AmeriCorps members affiliated with the Illinois State University Stevenson Center displayed their commitment to service in preparation for AmeriCorps Week 2018, which recognizes the profound impact that participating individuals and programs have on communities across the country.
Unit: Stevenson Center for Community and Economic Development
Peace Corps Volunteer experiencing life in Ukraine
Emily Blankenberger is using her interdisciplinary education from the Stevenson Center for Community and Economic Development as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Ukraine. Placed with an ecology nonprofit, Blankenberger is focusing on organizational development to make a lasting difference.
Stevenson Center student reaching new heights in Montana
Molly Cook’s desire to help others led her to the Stevenson Center for Community and Economic Development. Cook is currently completing the professional practice portion of the program while earning a master’s degree in sociology.
T.Y. Wang: An engaged leader
Political science professor T. Y. Wang is an engaged leader at Illinois State University. As a professor, researcher, and chair of the Department of Politics and Government, like many faculty he fulfills multiple roles on campus.
How Peace Corps Coverdell Fellows helped define my career
It has been almost six years since I decided to join the Peace Corps. I was attracted to the idea of exploring the world and integrating into a new culture and a different way of life. While living in Ethiopia, the Peace Corps enabled me to gain field experience with my public health degree and learn how to promote health in international settings.
Illinois State alum uses his education to help others through Peace Corps
Robert Esterquest ’14 is putting his Illinois State education to use as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Zambia.
2018 Alumni Awards recipients
Illinois State University’s Alumni Association honored six award recipients at Founders Day celebrations on February 15, as well as during a dinner program. Nominations are now being sought for the 2019 Alumni Awards.
Illinois State University named an AmeriSchool
Illinois State University was recently recognized as an AmeriSchool, where AmeriCorps alumni have used the education awards they receive after serving. The Stevenson Center welcomes former AmeriCorps members to its Applied Community and Economic Development Fellows Program.
Peace Corps Fellow brings lessons from Ethiopia to graduate work
Fueled by her desire to serve, Alesha Klein became a Peace Corps volunteer in Ethiopia. Now in the second year of her master’s degree with the Stevenson Center for Community and Economic Development, Klein is completing her professional practice in Washington, D.C., with a focus on financial empowerment.
Invest Aurora provides opportunities for graduate students
Invest Aurora helps Stevenson Center Fellows strengthen their skills and gain real world understanding of local economic development. For the third year, this public-private partnership has benefited from a Fellow’s graduate training to advance its mission while providing a rich professional development experience in return.