Gallaudet Today Magazine | Fall/Winter 2023

MAGAZINE

FALL/WINTER 2023

AT LAST

THE KENDALL 24 RECEIVE DIPLOMAS AFTER 70 YEARS

Gallaudet kicks off the Necessity of Now campaign, honoring the legacy of these students and Louise B. Miller, the parent whose advocacy challenged and changed history

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CENTER FOR LATINE DEAF STUDIES LAUNCHES

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ALUMNI SUMMIT MOUNT EVEREST

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REIMAGINING THE FOOTBALL HELMET WITH AT&T

NEW PADDEN COURT DESIGN

PADDEN COURT gets A MAKEOVER

The main court in the Field House debuted a new look on September 20 during the first home women’s volleyball match of the season. The court was redesigned by Gallaudet alumna Isabella Paulone, ’23, and features many prominent buildings and landmarks from the Washington, D.C. area as well as on the Gallaudet campus.

Read more about the court makeover gu.live/VfOag

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Gallaudet Today Magazine contains news and information for the signing community, including alumni and friends of Gallaudet University.

Editor

WITH THANKS Justin Arrigo, ’12 & G-’15 John-Samuel Atkinson Evon Black, ’87 & G-’96 Jeremy Brunson Kati Mitchell, G-’11 Rebecca Rydstrom, ’02

Robert B. Weinstock, ’77 & G-’83 Writers Victoria Hallett Kaitlin Luna Brandi Rarus Robert B. Weinstock, ’77 & G-’83

UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS Chief Communications and Admissions Officer Brandi Rarus

Designer Meeya Tjiang

Roberta J. Cordano

PRESIDENT

Photographers Neha Balachandran, ’19, G-’21, & G-’22 Kerri Clark Meeya Tjiang PRODUCTION Courtney Cannon Bilal Chinoy, ’07 Glenn Lockhart, ’97 Elise Nye, ’94

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Donate today at gu.live/donate

IN THIS ISSUE

GALLAUDET TODAY MAGAZINE

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President Cordano named a USA Today 2023 Women of the Year Honoree Cordano is the first deaf honoree and joins Michelle Obama and several other distinguished women recognized for their significant impact on their communities, the nation, and the world at large.

Experimenting with AI and Apps to Make Technology More Accessible

Students in a 10-week summer course funded by the National Science Foundation took on research questions to make technologies work for deaf and hard of hearing consumers.

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Gallaudet Honored as an Apple Distinguished School

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Gallaudet Expands Its International Outreach

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Dr. Khadijat K. Rashid, ’90, Appointed Provost

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Mount Everest: Scott and Shayna

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New Members Join the Board of Trustees

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Gallaudet Launches World’s First Deaf-led Collegiate Esports Program

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Summer Experiences: Turtles, Insurance, Mexico City

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Reimagining the Football Helmet with AT&T

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Student-created Mural at Entrance to Hanson Plaza

A Conversation with the School Director of STAMP

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At Last! The Kendall 24 Receive Diplomas After 70 years

Remembering Donald F. Moores: A Giant In Deaf Education

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The Field House Gets a Fresh Update

Alumna and Employee Yiqiao Wang Designs New Drinkware for Starbucks

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Students Win Grant for Linguistics and Cognitive Science in Deaf K-12 Schools

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Alumnus Bader Alomary Receives Royal Award in Saudi Arabia

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Student Eric Gregory Repeats as NCAA Divison III 400-meter Dash Champion

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Class of 2023 Commencement

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New Center for Latine Deaf Studies Launches

Dorothy Chiyoko Sueoka Casterline: ASL Pioneer

ALUMNI OBITUARIES With our deepest sympathies, we note the passing of our Gallaudet University alumni.

Read the full list on our website.

Visit Gallaudet’s Obituaries webpage: gu.live/obituaries

THE ROAD LETTER FROM TO HOME THE PRESIDENT

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Dear READERS,

This Gallaudet Today edition is an especially exciting one. There are more stories than can fit, with many more innovations, people, and projects transforming Gallaudet University than what you read here.

One theme throughout this issue is how Gallaudet is addressing the past in order to build a better future. One example is the Kendall School Division II graduation ceremony in July 2023 where we witnessed 24 Black deaf students (or their representatives) cross the stage and finally receive their long-overdue high school diplomas together with the recognition of their four teachers. We witnessed moments of healing as Gallaudet took a step to right a grave injustice, moving us forward in our journey to enhance equity and belonging for everyone in our community.

This is just a beginning. It is my hope that each of you will feel personally compelled to support this mission at Gallaudet University. Please join us in supporting the Necessity of Now campaign, which you will read more about in this issue.

We are excited to announce the launch of the Center for Latine Deaf Studies, known as Nuestra Casa (Our House). Nuestra Casa, which has been years in the making, will support teaching, learning, and research in Latine Deaf Studies and preserve the history, culture, and language of the Latine Deaf community. Nuestra Casa plans to offer a minor in Latine Deaf Studies. This is our second multicultural Deaf Studies center, with more to come.

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We celebrate our strong performance in meeting the Middle States Commission on Higher Education’s accreditation standards. We are proud that our self-study was the first submitted bilingually in American Sign Language and English. The site visit team from Middle States, in their exit report, appreciated our strong bilingual community and affirmed our strengths, challenges, and direction for self-improvement without any further recommendations, expressing confidence in our future direction.

Being continuously accredited signifies the quality and integrity of our higher education teaching, research, and student experience, as well as the quality of our shared governance.

Once again, we have shown that there is no other place in the world like Gallaudet!

All of this is possible because of the people in our campus community, and because of our alumni. I offer a special “sign out” to our alumni.

Students, you are our purpose. Alumni, you are the Gallaudet story. We are proud of how our bison model growth and success for future generations of deaf students. You make longlasting impact in all the places you go, making us so proud.

To all our readers – thank you for everything you do to support Gallaudet. You are critical to advancing our mission. We are deeply grateful for each of you.

With gratitude, Roberta J. Cordano President

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APPLE DISTINGUISHED SCHOOL

GALLAUDET HONORED as an APPLE DISTINGUISHED SCHOOL

Learn more: gu.live/gallaudetapple 8

Innovation in the delivery of education has long been a hallmark of Gallaudet, which was recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for 2022-2025. This was in recognition of the many ways the University leverages Apple products in learning, teaching, and working, and in support of the university’s commitment to American Sign Language and English bilingualism, belonging and equity, and innovation.

Apple Distinguished Schools are centers of innovation, leadership, and educational excellence. They use Apple technology to inspire creativity, collaboration and critical thinking in learning, teaching, and the school environment, and have documented results of academic accomplishment.

Gallaudet’s federally chartered K-12 program, the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center, was also recognized as an Apple Distinguished School. Together, The Clerc Center and Gallaudet serve deaf and hard of hearing students across the lifespan.

“We share with Apple the goal of inclusive excellence,” said Provost Khadijat K. Rashid, ‘90. “We also know that technological solutions work best when the people who stand to benefit from these solutions are involved.”

Examples at Gallaudet University and the Clerc Center include: Information Technology capstone students learned iOS app development and developed a COVID-19 tracking and resource app.

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Deaf Studies students created bilingual, bimodal children’s ebooks with Apple proprietary software and Mac computers in collaboration with their counterparts at Swarthmore College.

The Clerc Center’s demonstration schools have been able to develop and implement a new STEAM curriculum.

The Motion Light Lab (ML2) used Apple products and applications to produce research-based sign language storybook apps for deaf children to transform their reading experience in multiple signed languages.

The Office of University Communications created several Apple Maps Guides highlighting the signing ecosystem in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and beyond. iPads assigned to Clerc Center students have enabled time-saving measures to be implemented for testing and assessment and have reduced testing anxiety.

The University used Apple products in the submission of its successful reaccreditation application bilingually, in ASL and English, to its accrediting body.

Dr. Rashid said, “Our work together – past, present, and future – shows our shared commitment to foster innovation and inclusion in education. It upholds Apple’s commitment to education and to people who are deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind.”

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DR. KHADIJAT K. RASHID, ’90, APPOINTED PROVOST

DR. KHADIJAT K. RASHID, ’90, APPOINTED PROVOST In a March 2023 announcement to the university community, President Cordano said that Dr. Rashid, ’90, will lead the Division of Academic Affairs, including Gallaudet’s five multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary schools, research, and innovation to advance the understanding and influencing of policies that impact the deaf and hard of hearing community, and career success for Gallaudet’s students. “This work is critical to advance our academic mission and support all students and faculty as we further The Gallaudet Promise in the true spirit of shared governance,” said President Cordano.

