In Memoriam — April 2020
The tragedy of the COVID-19 pandemic has reached the Peace Corps community with the virus reported to have contributed to several deaths, including Art Whistler (Samoa), David Gelman (former staff), and Gary Baptist (Ghana). Tragedy struck in other ways recently. We remember those who fought for social justice, human rights, and the needs of others close to home and around the world. Maeve Kennedy McKean (1979-2020), the granddaughter of Robert F. Kennedy, lost her life in a boating accident near a family home in Maryland. Maeve was an avid advocate for social justice and human rights, with a focus on issues relating to women, girls, and communities affected...
In Memoriam – March 2020
We honor the lives of individuals whose service to their communities far outlived their Peace Corps service. We celebrate the work and legacies of these remarkable individuals who inspired their communities at home and abroad. Shanna (Urness) Baggaley (1937-2020) was part of the first group of Peace Corps Volunteers to serve in Thailand in 1961. She taught ESL through adult learning both in service and following her return to northern California. She continued her service to her community by working as the assistant director of a county department, Community Partnership Agency, that facilitated training and educational programs. She was a panelist within the Neighborhood...
In Memoriam – February 2020
We honor and remember our community members who recently passed away for their unending commitment to peace, justice, and the greater good. Joseph C. Kennedy (1926-2019) became a part of Peace Corps leadership during the agency’s first decade. He served as Sierra Leone country director from 1967-70, as deputy director for Africa, as regional director for East Africa, and the Pacific. In 1971, Joseph joined another Peace Corps pioneer, C. Payne Lucas, who co-founded Africare. Joseph served as vice president and director of development. When he retired in 1999, $400 million had been distributed to 27 nations to combat drought and...
In Memoriam – January 2020
In the early Peace Corps days, some Volunteer assignments included developing and expanding sports programs. Among the many achievements of community members who recently passed away, sports played a central role in their professional careers. Michael R. Hebert (1944-2019) played volleyball at the University of California, Santa Barbara, but upon graduation his connection with the sport was just beginning. First, however, he decided to join the Peace Corps, serving in Nigeria from 1966-1967. Following his service, Mike earned a Ph.D. in Educational Philosophy at Indiana University. Then it was back to volleyball. He coached both men’s and women’s volleyball at the University of Pittsburgh...
In Memoriam – December 2019
As the year comes to a close and we reflect, we remember the sacrifice, generosity, and benevolence of many within our Peace Corps community who recently passed away. Dr. Pamela York Klainer (1945-2019) attended The College of St. Elizabeth, followed by a Peace Corps assignment in rural Panama. She received a Doctorate of Education from the University of Rochester. Pam was known as an adventurous spirit, lifelong philanthropist, entrepreneur, author, blogger, and loving friend, mother, and grandmother. From her first visit to Panama in the 1960s, Pam built lifelong friendships with her 'family of the heart,' returning to Panama regularly with friends and family....
In Memoriam – November 2019
The Peace Corps community mourns doctors, a teacher and interpreter, and the "voice of Wisconsin Public Television" this month. Chidinma "Chi" Ezeani (1989-2019) had recently been approved for a third-year extension as an agriculture Volunteer in Ghana. After suffering injuries sustained from an accident in her home, Chi died during treatment at a South African hospital. After graduating from the University of California, Riverside in 2011 with degrees in accounting and finance, Chi was hired by the financial firm Foresight ASG. During this time, she volunteered her services as an accounting and business consultant for several non-profit organizations in the San Francisco...
In Memoriam – October 2019
As we honor the 58th anniversary of the signing of the Peace Corps Act, we remember the accomplishments of those who recently passed away with the distinction of being known as Returned Peace Corps Volunteers. Dr. Thomas Andrew Boyd (1942-2019) served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Colombia before beginning his distinguished international teaching career. Dr. Boyd studied at Wabash College; The Institute of Social Studies, The Netherlands; and earned his Doctorate at Cambridge University. Dr. Boyd’s diverse assignments included teaching at West Virginia Wesleyan College, Wolfson College, The Hague, Netherlands; and University of Cape Coast, Ghana, West Africa. He was a visiting professor of sociology at Zhongshan...
In Memoriam – September 2019
As we honor the 58th anniversary of the signing of the Peace Corps Act, we remember the accomplishments of those who recently passed away with the distinction of being known as Returned Peace Corps Volunteers. Carol Chuckrow Guernsey died just two months after celebrating her 50th wedding anniversary with her husband Sherwood, with whom she had served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Panama. The meaningful relationships they developed in Panama informed them in ways that served them the rest of their lives; they became avid supporters and advocates of immigrants. Later in life, Carol and Sherwood returned to Panama to start computer learning centers that are still...
In Memoriam – August 2019
It's no surprise that members of the Peace Corps community possess and develop a wide range of skills and talents. Among those who recently passed away, we honor founders of humanitarian organizations, teachers of English around the world, and individuals committed to vocations ranging from music to herpetology. Vincent H. Beckman III devoted his distinguished law career to enabling social justice. Vincent received a bachelor of arts from Notre Dame University, a masters in Sociology from the University of Chicago, and a juris doctorate from Northwestern University. As a Peace Corps Volunteer in Peru from 1966-1968, he helped organize community development projects. Later, he worked...
In Memoriam – July 2019
This month, we honor members of the Peace Corps community who have died, and also mourn the deaths of two serving volunteers who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their nation. Alan Hale died at age 80 following a bicycle accident in the Philippines where he was serving as a Volunteer in Southern Leyete province. He was working with local officials on waste management issues, conducting trainings for more than 2,000 people to address issues ranging from trash burning to littering. Alan was on his second tour of duty as a Peace Corps Response Volunteer, having begun his Philippines service in September...