Ohio State to host commemorative salute to honor 50 years of Peace Corps

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Researchers at Ohio State University have invented fluorescent nano-particles that change color to tag molecules under the microscope. This series of photos shows a particle changing from red to green – and, at the 89-second mark, to yellow – over the course of two minutes. Image by Gang Ruan, courtesy of Ohio State University.

COLUMBUS –The Ohio State University will host a Commemorative Salute to honor the 50th anniversary of the Peace Corps at 3 p.m. on Tuesday (3/1) at the Ohio Union.

On March 1, 1961, President John F. Kennedy signed an Executive Order creating the Peace Corps to shares the best of American service and goodwill in all corners of the world. Ohio State’s history with Peace Corps is significant:
•Ohio State ranks 13th among large universities nationwide and first in the state of Ohio for producing Peace Corps volunteers.
•Approximately 1,576 Buckeye alumni have served since the Peace Corps’ founding, ranking the university 10th all-time for producing Peace Corps volunteers.
•Faculty, students and administrators from Ohio State played a significant role in the development and implementation of Peace Corps from the very beginning, including training materials and pre-service training programs.

Featured speakers will include:
•Judge Stephan Honore, Ohio State’s first Peace Corps volunteer
•Ohio State President E. Gordon Gee
•The Honorable Bob Taft, Ohio’s 67th Governor and Returned Peace Corps Volunteer
•The Honorable Ted Celeste, State Representative and Returned Peace Corps Volunteer
•Ohio House Speaker William G. Batchelder
•Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman

Sponsored by Ohio State’s Office of Outreach & Engagement, the event will include a special unveiling that will honor the ongoing commitment of Ohio State to making a difference in our world through the Peace Corps.

WHAT:Peace Corps 50th Anniversary Commemorative Salute

WHEN:Tuesday (3/1). Program begins promptly at 3 p.m.

WHERE:U.S. Bank Conference Theatre, Ohio Union, 1739 North High Street

WHY:To honor Ohio State’s 50 years of commitment to and impact through Peace Corps and its global mission