On August 21 Clemson economics alumni Kurt Rotthoff rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange, signaling the start of trading. Rotthoff earned his Ph.D. in Applied Economics in May of this year, writing his dissertation under the supervision of Economics Professor Michael Maloney. This month he begins an appointment as Assistant Professor of Finance at Seton Hall University. While at Clemson, Rotthoff worked as a graduate instructor for the John E. Walker Department of Economics, and as a volunteer coach for the Clemson swim team. Earlier this summer, he served on the teaching staff of the American Institute on Political and Economic Systems, at Charles University in Prague. The bell-ringing ceremony stems from Rotthoff's participation in the NYSE Euronext Teachers Workshop Program, a five day program which provides educators with an enriched understanding of capital markets and institutions, in order to strengthen the teaching of courses on financial markets.

For more information about Clemson's graduate program in economics, visit http://www.grad.clemson.edu/programs/Econ/

The Master's International Program provides a tremendous opportunity for Americans to serve while gaining graduate-level credit," said Peace Corps Director Ron Tschetter. "We are pleased to begin our partnership with Clemson University, a university with a proud tradition of volunteerism."

The program's intended audience is comprised of recent college graduates who have a strong desire to pursue an international career but would like additional academic training before going abroad and students who have graduated from college, have been in the workforce some time and now wish to obtain a master's degree and work overseas.

Students pursuing advanced degrees in agricultural education, agriculture and applied economics, and forestry resources are eligible to participate in this program and have access to many benefits, including the following:

• Peace Corps service provides two to twelve credit hours, depending upon the student's selected departmental academic program, and is also the basis for his/her research project paper.
• Peace Corps service fulfills the departmental internship requirement, and language training during service may be applied towards selected departmental credits, depending upon the selected academic program.
• Peace Corps service provides the US Government non-competitive eligibility for returning volunteers.
• The Peace Corps offers the international experience needed to obtain employment in a developing country.

"Our Master's International Program is a cornerstone graduate program that will enhance our connections, presence and reputation in the international arena," said William Molnar, Clemson's program director. "The Master's International program gives internationally minded students the academic and practical experience to meet the global challenges of today and tomorrow."

"Service to others has long been part of our culture at Clemson and we see this partnership with the Peace Corps as a doorway to opportunities for our students and for the people they serve," Clemson President James F. Barker said. "As this world grows smaller, it seems our role in it grows larger."

See Peace Corps Master's International Programs for more detail and how to apply.

Rotthoff and Reed will be continuing the goal of introducing free market thinking to former communist countries by leading and developing discussion and activity sessions for over 100 students from more than 25 countries all over Eastern Europe. Dr. Yandle, Dean Emeritus of the College of Business and Behavioral Science, and a few additional professors, will be lecturing on topics varying from government interaction in markets to environmental economics.

The goal of this academic program is to help students understand the economic and political transitions taking place in their former communist countries.