After the college milestone, many graduates go through life-changing, eye-opening, even fantastic experiences that have a profound impact on their lives.

Now, 110 UW alumni are not only committed to this type of experience, but have also made the UW the No. 1 university for producing Peace Corps volunteers, breaking University of Wisconsin-Madison’s 25-year streak.

Yesterday, Peace Corps Director Ronald A. Tschetter visited campus to speak to students about the organization and present a plaque to Provost for Academic Affairs Phyllis Wise in honor of the University’s achievement.

“Without institutions like [the UW, the Peace Corps] wouldn’t exist,” Tschetter said.

Wise attributed the UW’s success in the program to the University’s vision and mission statement, while noting the longstanding relationship between the organization and the school.

“This partnership was forged very early on between the Peace Corps and the UW,” she said.

Tschetter thanked not only the provost but also faculty, Peace Corps recruiters and the Center for Career Services.

“You’re not only an institution recognized academically … but also for service worldwide,” Tschetter said.

The University houses a Peace Corps recruiting program in Mary Gates Hall, headed by grad student and former Peace Corps volunteer Heidi Broekemeier. She organizes informational sessions, evaluates student applications and holds office hours to answer questions.

Broekemeier believes the UW’s large student body, location and diversity contribute to its high volume of Peace Corps volunteers.

“I think it’s the size but also that [the UW] draws from a wide range of people; there’s so many majors,” she said. “And there’s this idea of service in the Pacific Northwest.”

Kimberly Sims, an administrator at the School of Nursing and former Peace Corps volunteer, agreed.

“We have a very international student body,” she said. “It’s very diverse.”

Prior to the formal recognition reception, Tschetter visited an international studies class to give students an idea of what the Peace Corps is.

“I’m going to talk about serving people around the world,” he began. “I think that’s as important as anything we can do as Americans.”

A former Peace Corps volunteer himself, Tschetter gave students some insight into his experience in India and shared stories of other volunteers.

“[It’s] the toughest job you’ll love,” he said.

Though 25 percent of the organization’s efforts are in teaching English, volunteers also work with special education, engineering and math, among other subjects.

Tschetter also told students about the Peace Corps Master’s International Program, in which students attend one year of graduate school in the United States, receive credit for their 27-month service commitments and return to finish any remaining schoolwork.

“The Peace Corps has lots of opportunity,” he said. “[There’s] opportunity for you to serve in just about any discipline.”

Tod Haggard, a UW alumnus and Seattle resident, was recently nominated to become a volunteer. After a long application process, which included a two-hour interview, personal essay and health questions, he continues to await a confirmation letter revealing where he will be going and what he will be doing while abroad.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge,” Haggard said. “I want a career where I’m really making a difference and really coming back with a sense of purpose in what I want to do in the future.”

Reach reporter Meghan Peters at news@thedaily.washington.edu.