The Stevenson Center offers a unique program that allows students to combine Peace Corps service with graduate studies in Applied Economics, Political Science, or Sociology, each with an interdisciplinary sequence in Applied Community/Economic Development. The Master’s International program allows graduates to take their skills outside the classroom and make a real difference in the lives of people who need help. “The Stevenson Center is very proud to be the home of a Master’s International Program.” said Frank Beck, Stevenson Center Director. “The students in this and all our programs assist communities throughout the world with their development needs. These are truly phenomenal students who engage in truly phenomenal work.” Currently, there are five ISU Master’s International graduate students who are serving in areas all over the world. In addition, a number of students who have completed their two-year Peace Corps service are back on campus and implementing important community research and projects to earn their master’s degrees as part of Illinois State’s Peace Corps Fellows/USA Program. Begun in 1994, this program was the first of its kind in the country to focus on community and economic development.

The presentation continued with information about the Peace Corps programs and the application process and benefits of serving. There are currently 7,900 Peace Corps volunteers serving in over 70 countries. About 30 people attended the session and received packets of information and prizes. The session concluded with ISU alum Rob Paullin speaking about his service from 2001-2004 in the Ukraine.Rob explained how he thought going over he would have experienced culture shock but, in reality, coming back to the US after being removed for two years was the hardest aspect for him.
For more information about the Stevenson Center and its services please visit the website at: www.stevensoncenter.org.