WHEREAS, The Peace Corps was established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy; and
     WHEREAS, Currently, the Peace Corps has more than 8,000 volunteers working in 76 different countries; and
     WHEREAS, The Peace Corps receives approximately 12,000 applications per year and accepts approximately 4,000 to serve; and
     WHEREAS, Service in the Peace Corps is a 27-month commitment; and
     WHEREAS, The Peace Corps ranks top colleges annually, in recognition of the schools that contribute the most alumni; and
     WHEREAS, Schools are ranked and classified as large, medium, or small according to the size of the student body; and
     WHEREAS, The 2013 Top Peace Corps Volunteer-Producing Colleges list was released on February 5, 2013; and
     WHEREAS, The State of Washington has a long and distinguished record of volunteerism and community service at the local, national, and international level; and
     WHEREAS, The University of Washington ranks number one in the nation among large-sized schools with 107 undergraduate alumni serving in the Peace Corps; and
     WHEREAS, Western Washington University ranks number one in the nation among medium-sized schools with 73 undergraduate alumni serving in the Peace Corps; and
     WHEREAS, Gonzaga University ranks number one in the nation among small-sized schools with 24 undergraduate alumni serving in the Peace Corps; and
     WHEREAS, 2013 marks the first time all three categories are led by schools in the same state;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate honor the University of Washington, Western Washington University, Gonzaga University, and the commitment of all those who have served and are currently serving in the Peace Corps; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the University of Washington, Western Washington University, and Gonzaga University.