Most of us - especially U-M alumni - can summon a mental image of President John F. Kennedy's impromptu speech at 2:00 a.m. on October 14, 1960 from the steps of the Michigan Union. That speech spurred University students to actions that led to the creation of the Peace Corps, the program that JFK referred to as one of his proudest achievements.
The University takes great pride in the role our students and faculty played in the creation of the Peace Corps, and how the Peace Corps has inspired generations of Americans to accept the challenge to work for peace and social justice in developing nations. This October the University of Michigan will mark the 50th anniversary of the Peace Corps' founding, kicking off a year of celebration being planned by the Peace Corps and the National Peace Corps Association.
Highlights of the U-M anniversary celebration include a commemoration of JFK's legendary speech, a football half-time show celebrating the service of Peace Corps volunteers, and a day-long symposium on the future of international volunteerism, co-chaired by Dean Susan M. Collins.
More information about the U-M’s planned celebrations can be found on the new Peace Corps website.
The U-M is eager to keep our Wolverine Peace Corps alumni informed about the anniversary events. If you want to receive communications about the anniversary, please email Beth Johnson at [email protected] with your name, degree year, Peace Corps dates, and country of service.