I have been meeting one-on-one with the first cohort of researchers at the Great Lakes Center for the Study of the United States, mentoring them on their projects. Ultimately, each of these researchers is contributing a chapter to a co-edited volume about US-Uganda relations.
When meeting with Prof. Bernard Luwerakera -- who is researching the impact of the Peace Corps Program in Uganda -- I knew immediately that I wanted to connect him with the Honorable Betty Castor.
Before the Honorable Betty Castor was the first woman elected to serve on the Hillsborough County Commission, elected State Senator in Florida (and President Pro Temp of the Florida Senate), the first woman elected statewide in Florida (as the Florida Education Commissioner), the first woman President of the University of South Florida, appointed by President Obama to serve on the national Fulbright Board, among many other professional accomplishments ---
Betty was appointed by President Kennedy to be a part of the official US delegation to attend Uganda's Independence celebration. When a college student she traveled to Uganda on a service trip that provided books and other support for schools. After graduation, Betty taught in Uganda for 2 years soon after the country's independence. AND while a teacher in Uganda, she led the first group of African girls to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro!!
As Prof. Luwerkera is working on his project evaluating the impact of the Peace Corps - particularly as it relates to education - I was hoping that he could interview Betty as a part of his research.
I was so pleased that Betty made time to join us for an intro meeting with Prof. Bernard along with the director of the Center, Prof Edward Kaweesi.
Thank you so very much, Betty, for contributing to this research project! And for your many contributions to the people of Uganda!
Also -- I asked Betty to send over some photos of her work in Uganda to include in this post
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