During his remarks, Tschetter applauded the IIPP Fellows for their commitment to international service and urged them to "do something bold ... " noting that his two years in India as a Peace Corps volunteer -- more than 40 years ago -- was forever a life-changing experience. Today, he oversees an organization of 8,000 volunteers in 70 countries. He believes that, "Americans can't afford to be spectators on the world stage ... living in isolation. We must be participants in helping others ... to show the world who America really is." Tschetter also mentioned that while 17 percent of Peace Corps volunteers are minorities, some former IIPP Fellows, he's working to increase this number so that "we're sharing the true face of our country with the rest of the world."
Peace Corps Director Challenges International Fellows to 'Do Something Bold'
Peace Corps Director Challenges International Fellows to 'Do Something Bold'
Posted : Wed, 30 Jul 2008 12:31:09 GMT
Author : United Negro College Fund
Tells UNCFSP Graduates that Americans 'Can't Afford to Be Spectators' FAIRFAX, Va., July 30
FAIRFAX, Va., July 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Peace Corps Director, Ronald Tschetter, delivered the keynote address during the first-ever graduation ceremony held by the Institute for International Public Policy (IIPP), a program of the United Negro College Fund Special Programs Corporation (UNCFSP). Now in its 14th year, the IIPP is one of the nation's most prestigious programs for minority college students interested in pursuing careers in international affairs. Nearly 100 current and former Fellows participated in the celebration, along with representatives from the U.S. Department of Education and the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
During his remarks, Tschetter applauded the IIPP Fellows for their commitment to international service and urged them to "do something bold ... " noting that his two years in India as a Peace Corps volunteer -- more than 40 years ago -- was forever a life-changing experience. Today, he oversees an organization of 8,000 volunteers in 70 countries. He believes that, "Americans can't afford to be spectators on the world stage ... living in isolation. We must be participants in helping others ... to show the world who America really is." Tschetter also mentioned that while 17 percent of Peace Corps volunteers are minorities, some former IIPP Fellows, he's working to increase this number so that "we're sharing the true face of our country with the rest of the world."
Selection of IIPP Fellows is highly competitive and based on a record of remarkable academic achievement, evidence of leadership potential and commitment to a career in global affairs. Each student receives scholarships and services totaling nearly $100,000 over a five-year period. To date, the program has placed more than 300 Fellows in more than 50 countries, including the Congo, China, Turkey, Brazil, Egypt and Italy. Fellows experience a comprehensive program of summer policy institutes, study abroad, intensive language training, internships and graduate study.
The IIPP was created in response to the lack of diversity in global affairs -- a gap that, even today, continues to exist. UNCFSP President and CEO, Aaron R. Andrews commended those who crafted the original legislation, saying, "These visionaries believed it essential to have global diversity, and necessary to have a cadre of well-trained people of color comfortably living, working and competing in the international community. He noted, "Our Fellows mirror the world's peoples and speak the world's languages; but more importantly, they bring their unique experiences, insights and sensitivities to the table."
As Director of the IIPP, Darryl Crompton then challenged the 122 graduating Fellows to "dedicate a part of their lives to the service of others, to this country and to the world." He encouraged these future leaders to be "inspired by the strength of the brilliant men and women -- particularly those of color -- who came before you." Crompton stressed that although the "path isn't always easy, you must be tenacious and persevere," understanding that "your only limitations are your dreams. So dream well, dream large, and be encouraged."
Lee Harris, a former Fellow (1998-2003) and Assistant Professor at the Memphis School of Law, credits the IIPP with helping to shape his career. He remembers, "I was first introduced to economics and statistics during the Sophomore Summer Policy Institute. Right then, I decided that this was something I wanted to pursue. Ten years later, I teach students about how law and economics intersect ... but it all started with the IIPP." Harris also praised the program for surrounding him with a lifelong support system, saying "The Fellows continue to be my most trusted and valuable network ... in the fields of public policy and international affairs, they are everywhere."
Speakers also included Leonard Haynes, III, Ph.D., Executive Director, White House Initiative on HBCUs and Ralph Hines, Acting Director of the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education, U.S. Department of Education. Also representing the U.S. Department of Education, International Education Programs Service were: Richard La Pointe, Ph.D., Director; Sylvia W. Crowder, Ph.D., Branch Chief; and Tanyelle Richardson, Senior Program Officer.
The IIPP is funded by the U.S. Department of Education and administered by UNCFSP. For more information, visit http://www.uncfsp.org/IIPP.