During her three decades as a Gallaudet employee, Dr. Rashid has served in various roles, including Chair of the Department of Business (2007-2010), Chair of the University Faculty (2013-2016), and Interim Dean and Dean of the former School of Education, Business and Human Services (SEBHS) (20172020). She has had various leadership roles both on campus and in the United States government, including serving as a White House Fellow (2010-2011).

Dr. Rashid succeeded Dr. Jeffrey W. Lewis, ’76, who served as Interim Provost from April 2020 to June 2023. President Cordano expressed her profound thanks and appreciation to Dr. Lewis for his outstanding service as Interim Provost.

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NEW MEMBERS JOIN THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES Three distinguished individuals officially began their service term at the October 2023 Board of Trustees meeting. Each of them brings the full weight of their experience and wisdom to support Gallaudet University as it navigates its journey and thrives.

Edna Conway is a former Chief Security Officer at Microsoft and Cisco. She has served on several corporate and nonprofit organization boards, including Fusion Risk Management and Attabotics. She also advised several advisory boards, such as the Council on Cybersecurity at the New York University Tandon School of Engineering. Her areas of expertise include compliance, cybersecurity, and intellectual property.

Dr. Leah Cox is the Vice Provost for Equity, Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

She brings a wealth of experience in higher education administration and diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Dr. Cox worked at Gallaudet here for several years as a Career Center coordinator. She also assisted with establishing the Office of Multicultural Affairs, as well as several other programs.

Melissa Draganac-Hawk, ’98 & G-’01, is the Head of School at the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf. Born to deaf Peruvian parents, she grew up communicating in Peruvian Sign Language and attended Lexington School for the Deaf. She has served in leadership roles for Deaf Women United, the National Council of Hispano Deaf and Hard of Hearing (now Council de Manos), and the National Association of the Deaf, including three terms as its President.

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SUMMER EXPERIENCES: TURTLES, INSURANCE, MEXICO CITY

SUMMER EXPERIENCES

Talia Boren Intern at Loggerhead Marinelife Center

TURTLES, INSURANCE, MEXICO CITY Over the summer, Talia Boren woke up before sunrise each morning to gather data on sea turtles at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach, Florida. “One of my favorite moments was witnessing a baby sea turtle emerge from its chamber. I gained the ability to determine between three species by analyzing their eggs and tracks,” says Boren, a biology major.

Boren and other Gallaudet students who have taken advantage of internship opportunities have a lot in common with the adorable creatures she studied in the sand. They all had to come out of their shells, overcome obstacles, and find their way through new territory.

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The experience is transformational for students, who are introduced to how organizations operate and what their futures could look like. “Internships help our students infuse their dreams and academics into lifelong career learning,” says Julie Tibbitt, EdS ’18 & PhD ’20, Director of Gallaudet’s Office for Career Success (OCS), which facilitates connections between students, faculty, alumni, and employers to enable these opportunities.

By working closely with faculty, OCS determines which employers can best complement and supplement what students are studying in the classroom. “OCS views our faculty as experts in their line of profession

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and, therefore, well positioned to advise our students meaningfully on their career choices,” Tibbitt adds.

For example, James Bruner, the executive director of Gallaudet’s Maguire Academy of Risk Management and Insurance (RMI), has a proven track record of linking up students with insurance companies each year. That includes Jose Ruiz, who majors in RMI and lived in the dorms at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia while participating in a program at Philadelphia Insurance Companies last summer. “I am looking forward to my journey with Philadelphia,” Ruiz said just before starting 10 weeks of work with the company, which

Jose Ruiz Intern at Philadelphia Insurance Companies

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SUMMER EXPERIENCES: TURTLES, INSURANCE, MEXICO CITY

promised networking, mentoring, and job training.

He learned what it is like to work as an underwriter, using specialized software to analyze data and make decisions. His highlight of the summer was winning first place in a group competition. Associates delivered presentations on a topic of their choice, and his team created an especially informative one about guides and outfitters. “Imagine you want to go on a guided hiking trip. These guides and outfitters must follow certain rules and laws set by the government to ensure the safety of people, protect the environment, and maintain fair business practices,” Ruiz explains.

“Internships help our students infuse their dreams and academics into lifelong career learning.”

Dr. Julie Tibbitt, EdS ’18 & PhD ’20,

Director of Gallaudet’s Office for Career Success (OCS) Adventures are also an integral part of internships. Estelina Kovacs spent two months this summer acquiring Lengua de Señas Mexicana (LSM) while working with Deaf children at the Instituto Pedagógico para Problemas de Lenguage (IAP) in Mexico City.

Going abroad, staying with a host family, and developing her teaching skills was the perfect 14

plan for Kovacs, who majors in International Studies and Spanish. “Ever since I was a child, I’ve always dreamed of going to other countries and helping children who need education or struggle with sign language,” she says.

Kovacs had never been to Mexico City and was not sure what to expect. “I had heard many different stories about Mexico City, both good and bad,” she says. “Finally, I got to see the city with my own eyes. I formed my own perspective, and I ended up loving the city.”

One of her favorite ways to explore? Eating food from various neighborhoods.

But the most rewarding aspect of the experience was being able to teach. “I feel incredibly fortunate and blessed to have had the chance to work with wonderful teachers who warmly welcomed me into their classrooms and guided me through the entire experience. I’ll always cherish the deep conversations I had with these teachers who believed in me,” Kovacs says. “Being around wonderful Mexican children motivated me even more and gave me a clear picture of what I want to achieve in the future.”

Getting a taste of the real world can shape plans and aspirations. And it helps students think about an important question: Where do I want to work next?

by Victoria Hallett

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Estelina Kovacs Intern at the Instituto Pedagógico para Problemas de Lenguage, IAP

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STUDENTS CREATE MURAL

STUDENTS CREATE MURAL AT ENTRANCE TO HANSON PLAZA

A new mural graces one of the pillars of the Hanson Plaza bridge between Hall Memorial Building and Benson Hall Circle. Student Etasha Stone and over 20 student volunteers painted the mural.

The mural has a blue background with “YOU MATTER HERE” in yellow, with two butterflies and hands in many skin tones below. The butterfly on the left represents the transgender flag colors: pink, brown, and blue, while the right butterfly contains the LGBTQIA+ flag colors, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and purple. In a nod to the iconic

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STUDENTS CREATE MURAL

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stained glass windows in College Hall, the hands are holding a red stained-glass heart.

Below them are roots from which pink cherry blossoms are blooming.

Azeb Visco, former Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion with the Student Body Government, spearheaded this mural project.

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The mural unveiling took place in late April 2023, with President Roberta J. Cordano and other university officials celebrating with students and staff with a toast of sparkling apple juice. The project was supported by Michelle McAuliffe, ’02, Art and Media Design; Michelle Gerson-Wagner, Student Engagement and Leadership; Brandon L. Williams, ’19, Multicultural Student Programs; and Sophia Stone, E-’14, Campus Design and Facilities.

by Robert Weinstock

AT LAST AT LAST: THE KENDALL 24 RECEIVE DIPLOMAS AFTER 70 YEARS

THE KENDALL 24 RECEIVE DIPLOMAS AFTER 70 YEARS

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They walked into Swindells Auditorium at the Kellogg Conference Hotel at Gallaudet University to much fanfare, with cheers and waving hands. Some used wheelchairs or walkers, others walked next to family and friends. No matter how they arrived at their seats, they had arrived. This was a moment 70 years in the making, when the accomplishments of 24 Black Deaf students who attended the segregated Kendall School Division II for Negroes in the early 1950s were finally recognized.

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On July 22, 2023, Gallaudet conferred high school diplomas to the Kendall 24, as they are now known, and the four Black teachers from the school in front of a crowd of 300 people, and many more via livestream. Four of the six surviving students – Janice Boyd (Ruffin), Kenneth Miller, Clifford Ogburn, and Charles Robinson – attended the graduation ceremony with their families. The other students and teachers were represented by family members or friends.

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AT LAST: THE KENDALL 24 RECEIVE DIPLOMAS AFTER 70 YEARS

They wore purple graduation gowns, in honor of Louise B. Miller’s favorite color. Miller was a mother who fought for educational justice for her Black Deaf son and all Black Deaf children.

