Ohio State Linguistics alumna Elizabeth Ruth Lwanga King was awarded an honorary doctorate in Public Service at the August 2024 commencement ceremony.
The citation for her honorary degree reads:
During a more than 30-year career in development work, Elizabeth Ruth Lwanga King established herself as a preeminent leader in international peace efforts, human rights activism, humanitarian assistance and gender equality initiatives with a special focus in Africa. Ms. Lwanga King is distinguished through having held numerous senior positions in the United Nations system including deputy assistant administrator and deputy director of the Regional Bureau for Africa of the United Nations Development Program. With an unwavering commitment to human rights and equity, Ms. Lwanga King continues to advance the well-being of the people she serves as she inspires others to promote peace and shared prosperity throughout the world.
Ms. Lwanga King earned a B.A. in Linguistics in 1968 and shared the following with us about her time at Ohio State and how it prepared her for her extraordinary career in public service.
Why did you decide to major in Linguistics at Ohio State?
It has been 55 years since I graduated from OSU and that is a very long time ago. When I got admitted I was to study for a social sciences degree and in the process of orientation and deciding on a specific major, I was introduced to Linguistics as an option. I had a very strong background in the English language, both written and spoken, which I suppose made Linguistics a good choice. The addition of Communications as a minor area of study fitted well with my interests. I had done some journalistic work after High School, while waiting to go to University, and I had enjoyed that and shown talent in writing.
Can you share a memory (or two!) from your Linguistics coursework? Is there anything you learned that has stayed with you since your time as an undergraduate?
I think that what was most significant in my studies was the connection of culture and anthropology with linguistics and the interaction between language and culture. The role of language in communicating, and in the evolution of culture in human societies was very fascinating for me. I believe that has impacted my career in international development, and my personal interest in culture.
I recall that as part of our classwork, we were given assignments to write essays and we would get feedback in the class on our work. My classmates used to express surprise and tease me about my writing better than them when English was not my native language. We used to always laugh about that.
What do you see as the major highlights of your career?
The focus on development and the opportunity of working internationally have been most enriching and satisfying. Working with the All Africa Conference of Churches as Communications Director, then with OXFAM USA as Africa Director, and working with the United Nations both in the field and at headquarters in New York gave me a grounding in international development, for which I am very grateful. I have held positions including Manager of the Gender portfolio of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Resident Representative of UNDP and Resident Coordinator of the United Nations System in Sierra Leone, Eswatini (Swaziland), Ethiopia, Kenya, and Zimbabwe; and Deputy Director for UNDP Africa Bureau. These positions introduced me to working directly with governments and civil society organisations, providing guidance on policy making, programming, mobilising financing for development and managing partner relations. This work included managing in conflict situations and providing emergency humanitarian assistance. This was especially the case in Sierra Leone, where the country was engulfed in an internal rebellion. As UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Representative, I was able to lead in initiating a peace process that led to ending the war. The people of Sierra Leone awarded me the title of Paramount Chief, Mammy Yoko II. The first Mammy Yoko, that I was named after was an extra-ordinary woman leader and chief over many other chiefs.
Since retiring from service, I have been involved in a number of initiatives including a national programme that we launched this September in Uganda to revive ethics and values. We call it the 'The Revival of Obuntubulamu' and it is led by our cultural institutions in Uganda. I am also part of a Women's Situation Room for African Elections, which works to promote peaceful elections.
How have you applied what you learned at Ohio State, in Linguistics or more broadly, to your career?
I believe that studying at Ohio State gave me the discovery of the world because of the size of the university and the mix of nationalities represented even that long ago. Coming from a high school of 300 students in 1966 to Ohio State University, which I believe had over 30,000 students at that time, was transformational. I have also applied my communications training and interest in culture in all of my work, at all levels, whether technical or managerial. Ohio State broadened my world and I have benefitted immensely from that exposure, which has led me into the many functions and roles I have played in my career in international development.
Do you have any advice for our current undergraduates and young alumni?
Studying at Ohio State is a privilege. Take advantage of the academic and social exposure the university offers. They will serve you well in your future careers and life.
