Caitlan and Luke Smith, a married couple and graduates of Missouri Southern, left Wednesday to begin their new journey in Rwanda, a 27- month mission they’ve been assigned to in the Peace Corps.

The couple is expected to work in a school setting. teaching English, up to 20 hours per week and also participate in community-oriented events such as educational workshops or seminars for the locals.

Chad Stebbins, Director of the Institute of International Studies, organized a send-off party for the couple.

A few of their former professors came to the send-off at Blackthorn Pizza and Pub in Joplin. Faculty who teach in the International Studies program gave them a parting gift of $225 to help cover some of their expenses.

“We are planning another get-together when Caitlan and Luke return from Rwanda in 27 months,” Stebbins said.

Caitlan Smith graduated in December of last year with a bachelor’s degree in international studies and was named the university’s 2012 Outstanding Graduate in International Studies.

Luke Smith graduated last year with a degree in English. The couple studied at the American University in Bulgaria in the fall of 2010. In 2011, the Smiths received a $4,900 grant from the MSSU McCaleb Initiative for Peace .

With it, they embarked on an in-depth examination of the many problems surrounding education in Guatemala.

“Caitlan and Luke impressed me by spending an entire semester abroad,” Stebbins said.

Caitlan Smith further distinguished herself through her participation in the Model United Nations Club at MSSU.

The Smiths now make 30 MSSU alumni who have served in the Peace Corps since President John F. Kennedy founded the agency on March 1, 1961.

“They will be ambassadors for the University and will enhance our reputation as an institution that provides global opportunities for students and graduates. They are representing MSSU, in a sense,” Stebbins said.