HWS News
7 May 2025 • Service HWS Named Top Peace Corps Producer
HWS is once again named to the Peace Corps’ list of top volunteer-producing colleges and universities.
Hobart and William Smith has been named No. 3 in the small schools category on the Peace Corps’ 2025 list of Top Volunteer-Producing Colleges and Universities. Eight HWS alumni currently serve in seven countries worldwide, including Ecuador, Eswatini, Guatemala, Kenya, Morocco, North Macedonia and Paraguay.
“We are proud of our alumni who dedicate themselves to the mission of the Peace Corps, bringing their expertise and compassion to communities worldwide,” President Mark D. Gearan says. “This recognition as a top volunteer-producing institution reflects the enduring commitment of our students to make a positive impact in the world.”
Since the Peace Corps was founded in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy, HWS has produced 232 alumni who have served abroad as volunteers.
“Colleges and universities from across the nation are providing us their talented alumni to serve in countries around the globe,” says Peace Corps Chief Executive Officer Allison Greene. “These top-ranked schools understand the transformative power of public service and human connection. The Peace Corps builds invaluable intercultural communication skills, a broadened worldview and adaptive leadership qualities needed in the American workforce today.”
Ahmed Wise ’24 is currently serving in Western Kenya as a Community Health Volunteer. Wise has worked at the local maternity ward and at the Comprehensive Care Clinic, focusing on HIV prevention.
“As much as I am teaching, I am learning just as much,” Wise says. “I have learned new languages (Kiswahili and KiLuhya), how to cook new foods, and how to be quiet and open to new ideas. While I have many job functions here in Kenya, my number one job is to exchange cultural stories about life in the U.S. and to learn more about different cultures in rural Kenya.”
Julia Cianflone ’24 is in Paraguay, where she serves as a Community Environmental Promoter.
“Paraguay has been incredible. I’ve met amazing people and really become part of a community. The work has been rewarding, even if it moves at a different pace than I’m used to. I’ve loved just being outside—whether it’s going for a walk or sitting under a tree with Tereré. Every challenge has pushed me to grow; I already know I’ll look back on this time with so much love,” she says.
As of May 9, four students from the graduating Class of 2025 have been accepted into the Peace Corps, including Robert Clyde '25, who will serve in Paraguay, Joey Tello Galicia '25 in Costa Rica, Aiden Greiff '25 in Senegal and Justin Rosa '25 in the Dominican Republic.
In the photo above, Director of the Peace Corps Carol Spahn L.H.D. '24, who served as the 2024 Commencement Speaker, joins President Mark D. Gearan and Peace Corps volunteers Alanson Loomis '24, Ahmed Wise '24, Associate Professor of Educational Studies Diana Baker and Professor of Religious Studies Richard Salter.
