More than 240,000 Americans have served in the Peace Corps, the country’s flagship international service program. Colorado State University has a long history with the program, dating back to 1961 when researchers Pauline Birky-Kreutzer and Maurice Albertson published one of the original feasibility studies that led to the creation of the organization dedicated to international development and cooperation by President John F. Kennedy.
In celebration of CSU’s commitment to the Peace Corps, SOURCE is looking back at its roots and its future.
Peace Corps Tribute Garden to celebrate CSU’s contributions



Dozens of Returned Peace Corps Volunteers gathered with Colorado State University leaders in the Lory Student Center Theatre on March 1 to celebrate the launch of a project to create a Peace Corps Tribute Garden west of the theatre.
The Peace Corps’ roots at CSU


A seed from a short speech: Peace Corps roots planted at Colorado State University
A short, early-morning speech by then-presidential candidate John F. Kennedy in October of 1960 led to the signing of an executive order a few months later – and then a call to Colorado State University.

Peace Corps chronicles: Former CSU faculty member led project with Returned Peace Corps Volunteers
Former CSU faculty member Jane Albritton led a project to publish four volumes of essays written by Returned Peace Corps Volunteers and served in the Peace Corps herself in India from 1967 to 1969.
Mapping the CSU community’s service around the globe

Meet CSU alumni, students, faculty and staff who have served in the Peace Corps. This map will be updated throughout the semester.