In 1952, Miller and fellow parents of Black Deaf children filed two civil lawsuits against the District of Columbia Board of Education for the right of Black Deaf children to attend their local school for the deaf on Gallaudet’s campus. Their second lawsuit was successful and the segregated Kendall School Division II was built.

At the ceremony, Gallaudet proclaimed July 22 as “Kendall 24 Day” and issued a Board of Trustees proclamation that acknowledged and apologized for its role in the injustice that was committed against the 24 students: Gallaudet deeply regrets the role it played in perpetuating the historic inequity, systemic marginalization, and the grave injustice committed against the Black Deaf community when Black Deaf students were excluded at Kendall School and in denying the 24 Black 22

Deaf Kendall School students their diplomas.

Gallaudet sincerely apologizes to Mary Arnold, Janice Boyd (Ruffin), Irene Brown, Darrell Chatman, Robbie Cheatham, Dorothy Howard (Miller), Robert Lee Jones, Richard King Jr., Rial Loftis, Deborah Maton, William Matthews, Donald Mayfield, Robert Milburn, Kenneth Miller, Willie Moore Jr., Clifford Ogburn, Diana Pearson (Hill), Doris Richardson, Julian Richardson, Charles Robinson, Christine Robinson, Norman Robinson, Barbara Shorter, and Dorothy Watkins (Jennings) for the wrong done when they were denied their diplomas.

The graduates and their descendants then walked across the stage and received their long-awaited diplomas.

Miller’s son, Kenneth, was one of the graduates. As he walked across the stage, visibly emotional, he signed, “At last,” and stood proudly with his diploma. He received a standing ovation from the audience.

Janice Boyd (Ruffin) went across the stage in

a wheelchair accompanied by her grandson Larry W. Cook. She cried when she accepted her diploma. “Oh my goodness, thank you so much,” she said.

Charles Robinson danced across the stage to the joyful laughter of the audience. “I made it!

God blessed me so much to be able to get this diploma,” he said.

“This is truly a historic moment that is long overdue,” said Dr. Carolyn McCaskill, ’77, G-’79, & PhD ’05, founding director of

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AT LAST: THE KENDALL 24 RECEIVE DIPLOMAS AFTER 70 YEARS

Gallaudet’s Center for Black Deaf Studies. “I applaud Gallaudet for finally amending this wrong and understanding what it has done. It is about time.”

ACKNOWLEDGING OUR PAST, INVESTING IN THE FUTURE The historic July 22 graduation ceremony for the Kendall 24 is part of Gallaudet’s mission to confront its prejudicial past and to dismantle the persistent barriers that have perpetuated an unequal system.

take a deeper look at the systemic obstacles that have hindered the ability for everyone in the community to thrive.

“Gallaudet is taking bold steps to confront its past, honor, and celebrate the brave people who fought for equality and education, and catalyze collective healing,” said President Roberta J. Cordano during her Fall 2023 Welcome Home address as she announced the Necessity of Now campaign.

Along with operating the segregated Kendall School Division II, Gallaudet did not graduate Black Deaf students from the University from its founding in 1864 until the 1950s.

As with another pivotal moment in Gallaudet’s history, Deaf President Now, the University owes this movement for restorative justice to student activists who called on Gallaudet to

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Necessity of Now spotlights the rich history, culture, and achievements of Black Deaf people that have been largely overlooked for far too long.

Through the centuries, Black Deaf people have experienced discrimination and exclusion from the Deaf community, the African American/Black community, and society as a whole. To this day, Black Deaf people continue to face challenges when it comes to educational success and employment opportunities.

Education is associated with a higher quality of life including better personal and financial security, better health, and increased social involvement. However, fewer Black Deaf men and women graduate from high school or attend college compared to Black hearing people. Employment attainment and median full-time income for Black Deaf people are also lower than for White Deaf people.

Necessity of Now seeks to support future economic equity and inclusion as it funds scholarships, research, and programming, including support for our new Center for Black Deaf Studies, as well as the creation of an

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outdoor equitable learning space called the Louise B. Miller Pathways and Gardens: A Legacy to Black Deaf Children.

“We are on a mission to elevate the national consciousness of the Black Deaf experience in a way that has never been acknowledged before,” said Evon J. Black, ’87 & G-’96, associate director of the Center for Black Deaf Studies. “We believe this will have a transformational impact not only on Black Deaf people, but on society as a whole.”

The Necessity of Now campaign goal is

$23 million Planning, design, and construction of the Louise B. Miller Pathways and Gardens:

$13 million

Programs, scholarships, research, and support for the Center for Black Deaf Studies:

$10 million

“I invite you to join us on this healing journey to support our efforts to achieve the dreams we have been building together,” said Cordano. “We are turning over a new page in a book of possibility and hope for humanity.”

LOUISE B. MILLER PATHWAYS AND GARDENS: A LEGACY TO BLACK DEAF CHILDREN Necessity of Now honors the enduring impact of Louise B. Miller, who led the fight for educational justice for Black Deaf children during segregation. Without Miller and other like-minded parents, there would never have been a Kendall School Division II. Black Deaf students who lived in Washington, D.C. at the time would have had to go to school far away, in Baltimore or Philadelphia.

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AT LAST: THE KENDALL 24 RECEIVE DIPLOMAS AFTER 70 YEARS

However, due to school segregation, Black Deaf students were placed in a separate school in an inferior building with fewer resources. Kendall School Division II operated for two years until 1954 when Brown v. Board of Education of Tokpeka ruled that school segregation was illegal. Miller’s case set an important precedent for that landmark Supreme Court decision and it also marked a watershed moment in Black Deaf history and in the American Civil Rights movement.

In the 1990s, the school was torn down to make way for newer campus buildings. The memory of the school was relegated to a brief description and listing of student and teacher names on a plaque that was largely hidden from view in front of the Kellogg Conference Hotel.

Led by student activists in 2016, Gallaudet began examining its fraught history with the Black Deaf community and the poor placement 26

of the Kendall School Division II memorial plaque. The current national reckoning of our country on racial discrimination and inequality has created a sense of urgency for Necessity of Now. “Louise B. Miller’s courage and vision to stand up for what was right is a significant and historically overlooked milestone for both Gallaudet and the world,” said Black.

“Now is the time to confront past injustices, by researching, collecting, sharing our stories, and building a path toward healing and restorative justice for the Black Deaf community all over the world.”

Learn more about Louise B. Miller, Kendall School Division II, and Gallaudet’s acknowledgement of past injustices: gu.live/lbm

LOUISE B. MILLER PATHWAYS AND GARDENS: A LEGACY TO BLACK DEAF CHILDREN The Louise B. Miller Pathways and Gardens: A Legacy to Black Deaf Children will form a serene, reflective, and sensory-rich environment to honor the enduring impact of Miller, Kendall School Division II, and the challenges and triumphs experienced by Black Deaf people with three reflective rooms, a small gathering space, and a large outdoor classroom.

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The Pathways and Gardens has four key themes: Awareness of Black Deaf people and their lived experience Freedom that Miller’s advocacy brought to Black Deaf students, including those from Kendall School Division II Remembrance of the courtroom struggle for justice in learning and giving Black Deaf people a “voice” Healing for the collective mending of past injustices The Pathways and Gardens complement African American historical sites in D.C., such as the African American Heritage Trail and the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Learn more about the Louise B. Miller Pathways and Gardens: gu.live/lbm

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AT LAST: THE KENDALL 24 RECEIVE DIPLOMAS AFTER 70 YEARS

CENTER FOR BLACK DEAF STUDIES Necessity of Now supports scholarships, research, and programming, including support for our new Center for Black Deaf Studies.

The campaign will elevate CBDS and further its influence on the world.

Since its establishment in 2020, CBDS has: • Conducted extensive research on the history and impact of Kendall School Division II and its 24 Black Deaf students and four teachers.

• Developed a Black Deaf Studies minor.

Aireyonah Crockett, ’23, was the first student to graduate with a minor in Black Deaf Studies in May 2023.

• Hosted the first-ever Black Deaf Studies symposium in Spring 2023 that was attended by over 300 people.

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• Become a hub of support and community for Gallaudet’s Black Deaf students.

• Received national media coverage from The New York Times, USA TODAY, The Washington Post, and Good Morning America.

“Necessity of Now is about creating a safe space for Black Deaf people to come together, share our stories, and mentor one another while also educating the wider community about our experiences and struggles,” said McCaskill. “The Center for Black Deaf Studies’ mission is to ensure that our stories and experiences are noted and recognized and it is my true belief that we will be able to make the world a more equitable place, not only for the Black Deaf community, but for everyone.”

