On Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024, Loyola Marymount University hosted a special event as part of Career and Professional Development‘s Social Impact Career Week, featuring two distinguished guests: Carol Spahn, director of Peace Corps, and Michael D. Smith, CEO of AmeriCorps. More than 50 attendees, including LMU students, staff, faculty, administrators, and alumni from both organizations, gathered to hear Spahn and Smith discuss their organizations’ commitment to providing diverse and meaningful service opportunities to all citizens.
During the event, Spahn and Smith signed a Memoranda of Understanding to solidify their organizations’ unique relationship.
“It felt very fitting to celebrate service and showcase meaningful professional pathways inspired by volunteerism during a week where we highlight social impact careers,” said Marcy Hess, LMU’s senior director of strategic partnerships and external relations for Career and Professional Development. “At a time in our world with so much division and challenge, these two organizations offer opportunities for individuals to contribute and make timely and essential change. I felt honored to witness this historic MOU signing and for our university to host the coming together of these two monumental organizations.”
The event began with welcome remarks from Roberta Espinoza, Ph.D., vice provost for Global-Local Affairs, and Audra Verrier, Ph.D., associate vice provost for Career and Professional Development. LMU and Peace Corps alumna Maggie Bove-LaMonica ’05, ’13, and Alexandra Escobar ’11 then co-moderated a panel with Smith and Spahn following the MOU signing.
Spahn and Smith spoke about their organizations’ efforts in addressing the world’s increasing needs. They emphasized the crucial role that their organizations play in creating more volunteer opportunities, enabling individuals to contribute their skills and time towards making a positive impact on society. The event provided an ideal platform for attendees to gain insights into the remarkable impact that these two organizations have had in the United States and beyond. It was also a momentous occasion that recognized the value of service and celebrated the contributions of volunteers around the world.
View the Peace Corps press release to learn more about the MOU. For additional information on opportunities within both organizations, visit Peace Corps and AmeriCorps.
