Photo stories: Peace Corps’ 40th celebrated here

The 40th anniversary of the Peace Corps was celebrated here Oct. 13–14 with an address by Director Mark Schneider and a reunion of returned Peace Corps volunteers. The volunteers were feted with a reception that was followed by a walk from the Michigan Union to the Diag and a candlelight vigil back at the Union (top photo). Many volunteers also appeared on the field prior to the Homecoming Game. Forty years ago, then-presidential candidate John Kennedy introduced the concept of the Peace Corps while addressing supporters outside the Union (above). Since the Peace Corps officially began in 1961, more than 155,000 Americans have joined its ranks, including nearly 2,000 from the U-M. Top photo by Paul Jaronski, U-M Photo Services; photo above from archives of The University Record