Visit the CBDS webpage: gu.live/cbds

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GETTING INVOLVED Gallaudet will host a series of alumni events and on-campus events throughout the next year about Necessity of Now, Louise B. Miller, and the Kendall 24. Please visit the Necessity of Now campaign website for details.

Learn more about NOW gu.live/NOW

WAYS TO GIVE Online at giving.gallaudet.edu By check, payable to Gallaudet University with “Necessity of Now” in the memo line and mailed to: Office of Development 800 Florida Avenue NE Washington, DC 20002 Telephone (202) 250-2943 (videophone) (202) 651-5410 (voice) For trusts, bequests, stocks and mutual funds, real estate and more contact giving@gallaudet.edu or by the phone numbers listed above.

The Louise B. Miller Pathways and Gardens: A Legacy to Black Deaf Children will have a donor recognition wall that allows Gallaudet to permanently appreciate donors and their involvement in the establishment of this

legacy. Donations within the following giving levels will be listed on the donor recognition wall: Trailblazers Champions Advocates Allies Benefactors Supporters Friends

$3 million $2 million $1 million $250,000 to $999,000 $100,000 to $249,000 $50,000 to $99,000 $25,000 to $49,999 $10,000 to $24,999

All other donors will receive recognition through our website and annual Honor Roll of Donors book.

Naming rights opportunities are also available in The Louise B. Miller Pathways and Gardens: A Legacy to Black Deaf Children.

Matching Gifts Matching gifts and pledges of $5,000 or more will be matched dollar for dollar with commensurate recognition.

For all questions, please contact giving@gallaudet.edu

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THE FIELD HOUSE

gets A FRESH UPDATE! Gallaudet University’s athletics facility was updated with new exterior signage, a resurfaced terrace, and a cleaning for our beloved bison.

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GRADUATE STUDENT TEAM WINS GRANT

GRADUATE STUDENT TEAM

WINS GRANT TO DEVELOP LINGUISTICS AND COGNITIVE SCIENCE LESSONS FOR DEAF K-12 SCHOOLS Although Misa Suzuki grew up deaf in Japan, it was not until she was 20 years old and attended a linguistics presentation that she began to fully understand the value of Japanese Sign Language. “I learned that my language has science behind it, and I wanted to know more,” says Suzuki, who is now working on dual master’s degrees in Linguistics and Sign Language Education. “If I had never seen that presentation, I might not be here.”

It is not just Suzuki. Most young people — whether they are in the United States or anywhere else — never get much exposure to linguistics or the cognitive sciences. For deaf children in particular, this field is helpful for understanding how they navigate the world. That is why Suzuki and Bonnie Barrett, who is also pursuing an M.A. in Linguistics, are leading a new project developed by a team of Gallaudet graduate students to bring lessons on these topics to deaf schools. “In Your Hands: Promoting Early Diverse Deaf Engagement in the Cognitive Sciences” won a $5,000 grant from the Cognitive Science Society’s inaugural Broadening Participation in Cognitive Science Initiative.

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Their collaborators — Wadha Alshammari, Marjorie Bates, Phoenix Cook, Michaela Okosi, Joseph Palagano, and Masashi Tamura — represent a range of specialties, including education, linguistics, neuroscience, and psychology. “I have already learned so much from everyone,” says Barrett, who is excited for the team to bring cognitive science activities to deaf K-12 students. “I had never met anyone with a Ph.D. in Linguistics until I entered the Linguistics program here. They are going to meet adults studying these things that they have maybe never learned about before.”

A key lesson they want to instill is that linguistics and cognitive science are for everyone, even elementary school students.

They just need materials and activities, such as games and videos, geared to the correct grade level, Suzuki explains. The plan is to bring their program to four local deaf residential schools this year.

“We are going to start with what students know, and focus on ASL to open the discussion,” Barrett says. For example, for second graders, they might show the sign for “cat,” and ask the kids about the “F” shape

they are making with their hand. What other signs use that hand shape? What English words start with F? Then they can launch into a deeper exploration of bilingualism. For middle and high school students, they can introduce more challenging concepts. “They are already scientists, though they may not have realized it yet,” she adds.

Their lesson plans will be made publicly available along with a short video in ASL they will produce to inspire interest within the deaf and hard of hearing community. Any school will be able to use these materials and revise them to fit their specific needs. Suzuki would love to make this program international, and translate it into other sign languages to boost deaf participation in language science around the world. Deaf people should be leading the work in Japan on Japanese Sign Language, she

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says, but because many of them are deprived of opportunities, they are not aware of their potential to become researchers.

Suzuki and Barrett are grateful for the support they have received throughout this process from faculty sponsor Dr. Deanna Gagne, Associate Professor in the Linguistics department. She taught them the methods and tools required for this project, and encouraged them to put together their application. “She told us, ‘Even if you don’t get it, it’s a great experience to apply for a grant,’” Suzuki says.

Now that they have funding, they look forward to helping cultivate prospective researchers.

“We are striving to plant these seeds to grow the future of cognitive science, with more access, inclusion, and collaboration,” Barrett says.

by Victoria Hallett 33

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• FIN ISH • FINISH

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SPRINTER ERIC GREGORY REPEATS AS NCAA DIVISION III 400-METER DASH CHAMPION On May 27, 2023, Gallaudet junior Eric Gregory raced his way to a second consecutive national title in the men’s 400-meter dash with a record time of 45.93 seconds at the 2023 NCAA Division III outdoor track and field championships at the Polisseni Track and Field Complex in Rochester, New York.

Gregory, who hails from Metairie, Louisiana, finished with the third fastest time in NCAA Division III history, and the fastest in NCAA Division III since 2005. Gregory’s time of 45.93 seconds is the new Division III season low mark, a Gallaudet school record, the deaf men’s collegiate record, and a new facility record on the campus of St. John Fisher University.

new record time of 46.13, which lasted less than 24 hours before the championship race.

“Coaching Eric as he competes and represents Gallaudet University at the national level for the fourth time has been a wonderful experience,” said Gallaudet coach Byron Moore. “Watching him cross the finish line and defend his national championship title was a dream come true.”

Gallaudet now has two national titles, thanks to Gregory and his performances in the 400-meter dash in back-to-back years. Gregory won last year’s national title in the 400-meter dash with a top time of 46.19 seconds to earn Gallaudet’s first-ever national title.

“I believed in my heart and stayed focused and humbled after I didn’t run well in the 200-meter dash preliminaries. That hurt me a lot and I used that fire to switch my mindset to do better in the 400-meter dash,” said Gregory.

Gregory is now a three-time All-American in outdoor track and field and a four-time AllAmerican, overall, as he earned an indoor All-American honor this March 2023 in the 200-meter dash.

Gregory entered the 2023 outdoor track and field championships with the 17th fastest time in the 400-meter dash (47.43).

The junior posted the best time in the preliminaries with a

He returned this year for his final season as Gallaudet’s most-decorated track athlete.

This report was compiled from information provided by Gallaudet Athletics.

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NEW CENTER FOR LATINE DEAF STUDIES LAUNCHED

New Center for Latine Deaf Studies Launched Provost Khadijat K. Rashid, ’90, announced on August 17 the establishment of a new Center for Latine Deaf Studies. The center has a working name of Nuestra Casa, or “Our House,” and comes in response to requests by our Latine students, faculty, and staff.

The Center for Latine Deaf Studies will support teaching, learning, and research in Latine Deaf Studies and other disciplines that benefit from more comprehensive coverage of the Latine Deaf experience, such as history, literature, psychology, sociology, and religion. Its aim is to preserve the history of the Latine Deaf community, as well as Latine Deaf education, culture, and language. It will pay particular attention to the Latine Deaf experience at Gallaudet University and the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center. The Center will have an advisory board to provide guidance and consultation to the Center staff on programs, policies, and procedures.

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Norma Morán Interim Director

Leticia Arellano, ’94 Interim Associate Director

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NEW CENTER FOR LATINE DEAF STUDIES LAUNCHED

Norma Morán and Leticia Arellano, ’94 will work together over the next year to launch the center and begin to develop its agenda and programs. The ultimate goal is to hire a faculty director who will lead Nuestra Casa’s academic and research efforts and other Center programs. The goal is to hire a faculty director to lead Nuestra Casa’s academic and research efforts and other Center programs.

The number of students at Gallaudet who self-identify as Hispanic of any race has seen a rapid increase in the past decade, growing from 13% to 22% for undergraduates and from 8% to 12% for graduates.

