Ralph Bunche – 1904-1971

After earning graduate degrees from Harvard University in 1928 and 1934, Bunche created the Howard University (Washington, D.C.) Department of Political Science. He served in the OSS (Office of Strategic Services) and Department of State during World War II, then was instrumental after the war in planning the United Nations, of which he eventually served as undersecretary general. In 1949, he mediated a truce in the first Arab-Israeli War, for which he was awarded the 1950 Nobel Peace Prize.