MC Alumna, Kate Bravard �05, Joins the Peace Corps in Niger

January 12, 2007
Peace Corps Chicago Regional Office
Contact: Monique Wolf
312.353.4990

Katherine Anne Bravard, 23, the daughter of Jim and Janet Bravard of Hopkinsville, Ky., has been accepted into the Peace Corps.

Bravard departed for Niger on January 9 to become an afro-forestry extension agent Peace Corps Volunteer. Bravard's work will include assisting the Natural Resource Management Project in rural community development and environmental education. Her efforts will work toward decreasing the pressure placed on soil, forest and wildlife resources in Niger.

A graduate of Heritage Christian Academy, she attended Maryville College in Maryville, Tenn., and earned a Bachelor of Arts in art in 2005. Bravard previously worked as a curatorial assistant at the Pennyroyal Area museum in Hopkinsville.

"I decided to become a Peace Corps Volunteer," said Bravard, "because at this point in my life I don't have any permanent obligations and therefore have the energy and time to devote two years to doing something that I believe is worthwhile. I like the idea of spending my time in a way that will positively affect people."

Bravard said that though she is excited about her expedition, "I'll probably miss indoor plumbing�."

During the first three months of her service, Bravard will live with a host family in Niger to become fully immersed in the country's language and culture. After acquiring the language and cultural skills necessary to assist her community, Bravard will serve for two years in her host community, living at the same level as the local people.

The Peace Corps entered the central African country of Niger in 1962; over 2,700 Volunteers have since served. As 80% of the Niger population resides within rural areas, Volunteers work on agriculture, the environment, community development, youth, education and health projects to help Nigerian communities attain household food security and to promote sustainable development. Currently, 119 Volunteers are serving in Niger, also working to promote HIV/AIDS prevention.

The Peace Corps is celebrating a 45-year legacy of service at home and abroad, and a 30-year high for Volunteers in the field. Since 1961, more than 182,000 Volunteers have helped promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of the 138 countries where Volunteers have served. Peace Corps Volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment.

Maryville College is ideally situated in Maryville, Tenn., between the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Knoxville, the state‘s third largest city. Founded in 1819, it is the 12th oldest institution of higher learning in the South and maintains an affiliation with the Presbyterian Church (USA). Known for its academic rigor and its focus on the liberal arts, Maryville is where students come to stretch their minds, stretch themselves and learn how to make a difference in the world. Total enrollment for the fall 2012 semester was 1,093.