School of Diplomacy and International Relations at Seton Hall University is strategically located, with classes offered on our campus just 14 miles from New York City, at...
Yale Jackson School of Global Affairs
Be part of an incredible experience and pursue your passion for bettering the global community. Fast Facts 100% of incoming MPP students have their tuition fully funded $68,000: Average merit-based scholarship awarded 100% of 2023 MPP alumni employed or pursuing additional study 6 months post-graduation 5 years: Average work experience of incoming MPP students Learn More Join our Dean of Admissions for a dedicated RPCV info session on Oct. 9 at 5:00pm Follow in the Footsteps of Other RPCVs RPCVs are at home at the Yale Jackson School of Global Affairs, with a rich cohort of students and alumni...