Political Quotes

“I would like to take a moment to commend the University of Vermont for its close relationship with the Peace Corps. This year, UVM ranked fifth in the Nation among midsized colleges and universities that are the top producers of Peace Corps volunteers. I am proud of the 42 UVM alumni currently serving in the Peace Corps around the world. UVM has highlighted Eric Smith as one of its current alumni volunteers. Eric, who is stationed in Costa Rica, is applying his business degree by teaching microfinance and helping young women develop small businesses. He says that such efforts ``would not have been possible without my education at UVM.'' Like Eric, all of the UVM volunteers have devoted 2 years to promoting cultural understanding and improving the lives of people in countries such as Cambodia, El Salvador, Tanzania, and Uganda. Some are employing innovative teaching methods to inspire young people. Some work on small farms, increasing food production in rural villages. Others help provide safe drinking water or combat the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Yet all of the UVM volunteers display an admirable commitment to civic engagement with the dream of building a better world. This dream is emblematic of the Vermont spirit. For the second year in a row, in 2011 our State produced the most Peace Corps volunteers per capita in the Nation. The Upper Valley region of Vermont ranks eighth in the Nation among metropolitan areas whose citizens are serving in the Peace Corps.…”