BELLINGHAM - Western Washington University has more Peace Corps volunteers than any other medium-sized college in America, according to the organization's 2013 Top Colleges rankings.

This is the first time that WWU has taken the top spot, with 73 alumni volunteering for the Peace Corps.

Also a first: The No. 1 school in each category is in Washington state. University of Washington was first for large colleges, with 107 volunteers, and Gonzaga University was top for small colleges, with 24 volunteers.

Peace Corps Director Carrie Hessler-Radelet visited WWU's campus Tuesday, Feb. 5. The organization places volunteers in host countries throughout the globe to work on health, community economic development, agriculture and other projects.

Reach Zoe Fraley at 360-756-2803 or zoe.fraley@bellinghamherald.com. Read her school days blog at blogs.bellinghamherald.com/schools or follow her on Twitter at @bhamschools.