New Peace Corps forestry MS program dedicated to Loret Ruppe
New Peace Corps forestry MS program
dedicated to Loret Ruppe
Former congressman Phil Ruppe said his wife would have been among the first to endorse MTU's new Loret Ruppe Master's International Program in Forestry.
"I know Loret would be thrilled to know this fine program is starting at Michigan Tech," he said at the October 1 dedication. "Loret really understood the need to upgrade the skills of Peace Corps volunteers."
Loret Ruppe, who died last summer, served as Peace Corps director during the Reagan and Bush administrations. At the dedication, John Hogan, Peace Corps associate director for international operations, credited her with restoring "energy and credibility" to the agency.
The Peace Corps is facing shortages of volunteers, particularly those with technical training, Hogan said. Over 17 percent of requests are filled by volunteers in environmental fields, and over half of those are in forestry.
"The new master's program is a wonderful tribute to Loret Ruppe, and a wonderful opportunity for the Peace Corps and Michigan Tech," Hogan said.
The new program began this fall with an enrollment of four students. Ultimately, the School of Forestry and Wood Products hopes to attract about a dozen students annually. Geared for students with bachelor's degrees in liberal arts, the program provides one year of technical training at MTU followed by two years of Peace Corps service, with a return to MTU to complete program requirements.
"It's a great program," said Karl Markgraf, director of international programs. "It provides the Peace Corps with skilled people, it gives Michigan Tech another option to offer graduate students, and it provides graduates with an unparalleled opportunity to put their education to good use in an international setting."
Assistant Professor Blair Orr (SFWP), who was instrumental in developing the program, is a former Peace Corps volunteer. He called his two-years of service "a great experience."
"I learned a lot," he said. "When you go overseas as a Peace Corps worker, you really develop an understanding of how the host country works. Over and over again, volunteers will tell you it's a life-changing experience."
President Curt Tompkins said he hoped the Loret Ruppe master's program would open the door to additional Peace Corps involvement at Michigan Tech, since the University graduates many individuals with the technical background needed by the agency.
