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The University of California, San Diego ranks 20th in the top 25 large colleges and universities in the United States with the largest number of Peace Corps volunteers currently serving overseas. It has 38 alumni volunteers.

The announcement came from Peace Corps Acting Director Charles Baquet III.

Topping the list for the third year in a row is the University of Wisconsin, Madison, with 93 graduates currently serving. The University of Colorado, Boulder, was second with 74 volunteers.

Of the UC system, the only other university to make the list was UC Berkeley, which jumped into third place this year from a fifth place showing last year. It has 70 volunteers.

"The strong showing of colleges from so many different parts of the country illustrates that many students today are solidly dedicated to service and deeply value the unique experience the Peace Corps offers," Baquet said. "Through their volunteer work overseas, Americans throughout this country are able to learn more about the world in this era of globalization."

The Peace Corps was established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy. It has sent more than 161,000 trained volunteers to 134 countries. This year more than 7,300 volunteers and trainees – the highest level in 26 years – are serving in 78 countries around the world by working to help fight hunger, bring clean water to communities, teach children, help start new businesses, and stop the spread of AIDS.