William C. Ragland, A 2003 graduate of Virginia Military Institute, departs July 6 for Jamaica as a Peace Corps Volunteer
VMI Grad to Serve in Jamaica with the Peace Corps
ARLINGTON, Va., July 1, 2004 -- William C. Ragland, A 2003 graduate of Virginia Military Institute, departs July 6 for Jamaica as a Peace Corps Volunteer.
The son of Cruger and Mary Ragland of Kilmarnock, Va., he will train and serve as a community health and sanitation volunteer. In his assignment, Ragland will work with local community members to increase access to clean water supplies and improve environmental sanitation practices through health education efforts.
A 1999 graduate of Lancaster High School, Ragland earned a bachelor's degree in English with a minor in writing from VMI. While at VMI, Ragland was a member and captain of the rugby team, and had the opportunity to travel with his team throughout the United States and Europe.
He said his motivation for joining the Peace Corps stems from an appreciation for travel and a desire to learn from other cultures.
Currently, there are six Virginia Military Institute alumni serving as Peace Corps volunteers in countries such as Zambia, Bulgaria, Ukraine, and Micronesia. More than 24 VMI grads have served worldwide since the agency began.
Over 171,000 volunteers have served in 137 countries since the Peace Corps was established in 1961. Today, over 7,500 volunteers serve in programs to address business development, health and HIV/AIDS, the environment, education, agriculture and information technology. Peace Corps volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a two-year commitment.
©Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, VA 24450-0304, 540.464.7230