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“It is truly amazing and touching seeing Nuestra Casa finally becoming a reality,” says Moran. “Twelve years after we submitted an innovative proposal with the late Dr. Cristina Berdichevsky and Dr. Franklin C. Torres, ’00 & G-’02, we are so proud and grateful to be able to contribute to the launch of Our House/ Nuestra Casa!”

Morán, currently the Associate Ombuds in the Office of the Ombuds, is originally from El Salvador. Her family emigrated to the United States when she was a toddler, and she grew up in Reno, Nevada. During her time as a staff member at Gallaudet, she has

co-developed and taught several 200-level General Education courses, provided training for cross-cultural and international internships, and served as co-advisor of the Latinx Student Union. Morán is also a founding member of the Latino Deaf and Hard of Hearing Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C., and has served in multiple leadership roles within LDHHAMDC over the past 15 years. Morán holds a master’s degree in International Education and Training from American University, as well as certificates in diversity, equity, and inclusion; restorative justice; racial justice facilitation; and mediation.

Arellano was born in Mexico and spent her years growing up in the Land of Enchantment (New Mexico). She is currently an ASLPI Evaluator with the Office of the Chief Bilingual Officer. She fondly remembers when three students approached her with the desire to have a casa here at Gallaudet University. Now, with this new position, she is eager to fulfill their dreams. Over the course of her career, Arellano has served as an advisor, chairperson, coordinator, committee member, curator, founder, and teacher in a variety of contexts.

She has volunteered internally and externally in

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many capacities over the years. Arellano holds a master’s degree in Deaf Education from McDaniel College.

The Center proposes to conduct research on the experiences of Latine Deaf people of Indigenous, European, Latin American, African, and American descent, and to offer a minor in Latine Deaf Studies. It will promote the retention of Latine Deaf and hard of hearing students through an innovative tutorial program. The Center also will organize lectures, films, speaker series, and discussion forums, and partner with community and campus organizations to sponsor lectures and workshops that create a better understanding of Latine Deaf people in the wider social, economic, and political spectrum.

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NEW CENTER FOR LATINE DEAF STUDIES LAUNCHED

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS The Center will create an interdisciplinary Latine Deaf Studies minor, grounded like all of Gallaudet’s programs in the liberal education tradition. Both existing and new courses will be part of the minor program.

ACADEMIC SUPPORT Providing robust tutoring support to Latine students at Gallaudet is one of Nuestra Casa’s goals. In the past, Keeping the Promise-Latino, a program under the former Office of Diversity and Equity for Students, contributed greatly to these students’ tutoring needs by providing a regularly scheduled Study Table. Nuestra Casa will work on bringing this back for current students. The Center will also engage with the Office of International Affairs’ Global Learning for All program to identify service learning opportunities embedded in their Study Abroad program. In addition, the Center will collaborate with Multicultural Student Programs in identifying, developing, and/or offering a wide range of services for our students.

RESEARCH Morán and Arellano plan to reach out to area and national Latine Studies programs to develop a network of support and advocacy even as they conduct research on the Deaf experience. The Center, with robust student participation, will conduct and disseminate research on the history, language, and culture of the Latine Deaf community. Presentations will be made both in academic and community settings. The Center will maintain an active online presence and will disseminate its research widely.

The University is now determining the Center’s space needs and will identify a suitable location shortly.

Dr. Rashid thanked Dr. Roberto Sanchez, Interim Dean for Academic and Student Success, who carried out a study about the wishes of the Latine Deaf community on campus during the 2022-2023 academic year.

Dr. Jeffrey W. Lewis, ’76, the previous Provost, was also instrumental in this work.

“It is truly amazing and touching seeing Nuestra Casa finally becoming a reality,” - Norma Morán Says Arellano, “I was set with my plans to retire. But for this, my retirement can be put off until Nuestra Casa has built a solid foundation for years to come. Dolores Huerta’s quote has always remained with me throughout the years: ‘Si Se Puede!’”

A note about nomenclature: We acknowledge and respect that there are several terms that our community uses when referring to people who are Hispanic or Latina/Latine/Latino/ Latinx, and the various perspectives about them. While we will always be mindful of and respect all individual identities, Latine will be used in the name of this center for the sake of simplicity because it describes the rich variety of our pan-ethnic and multiple-identity Deaf community.

by Robert Weinstock

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GALLAUDET EXPANDS ITS INTERNATIONAL OUTREACH

GALLAUDET EXPANDS its INTERNATIONAL OUTREACH Gallaudet University administrators, faculty, staff, students, and alumni were well-represented at the XIX World Congress of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), which took place from July 11-15, 2023, in the Jeju province in Korea.

President Roberta J. Cordano and Najma Johnson, ’12 & G-’14, director of Multicultural Student Programs, were among the conference’s plenary speakers and Dr. Joseph Murray, a professor in the department of Deaf Studies, was elected to a second term as WFD president.

In addition, over the past summer the university entered into agreements with entities in four countries: India, Nigeria, Australia, and Japan.

All four agreements bring the resources of the university to these countries for the benefit of their deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing communities.

Gallaudet and Enable India entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that lists five areas of cooperation: strategic partnership, training opportunities, learning opportunities, exchange opportunities, and resource sharing.

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GALLAUDET EXPANDS ITS INTERNATIONAL OUTREACH

Gallaudet signed a memorandum of agreement with Wesley University Ondo in Nigeria to deliver an innovative, state-of-the-art academic program in deaf education. The agreement will also highlight Gallaudet’s professionals in the field of deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing education, whose primary role will be to provide support and mentorship, as needed, to impart education and lifelong learning opportunities to enhance capacity building for self-sufficiency and employment for Deaf communities in Nigeria and beyond.

The third agreement is between Gallaudet and Deaf Connect, an organization based in Australia. The multi-year partnership between Gallaudet and Deaf Connect encompasses education and training, policy and awareness, community engagement, technology and innovation, and global leadership events.

Gallaudet also finalized a MOU with National University Corporation Tsukuba University of Technology (NTUT), the only higher educational institution for deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing students in Japan. This MOU

Deaf Connect (Australia) and Gallaudet at their MOU signing ceremony

President Cordano and spouse Mary Baremore pose with leaders from National University Corporation Tsukuba University of Technology (NTUT)

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The Gallaudet banner at the WFD Congress was a popular photo backdrop

will promote and develop activities between the two universities that focus on Virtual Exchange-Collaborative Online International Learning (VE-COIL).

Coordinators for further developments are Dr. Yoko Kobayashi, faculty member for the Accelerated International Exchange Committee at NTUT, and Dr. Genie Gertz, ’92, a professor in Gallaudet’s Deaf Studies program. Dr. Franklin C. Torres, ’00 & G-’02, Gallaudet’s global learning faculty administrator, will coordinate the VE-COIL course development.

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“I am excited about this agreement because it continues and formalizes our tradition of collaboration between Gallaudet and NTUT, and brings a Gallaudet education to Deaf Japanese students,” said Provost Khadijat K. Rashid, ’90, “Gallaudet students will also be afforded the opportunity to study at NTUT in the future, enriching their education and further deepening ties between our two universities.”

Gallaudet and Wesley University, Ondo (Nigeria) at the WFD Congress

Bilal Chinoy, ‘07, and Arathy Manoharan, current student in the Ph.D. in Deaf Education program, co-founders of ISL Connect, discussing Access to Inclusive Bilingual Education in India via an Online Model.

Leslye Kang converses with an attendee at the WFD Congress

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EXPERIMENTING WITH AI AND APPS TO MAKE TECHNOLOGY MORE ACCESSIBLE Where is the best place to put an interpreter on a TV screen? Can a filter allow signers to be anonymous — but still understood? What if an app offered medical consent forms in American Sign Language?

These were some of the research questions that students tackled at Gallaudet last summer during the Research Experiences for Undergraduates Accessible Information and Communication Technologies (AICT REU) program. Funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), the 10-week course invites students to experiment with cutting-edge tools and teaches them how to analyze and present their findings.

“Typically, we have hearing and deaf students working together to solve a problem. Our goal is to increase the number of deaf researchers and allies — hearing students who get how things work,” says Dr. Raja Kushalnagar, director of the B.S. in Information Technology and M.S. in Accessible Human Centered Computing programs, who has run the AICT REU since 2014.

