Jane Tunstall Lingo | |
|---|---|
| Born | (1924-09-07)September 7, 1924 Washington, DC |
| Died | February 23, 2007(2007-02-23) (aged 82) |
| Occupation | Journalist, writer,George Washington University administrator |
| Alma mater | George Washington University |
| Parents | Benjamin Harrison Lingo Marie Tunstall |
Jane Tunstall Lingo (September 7, 1924 in theDistrict of Columbia – February 23, 2007 inAlexandria, Virginia), was a pioneering journalist, long-time employee ofGeorge Washington University, and active socialite who counted U.S. PresidentHarry S. Truman's daughterMargaret Truman among her close friends.[1][2]
Lingo earned abachelor's degree in French language and literature fromGeorge Washington University in 1946, with close friendMargaret Truman.[1]
After spending a decade traveling and performing volunteer service, Lingo returned toGeorge Washington University in 1956 as astaff writer in the Office of University Relations. She served there for eight years, and became GWU's Assistant Director of University Relations in 1964, where she worked until her death.[1][3]
One of the first women invited to join theNational Press Club in 1971, Lingo was noted as a trailblazer for women journalists.[4] She served as president of the American News Women's Club from 1990 to 1992[1] and asParliamentarian for the Board of Governors in later years.[3]
As a young adult duringWorld War II, Lingo became active inDistrict social life, volunteering with the American Red Cross, translating letters in French, and making surgical dressings.[1] She assisted theUnited Service Organizations (USO) with special events, was a member of theJunior League of Washington, for which she was a contributing author for the league's book "The City of Washington", and worked on a long-running children's television program as part of amarionette troupe.[1]
She was a member ofPi Beta Phi sorority, the GW Hospital Women's Board, the Faculty Women's Club and Columbian Women, which is the school's oldest scholarship support group.[1][4]
Lingo served on theAdams Morgan Neighborhood Association and the former Mayor's Advisory Committee for Neighborhood Beautification, was a member of theNational Society of the Colonial Dames of America, a docent atDumbarton House, and an active supporter ofHillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens,Blair House, theWashington National Opera and theShakespeare Theatre Company.[1] She also was a member of theSulgrave Club, working to save the Wadsworth House on Massachusetts Avenue in DC, and was a board member of theYWCA of theNational Capital Area.[1]
She worked with theDemocratic National Committee in the office of vice-chairman Margaret Price during several presidential campaigns and assisted with presidential inaugurations.[1]
During her years at GW, Lingo earned membership inPhi Beta Kappa, andMortar Board.[1]
To honor her service to George Washington University, the university alumni association created an award to recognize alumni service and honor her memory, the Jane Lingo Distinguished Alumni Service Award, presented each year to alumni who not only meet the criteria for the Distinguished Alumni Service Award but are also employed as a member of the faculty or staff.[5] The university'sGelman Library established the Jane Tunstall Lingo Memorial Special Collections Fund for friends and admirers to honor her.[2]
Lingo was a daughter of Benjamin Harrison and Marie (née Tunstall) Lingo. Her father was a careerU.S. Navy man, and her mother was the director of the Washington, D.C.,United Service Organization (USO).[4] She lived in her family's home in theAdams Morgan district of D.C.[1] Her family also owned a historic home inLovingston, Virginia, "Peebles Hill", which she renovated in 1967 after inheriting it.[6]
Lingo was active with theFirst Church of Christ, Scientist in Northwest DC.[1]
Lingo was a friend of journalistHelen Thomas, with whom she became acquainted in the 1940s when attending events at the White House during the Truman administration.[1]
At her death, Lingo had no immediate survivors.[3]
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