ANN ARBOR—The reunion and celebration will be more subdued than that for the Wolverines this weekend, but no less filled with memories. Peace Corps director Mark Schneider and several hundred returned Peace Corps volunteers (RPCVs) will gather at the Michigan Union on the University of Michigan campus on Oct. 13 to commemorate the 40 years that have passed since presidential candidate John F. Kennedy introduced the idea of a Peace Corps on the steps of the Michigan Union at 2 a.m.

A crowd of more than 5,000 waited for hours to hear the dynamic young senator speak. And shortly after he became president, he formalized what had been only a vague exhortation to service during his campaign swing through Michigan. At 8 p.m. on Oct. 13 in the art lounge on the first floor of the Michigan Union; a special exhibit of more than 200 photos opens. It includes unpublished Michigan Daily pictures of Kennedy’s visit to the University, along with pictures donated by returned volunteers. The Peace Corps is using the display as a traveling exhibit after it closes here. A special feature at the exhibit opening is a newly created video of Sen. Kennedy’s speech.

At 8:30, a reception for RPCVs and guests is scheduled for the Union’s U-Club, followed by a brief program and a walk from the Union to the Diag. There students, faculty and community members will gather to light candles, and then return to the Union for an 11 p.m. candlelight vigil on the Union steps. Michael Kennedy, U-M vice provost for international affairs and director of the International Institute, will welcome participants. Other speakers will include Schneider and the coordinator of the Southeast Michigan RPCVs.

On Saturday, Oct. 14, Schneider, flanked by more than 40 RPCVs wearing dress native to the countries in which they served, will make a midfield, pre-game presentation to U-M President Lee C. Bollinger during the Michigan/Indiana football game in Michigan Stadium. Since the Peace Corps program officially began in 1961, more than 155,000 Americans have joined the Peace Corps, including nearly 2,000 from the University. In 1999, with 78 volunteers, U-M ranked third among universities. Only the universities of Wisconsin and Colorado sent more.

E-mail: jmendler@umich.edu

Related Links:

• Peace Corps
• Michael Kennedy
• Lee C. Bollinger
• jmendler@umich.edu