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He and Dr. Christian Vogler, director of the Technology Access Program, selected 11 students (a mix from Gallaudet and other schools) to live and work on campus. They matched the participants with projects based on their backgrounds and interests, and along with other Gallaudet faculty, they mentored the students through the research process.

“All of the students had sign language skills for the first time,” Vogler notes. Bringing people with different perspectives together is critical in this field, he explains. “With accessibility, you cannot take a one-size- fits-all approach. You have to design for all, and at the same time design for one,” In pairs, the students conducted studies, which required recruiting participants, taking them through a set protocol, and collecting results.

For example, Gallaudet’s Richard Taulbee and Melanie Miga, a student at the University of Connecticut, wondered how deaf and hard of hearing people would prefer to interact with Alexa, Amazon’s virtual assistant.

“I have an Alexa at home, and I always use it with dirty hands,” explains Miga, who is hearing. “We tried to simulate that experience,” Taulbee says. They asked their subjects to follow a recipe for making slime, and then gave them the option to interact with Alexa through a screen-based app, or by either using ASL or gestures. Because the technology does not exist yet for the latter two options, Miga watched participants and voiced the commands to Alexa.

“One participant signed, ‘Lights on,’ and when it worked, signed, ‘Thank you, Alexa,’” Miga recalls. No one liked the app — which required pausing to wash the slime off their hands —

and there was a strong preference for ASL over gestures. “Users don’t want to memorize new commands,” Taulbee said.

The students in the AICT REU presented their projects in a poster session attended

by Gallaudet faculty and staff, as well as representatives from the Federal Communications Commission and NSF. Dr. Wendy Nilsen, NSF Deputy Division Director for the Division of Information and Intelligent Systems, told the students, “This is our future, and we know it.”

Standing next to displays about their projects, students fielded questions about their work

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and the experience. Gallaudet students Sahej Walia and David Kanter, who studied the viability of a filter for ASL Anonymization, went over some of the issues their participants faced. “Two-handed signs were hard to understand. ‘Sandwich” looked like ‘prayer,’” explained Walia, who hopes that improved technology can address this problem. “I would love to see it go to the next level.”

The projects all offer further opportunities for research, both by adjusting experiment designs and taking advantage of new developments.

Gallaudet students Kafayat Alabi and Minchan Kim explained how they created shortened versions of captions using ChatGPT and want to monitor how more advanced artificial intelligence could improve their results.

Finishing the project has given Alabi the confidence to continue this work. “No matter how hard it is, you can do it. You just have to push through,” she said.

The summer experience impressed Hannah Benjamin, a student at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. “We’re all here to make the world more accessible for everyone,” she said. “For undergrads, there are not a lot of opportunities like this to make things that will make a difference in the world.”

by Victoria Hallett

MOUNT EVEREST: SCOTT AND SHAYNA

MOUNT EVEREST

SCOTT AND By now, the Deaf community and the world at large knows that in May 2023, Gallaudet alumni Scott Lehmann, ’12 & G-’15, and Shayna Unger, ’14 & G-’17, summited the world’s tallest mountain, Mount Everest, 29,029 feet (8,848 meters) above sea level, then followed up the next day by summiting the world’s fourth tallest peak, Lhotse, 27,940 feet (8.516 meters). Their trek was chronicled in People, CNN, and ABC News Live, among other media outlets. This fall, they embarked on a tour of schools and programs around the United States to tell their story and inspire young Deaf children.

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What led Lehmann, 34, and Unger, 31, to climb Mount Everest – a feat that less than 7,000 people have achieved since records were first kept in 1922?

Lehmann and Unger have known each other for more than half of their lives. They have been together for 11 years.

They both had an appreciation for the outdoors from an

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D SHAYNA MINGMA DORCHI SHERPA

SHAYNA

SCOTT

MINGMA TENJE SHERPA

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MOUNT EVEREST: SCOTT AND SHAYNA

early age. Their families often went hiking and camping “Coleman-style” at KOA campgrounds. But their family trips were usually local, and certainly did not include any mountains.

When Lehmann graduated from Gallaudet in 2012, he and close friends Kevin Berrigan, ’13, and Bobby Siebert, ’12 & G-’15, decided to take a road trip and see the vastness of the United States. One day, they found themselves at the foot of Mount Rainier, 14,411 feet (4,392 meters), and Kevin suggested that they climb it – just like that.

The trio went off in search of classes, but encountered communication and access barriers – who pays for the interpreter for classes and for the trek, who is responsible if someone gets hurt?

Lehmann, Berrigan, and Siebert scored clothing and equipment at thrift stores. “We needed crampons but would not have known

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how to put them on!” They needed gloves, but got gardening gloves, no match for the rocky terrain they would face.

Thirty dollars later, they left Goodwill and went in search of used equipment. Finally, they were ready for Mount Rainier – or so they thought.

When they arrived, a park ranger sized them up and said dismissively, “Why are you here?”

Lehmann spotted a father and son nearby and watched the father explain things to his son, who was not more than eight years old. They approached the father and asked if he could tell them what to do. The father was polite but made it clear that he thought the three wouldbe mountaineers were not adequately prepared.

Lehmann, Berrigan, and Siebert started to climb Mount Rainier, but abandoned their efforts when it became unbearably cold.

Lesson learned.

Still, Lehmann was energized. He watched YouTube videos and movies about mountain climbing, read books and periodicals, and learned much, much more about the importance of advance preparation. He bought more appropriate clothing, equipment, and supplies, and climbed some “lesser” peaks.

He also returned to Mount Rainier in 2013 to complete his “unfinished business” there.

In 2015, the couple went on a six-month overland trip through Africa. In Tanzania, they saw before them Mount Kilimanjaro, elevation 19,341 feet (5,895 meters) – and decided to climb it. Lehmann’s preparation, and his patient tutelage of Unger, who admittedly learned as she went along, paid off, and they summited it easily.

They then resolved to climb the tallest peaks on each continent – the so-called Seven Summits. Besides Mount Everest and Kilimanjaro, the Seven Summits include

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Aconcagua in South America, 22,828 feet (6,962 meters), which they summited in 2020; Denali in North America, which they climbed in 2021; Mount Elbrus (Europe, 18,510 feet, 5,642 meters); Carstensz Pyramid (Oceania, 16,024 feet, 4,884 meters); and Vinson Massif (Antarctica, 16,050 feet, 4,892 meters).

Because there is geopolitical disagreement about the tallest mountains in Europe and Oceania, they will climb additional mountains in those regions. Just over 500 people have scaled all Seven Summits.

Local laws and regulations vary from peak to peak. Kilimanjaro requires guides; Lehmann explained that this benefits the Tanzanian economy. Aconcagua and Denali can be climbed without the assistance of guides.

This means that climbers must carry their own equipment, typically 100 pounds (45.35 kilograms) each. On Mount Everest, all climbers must be accompanied by sherpas, who carry some of the climbers’ equipment and assist in making decisions.

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MOUNT EVEREST: SCOTT AND SHAYNA

With Kilimanjaro, Aconcagua, and Denali under their belt, Lehmann and Unger set Mount Everest as their next goal. This is atypical; the Seven Summits website and many professional climbers recommend scaling the peaks in order from lowest to highest. In this case, it came down to two main factors: sponsorship and timing.

Lehmann explained that sponsorships are important. They did their first two climbs without any support from sponsors. For Denali, they had some support, thanks in part to Unger’s brother Chad and his connections

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in the outdoor recreation community. For Everest, they sought sponsorships in earnest, joined one footwear company’s mentoring program, and ultimately were successful in covering a large portion of their up-front expenses.

They also factored in the optimum times of year to summit Everest. Conventional wisdom is that April to May and September to November are the only windows of opportunity.

Weather conditions are too harsh the rest of the year. After deciding on the April-May 2023 time frame, Lehmann and Unger spent six months in training and preparation. In April 2023, they

flew to Kathmandu, Nepal, then to the town of Lukla. From there, they hiked to Everest Base Camp.

At Everest Base Camp, Lehmann and Unger waited, and waited, and waited some more, taking occasional acclimation climbs to higher camps. Along the way, they became acquainted with their support team, including expedition leader Jenjen Lama, cameraperson Migmr Dhondup Sherpa, and twin brothers Mingma Dorchi Sherpa and Mingma Tenje Sherpa, both 34 years old. They also befriended another deaf climber, Muhammad Hawari Bin Hashim from Malaysia.

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At long last, with favorable weather conditions, they began their climb to the summit. It was slow going, as there were other groups of climbers ahead of them. They likened this human “traffic jam” to those seen on some of the interstate highways in the WashingtonBaltimore-Frederick area.

