The University of Michigan played an important and historic role in Peace Corps history. It began on October 14, 1960, at 2:00 a.m. on the steps of the Michigan Union, when then Senator John F. Kennedy gave an unprepared campaign speech challenging University of Michigan students to devote a few years of their life to working in developing countries around the world to promote a better understanding between those countries and the United States. Within weeks, 1,000 University of Michigan students had signed a petition calling for the establishment of the Peace Corps program. JFK at the Union: The Unknown Story of the Peace Corps Speech tells about the role of U-M students in founding the Peace Corps. Less than a year later, the federal Peace Corps agency was formed, and today, it continues its original mission based on three simple goals:
- To help the countries interested in meeting their need for trained people.
- To help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served.
- To help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of all Americans.
Since the Peace Corps’ founding in 1961, 2,529 alumni from the University of Michigan have traveled abroad to serve as volunteers, placing the university at No. 5 among the top five all-time producers of Peace Corps volunteers. Volunteers work in over 60 countries in the areas of:
- Youth in Development
- Education
- Health
- Environment
- Community Economic Development
- Agriculture
Photo of Senator John F. Kennedy at the Michigan Union
In 2010, the University of Michigan celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the day when Senator John F. Kennedy gave his speech announcing his idea for the Peace Corps. A number of special events were held to commemorated this moment in history. A historical marker was also placed on the grounds in front of the University of Michigan Museum of Art, which tells the story of JFK’s speech.
The world has changed quite a bit since the Peace Corps was established, and the need for Peace Corps volunteers is more relevant than ever. Stop by the U-M Peace Corps office or attend a Peace Corps event to find out how you can get involved.