While it is admirable that student groups volunteer in support of things like world poverty and environmentalism, their goodwill would be better used right here in Ithaca.

Already providing the third-most Teach for America volunteers, the University’s graduates continue to flock in droves to the public sector. The University sent 46 volunteers into the Peace Corps in 2009, more than any other Ivy League institution, according to statistics released by the agency last Thursday.

This past week, Cornell was one of among 528 American colleges and universities to be named to the 2007 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll by The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). This honor recognizes institutions of higher learning for their exemplary local, national and international community-service efforts.

Cornellians can be found serving communities locally, domestically and abroad — and now they are being recognized for their contributions. Students have made their mark through various events and organizations from Into the Streets held in Ithaca, as far away as the Bridges to Community in Nicaragua.