Lehmann and Unger developed a keen appreciation for the support of their sherpas.

Both were experienced – nine summits each – and savvy. They even seemed nonchalant at times. At 26,000 feet, the so-called “Death Zone,” Dorchi and Tenje took off their oxygen masks and lit up cigarettes. They did the same at 27,000 feet – and offered Lehmann and Unger cigarettes to smoke as well.

“If not for our sherpas, there was no chance that we would make it to the summit. They were our heroes.”

- Scott Lehmann

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MOUNT EVEREST: SCOTT AND SHAYNA

This was, as Scott and Unger learned later, one of the sherpas’ unorthodox ways of staying warm.

Lehmann’s oxygen mask iced up as they neared the summit, causing a moment of genuine panic. His sherpa rescued him in dramatic fashion. Said Lehmann matter-offactly, “If not for our sherpas, there was no chance that we would make it to the summit.

They were our heroes.”

On May 22nd, Lehmann and Unger reached the summit, 29,029 feet. It was a clear day with blue skies, and they could see the beauty of the Himalayan Mountain range for 40 to 50 miles in all directions. They, their sherpas, and the cameraperson had the entire mountaintop to themselves for 30 minutes. It hit them – they had made it to the top of the world!

Scott and Shayna at the top of Mount Everest

From there, they descended to Camp IV for some much-needed rest. It was there that they decided to climb Lhotse, the world’s fourth tallest peak, the very next day. This “twofer” is described by their organizer, Seven Summits Treks, as “an extremely challenging and physically demanding feat that requires a high level of physical fitness, technical climbing skills, and mental fortitude.”

Lehmann and Unger returned to Base Camp on May 24. Their elation at summiting Mount Everest and Lhotse was tempered by the news that Muhammad Hawari Bin Hashim, the deaf climber whom they had met while at Base Camp, had gone missing on his descent four days earlier. Search efforts were unsuccessful and were abandoned on June 6. Hawari is presumed not to have survived.

The day after they summitted Mount Everest, Scott and Shayna climbed to the top of Lhotse, the world’s fourth tallest mountain. This “two-fer” Is described as extremely challenging and physically demanding.

After returning to the United States, Lehmann and Unger flew to Europe for some rest and relaxation. This fall, they embarked on a tour of schools and programs for deaf children. Their schedule also includes community events. “We grew up with deaf role models and know how important it is for us to serve in the same role,” they said. They recalled a seven-yearold deaf girl in Alaska whose eyes widened in wonder, epitomizing the impact they have had and will continue to have throughout their tour.

Lehmann and Unger still have three more mountains to climb before they join the elite group of people who have scaled the highest point on each continent. Toward the end of this year, Lehmann and Unger will decide on the next summit, their fifth. They still have their dreams set high.

by Robert Weinstock

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NOTES OF INTEREST In 2021, when Lehmann and Unger summited Denali, Lehmann became just the 450th person to climb the highest point in each of the 50 U.S. states, from Britton Hill in Florida, 345 feet, and Point Reno in the District of Columbia, 415 feet, to Mount Whitney in California, 14,498 feet, and Denali in Alaska, 20,310 feet. Achieving this goal took Lehmann eight years.

In 2018, the Nepalese government tried to ban all climbers with disabilities from Mount Everest. This decision was overturned by Nepal’s highest court.

Satoshi Tamura, an Alpine skier and orienteer, was the first deaf person to summit Mount Everest in May 2016, on his third attempt in as many years.

Muhammad Hawari Bin Hashim from Malaysia summited on May 18, four days before Lehmann and Unger. He disappeared on his descent.

Lehmann and Unger are the first American deaf people to reach the summit, and Unger is the first deaf woman.

Follow @scottandshayna on Instagram and YouTube.

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ESPORTS

GALLAUDET LAUNCHES

WORLD’S FIRST DEAF-LED COLLEGIATE ESPORTS PROGRAM Esports, one of the fastest-growing varsity sports, has found its way to Gallaudet University. The program launched in March 2023, and the Gallaudet team began league play during the fall 2023 semester as a member of the National Association of Collegiate Esports. It is the first and only Deafled collegiate esports program in the world.

The program is the combined vision of Athletic Director Warren Keller, ‘10, and coach Justin Arrigo, ‘12 & G’15, who oversees the program as its manager. Before becoming Gallaudet’s athletic director, Keller hosted

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a worldwide online competition for deaf and hard of hearing high school students and saw the potential of esports to positively impact the signing community, students, staff, faculty, and alumni.

Upon his arrival at Gallaudet, Keller made it a priority to establish an esports program and brought in Arrigo, an experienced athlete and lifelong gamer, as the Bison’s first coach.

When Arrigo was a Gallaudet student, he coestablished the “Gamers United” club in 201011, which later evolved into the “Bison Games Club” still active today.

“I am honored and beyond excited to lead Gallaudet’s esports

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program and level up the student experience on campus,” said Arrigo. “Game on, Bison!”

Gallaudet’s esports arena is an 1,850-squarefoot facility located on the second floor of Ely Center and was designed using Deaf Space principles. It includes gaming PCs, XBox Series X, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, racing rigs, and VR headsets.

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PRESIDENT CORDANO NAMED A USA TODAY 2023 WOMEN OF THE YEAR HONOREE

PRESIDENT CORDANO NAMED

A USA TODAY 2023 WOMEN of THE YEAR HONOREE

Gallaudet University President Roberta J. Cordano was named a USA TODAY 2023 Women of the Year honoree in March 2023.

Cordano joins Michelle Obama and several other distinguished women recognized by USA TODAY for their leadership, accomplishments, and significant impact on their communities, the nation, and the world at large.

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Cordano was recognized as both a national honoree and the sole Washington, D.C., honoree for USA TODAY’s 2023 Women of the Year celebration. She is the first deaf Women of the Year honoree and one of 12 national honorees, including Goldie Hawn, Sandra Day O’Connor, Sheryl Lee Ralph, the women of the 118th Congress, and the U.S. women’s national soccer team. USA TODAY featured Cordano in a special online honoree story and video segment and in its national print edition.

USA TODAY Women of the Year is a yearlong effort to recognize the strong and resilient women who are driving meaningful cultural change, sparking insightful conversations, and surfacing issues to ignite positive impact. This year’s honorees include local representatives from each state, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and national honorees. Honorees were nominated by USA TODAY Network readers and staff, and a diverse panel of experts.

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Cordano shared, “I am deeply honored to be recognized by USA TODAY as a part of its annual Women of the Year celebration and I congratulate all the trailblazing women being recognized this year.”

“Leading Gallaudet is an honor,” added Cordano. “I have the great privilege of watching our students demonstrate the value of their contributions to our world with the power of sign languages. They, along with our faculty, staff, and over 20,000 alumni, are the true changemakers showing us what deaf leadership and deaf success look like. With this in mind, I dedicate this USA TODAY recognition to our extended Gallaudet community.”

by Robert Weinstock

Read the USA TODAY Women of the Year story gu.live/FVEGk

“On behalf of our Board of Trustees, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to President Cordano on a well-earned distinction,” said Dr. Glenn B. Anderson, ’68 & H-’17, Chair Emeritus of the Gallaudet University Board of Trustees. “We are thrilled for President Cordano and wholeheartedly support the important work she is leading here at Gallaudet to advance academic and inclusive excellence. Her deep commitment to creating a new world of opportunities with greater equity for our students and the global deaf community is at the heart of who she is.”

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REIMAGINING THE FOOTBALL HELMET WITH AT&T

REIMAGINING THE

FOOTBALL HELMET WITH AT&T

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On Saturday, October 7, the Gallaudet University football team made history, just as they did in 1894 when quarterback Paul Hubbard invented the now-ubiquitous huddle.

They debuted a new AT&T 5G-connected helmet which allowed coach Chuck Goldstein to send plays from a tablet to an augmented reality heads-up-display (HUD) in quarterback Brandon Washington’s helmet. This helmet, developed by AT&T and its technological partners, was 21 months in the making, and by all accounts, has the potential to revolutionize the game of football as we know it.

AT&T, the telecommunications giant, approached athletic director Warren Keller, ’10, and Goldstein early in 2022 and asked what was needed to make the game of football more inclusive for deaf football players. Keller connected AT&T engineers with head football coach Chuck Goldstein. Together, and with substantial input from players, they came up with the idea of augmented reality display inside key players’ helmets, analogous to the one-way microphones NFL and NCAA Division I football coaches use to communicate with on-field quarterbacks and defensive captains.

