In honor of her work at the Hilltribes Resources and Development Center in northern Thailand and for hosting over 200 St. Olaf international students, Zothansiami Ralte received an honorary doctor of humane letters from St. Olaf College on September 13 in Boe Memorial Chapel.

St. Olaf President Mark U. Edwards Jr. introduced Ralte for the degree, St. Olaf sociology and Asian studies Professor Michael Leming read the citation, while reference librarian Kris MacPherson and history faculty member Robert Entenmann presented Ralte with the honorary degree.

During her remarks, Ralte said, "I have always believed in the saying ÔTo serve God is to serve others.Õ" She also stressed how grateful she is to St. Olaf College. Concerning St. Olaf community members visiting Thailand, Ralte said "You are always welcome to spend time with us and work at the [Hilltribes Resources and Development] Center."

To combat assimilation, Ralte teaches the Karen peopleÕs children to read and write their native language. She also helps Karen females resist prostitution by teaching them alternate ways to become economically independent, such as establishing weaverÕs groups. Ralte also instructs them in how to teach their native crafts and language to others.

Through the Hilltribes Center, Ralte has also developed agriculture and retail programs. Currently, RalteÕs program is the only one in Thailand that teaches Karen children and develops economic growth.

Over the past ten years, Zothansiami Ralte has hosted over 200 St. Olaf students who participated in Term in Asia or in the interim "The Karen of Northern Thailand."

Ralte was born in northeastern India to members of the Mizo tribal culture. Her family was Christian and she earned a bachelor of theology degree from Jorhat Theological College. After graduation, she taught Mizo tribal children at a Christian mission school.

A year later, Ralte became the first female Mizo missionary to go to Thailand. In Thailand, she supported the Church of Christ with Christian education and church development. She also taught herself how to speak the Thai language.

Ralte saw a need to prevent major changes in Thailand from damaging the Karen tribes. She feared the Karen society would assimilate into the Thai culture, thereby losing their culture, way of life, and traditions. In 1992, with assistance from the Baptist Union of Sweden and Norwegian (Lutheran) Church Aid, Ralte founded the Hilltribes Resources and Development Center in Mae Chem, Thailand. Today, the Center educates more than 200 Karen tribal children and also teaches the adults of the tribe new skills to aid them in financial independence.