Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 4, Number 4, 1 April 1987 — UH Professor Gets Education Award [ARTICLE]

UH Professor Gets Education Award

Rubellite "Ruby" Kawena Johnson has been named the recipient of the Na Po'okela education award by the Celebrate the Hawaiian— Ho'olako 1987 education award selection committee. Johnson, an associate professor at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, was honored for her many contributions to the establishment and maintenance of Hawaiian studies at the school. "In the area of formal education and scholarly eontribution, Ruby Johnson exemplifies a solid dedication to excellence," the committee said. "She is one who truly believes in improving the quality of life for Hawaii's people, through enriching their understanding of the Hawaiian cuiture." Johnson, who has been with the university since 1967, submitted the original Hawāiian Studies proposal to the university's Arts and Sciences Curriculum eommittee in 1970, for a bachelor's degree in Hawaiian Language or its alternative, Hawaiian Studies. Johnson has taught courses in Hawaiian literature, language, culture and history. She also has taught an introductory course on Tongan language. Additionally, Johnson has written an impressive number of books and presented papers on various areas of Hawaiian studies. Johnson received a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Hawaii, and has done graduate study

in that area at Indiana University and U.H. Celebrate the Hawaiian — Ho'olako 1987 is a nonprofit group serving as the official organizing committee for activities and events during 1987 — the "Year of the Hawaiian."