Charlottesville, Va. – Virginia C. Greene, 73, a 1955 graduate of Sweet Briar College and a resident of Charlottesville, Va., has been accepted into the Peace Corps.

Greene departs for South Africa on July 15 and will begin training to become an educational development Peace Corps Volunteer. Greene’s work will include acting as a school and community resource Peace Corps volunteer. She also will be working to train teachers and work with parent and community groups.

The widow of Arthur Greene, who was a professor in the University of Virginia’s drama department, Greene earned a Bachelor of Arts in chemistry from Sweet Briar. She also holds a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Virginia.

“I joined the Peace Corps for a chance to have a really challenging experience,” Greene said. “It’s going to be a good adventure and I can’t wait for the chance to be so useful.”

During the first three months of her service, Greene will live with a host family in South Africa to become fully immersed in the country’s language and culture. After acquiring the language and cultural skills necessary to assist her community, Greene will serve for two years, living in a manner similar to people in her host country.

— From staff reports