EUGENE, Ore. -- (Feb. 5, 2013) -- The University of Oregon climbed to No. 8 in the Peace Corps’ 2013 Top Colleges rankings, a jump of two spots that reflected the university’s long-standing commitment to international service.

The annual list recognizes the highest volunteer-producing colleges and universities for small, medium, large and graduate institutions.

There are currently 82 undergraduate alumni from UO serving overseas and the university has produced 1,165 Peace Corps volunteers since the corps’ inception. The UO is the only large university in Oregon to rank in the top 25 and has historically had some of the highest participation rates per capita of any university larger than 15,000.

“I’m exceptionally proud of the University of Oregon’s long-standing commitment to international service, and these rankings show that our commitment is stronger than ever,” President Michael Gottfredson said. “Our graduates who enter the Peace Corps make a difference in countless communities overseas and return as globally-minded leaders.”

Kerry Davis, a recent UO graduate, said the knowledge he gained in sociology classes served him as a Peace Corps volunteer. “The ability to step back and understand concepts such as social constructs and root causes has been most helpful in my ability to integrate and manage cultural differences while living and working abroad as a Peace Corps volunteer,” said Davis.

During Peace Corps service, college graduates make a 27-month commitment to communities overseas. For a full list of 2013 Top Colleges, click here.

About the University of Oregon

The University of Oregon is among the 108 institutions chosen from 4,633 U.S. universities for top-tier designation of "Very High Research Activity" in the 2010 Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The UO also is one of two Pacific Northwest members of the Association of American Universities.

MEDIA CONTACT: Matt Cooper, UO media relations, 541-346-8875, mattc@uoregon.edu.