“The new AT&T 5G-connected helmet will have a major impact on the game of football, especially for our deaf and hard of hearing players who lacked direct access to communications with their coaches during their high school years,” said Shelby Bean, ’14 & G-’17, special teams coordinator and former player. “This will help to level the playing field for mainstreamed athletes. As a former player, I am very excited to see this innovative technology change our lives and the game of football itself.”

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REIMAGINING THE FOOTBALL HELMET WITH AT&T

The first prototype was unveiled in the fall of 2022. Goldstein, his fellow coaches, and a bevy of players provided feedback on, among other things, their comfort level, the weight of the helmet, the outsize battery compartment.

AT&T went back to work on a new version.

This summer, AT&T submitted the helmet for approval by the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE), and Gallaudet petitioned the NCAA for permission to use the helmet in its October 7th game against Hilbert College.

“By displaying the coach’s play through augmented reality, this technology eliminates a gap for deaf and hard of hearing athletes, making football more inclusive. It can also reduce miscommunication and unwarranted penalties,” explains AT&T. “We work out the same way as every other college football program, we practice the same way, we compete the same way,” said Goldstein. “The difference between coaching a hearing team compared to a Deaf team is first the communication. The AT&T 5G-connected helmet will change football.”

Did we mention that Gallaudet won the game, 35-20?

HOW IT WORKS The helmet allows the coach on the sideline to select plays from a playbook installed on a tablet, then send them to the quarterback, who sees in augmented reality (AR) on a digital heads-up display (HUD) located within the visor. AT&T 62

5G provides the reliability and low latency for plays to be sent and received at a speed that keeps up with the pace of the game.

AT&T wrote in a news release that they are “always exploring ways to use our expertise in connectivity to advance the way coaches, athletes and fans experience sporting events.

When it came to developing the helmet, AT&T seized the opportunity for 5G technology to make sports more inclusive—and there was no better partner to take possibility to reality than Gallaudet.”

In gratitude to the players and coaches at Gallaudet University for their collaboration on the development of the AT&T 5G-connected helmet, AT&T donated $500,000 to the school’s football program before the October 7th game. In addition to the 5G-connected helmet and devices, AT&T gave every Gallaudet player a new helmet, an AT&T 5G-enabled smartphone, and one year of AT&T 5G service.

“Together with Gallaudet, we are proving that connecting changes everything,” said

Corey Anthony, AT&T senior vice president for network engineering and operations.

“Our expertise in connectivity combined with Gallaudet’s legacy of breaking down barriers has created a helmet that not only transforms the way deaf and hard of hearing athletes engage in sports but opened up endless possibility for innovation.”

What’s next? Gallaudet and AT&T will gather and analyze quantitative and qualitative data on the helmet, then submit it to the NCAA for their review. If all goes well, the helmet may be approved for more widespread use, possibly as soon as the 2024 football season.

And there’s more. According to AT&T, the applications for a 5G-connected helmet have reach beyond college football. It could open possibilities of inclusion in any sport that requires helmets. But even more possibility exists in any environment where there is a need for a helmet and

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instant communication. Could a 5G-connected helmet improve safety on construction sites or for first responders — and even potentially lead to more job opportunities for the deaf community?

AT&T will continue to work with partners to explore how this technology can be more widely adopted and create meaningful change, both in sports and beyond. And it all started when they huddled with Gallaudet University.

Learn more gu.live/att-helmet

by Robert Weinstock

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A CONVERSATION WITH THE SCHOOL DIRECTOR OF STAMP

A CONVERSATION with the DIRECTOR of STAMP SCHOOL OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ACCESSIBILITY, MATHEMATICS, AND PUBLIC HEALTH

DR. CAROLINE SOLOMON’S JOURNEY IN HIGHER EDUCATION Brandi Rarus, Chief Communications and Admissions Officer, met with Dr. Solomon in one of Gallaudet’s biology teaching labs to ask her about the growing offerings in the School of STAMP and the exciting explosion of Deaf professionals in those areas.

Dr. Solomon has been a faculty member at Gallaudet since 2000. She also is an adjunct at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science and serves on master’s and doctoral committees for research on increasing participation of Deaf and hard of hearing people in STEM and estuarine science, especially in the areas of nutrient and microbial dynamics. Her education background includes a B.A. in Environmental Science and Public Policy from Harvard University, an M.S. in Biological Oceanography from the University of Washington, and a Ph.D. in Biological Oceanography from the University of Maryland.

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I’m glad you picked the biology teaching lab for us to have this conversation!

Rarus Our labs are terrific. They are designed for visual learning and are an asset to the growth of our students in the classroom. These are the only labs in the world designed with DeafSpace principles.

Solomon Yes. I can see that! So, tell me, are you the school director for STAMP?

Rarus

us

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Dr. Caroline Solomon School Director, STAMP

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A CONVERSATION WITH THE SCHOOL DIRECTOR OF STAMP

Yes. Science, Technology, Accessibility, Mathematics, and Public Health which is our twist of the well-known acronym – STEM which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Our school has a new minor in data science, and a Master of Science in Accessible Human-Centered Computing.

Solomon

I love that! I am sure your dad had to be super proud of you.

Not only did you become a professor, but you also are now a School Director. Wow! I also became deaf at age six from spinal meningitis.

Same as you! It is an impressive school. I hear nothing but great things about what you are doing. When you think of your time here at Gallaudet? What stands out for you?

Rarus

I came to Gallaudet 23 years ago and one of the first classes I taught was ecology. At the time, I could not find Deaf people in the field of ecology to speak to my class. Today, we have plenty of options as there are Deaf professionals rising in this field. We also have more Deaf people with a Ph.D. in STEM than any other university.

The strides we have made these last 23 years are so rewarding to see. No doubt, it is Gallaudet’s influence that has made an impact.

Solomon

It is so important that our students have Deaf mentors or professors who have navigated in their field of study. I did not have any Deaf professors when I was getting my degree, so I know what a welcome change this is. What would you want people to know about STAMP at Gallaudet?

Rarus

Solomon 66

Gallaudet has an incredibly strong STAMP program. We

have more Deaf scientists and mathematicians with Ph.D.s here than any other place in the world. The real value, though, is the combination of a STAMP degree with the benefits of a liberal arts education. Often, students come to Gallaudet with the idea of an extremely specific field of study. That field of study is important, yes, but it often is not enough on its own. With a liberal arts education, we challenge our students with their critical thinking skills. We instill skills that emphasize the importance of being agile and adapting. Employers are looking for people with a certain skillset, not just knowledge in an area of study.

Thanks for sharing that. I know higher education is being challenged on the value of a liberal arts education but there is incredible value in the development of strong transferable intellectual and practical skills such as communication and problem-solving abilities as they apply to those “real world” settings. Our faculty are strong in nurturing the minds of our students.

Rarus

Exactly! Another thing I would add about our STAMP program is the faculty are innovative in their program offerings. For example, our mathematics and science programs are creating more pathways based on today’s market such as offering digital credentials for cybersecurity or data analytics, that are recognized by Washington, D.C. employers.

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Solomon

Solomon

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I know. I am very thankful for them!

I want to ask about your experience growing up.

Tell me a bit about that.

Rarus

I became Deaf at 15 months from spinal meningitis. My father is a university professor and my mother worked in the government and later the private sector. Upon learning that I was Deaf, they did their research and decided to learn American Sign Language. They attended the Gallaudet Family Learning Vacation when I was two years old, and this was their real introduction to the Deaf experience. There were other families in this program, and it helped them deal with their grief of having a Deaf child. They also learned that it was okay to have more children, and as a result, my brother was born! I have to thank Gallaudet for my brother, right? (laugh) When my Dad finished his Ph.D. program, they started to look at Deaf schools for me that had a university close by where my father could teach. They chose the University of Delaware so I could attend the Delaware School for the Deaf.

Solomon

That is awesome your parents made the choice to sign early on. So many parents are given conflicting information on sign language from professionals who work with Deaf people who do not always understand the real benefits.

Rarus

Brandi Rarus Chief Communications and Admissions Officer

Rarus

Where did you choose to go to college?

That is an interesting story! I applied to 12 different schools.

I was a competitive swimmer and wanted to be on a college swim team and most of the schools offered free trips to visit as a prospective student. Ironically, my first choice was Georgetown, the only school that did not accept me. I eventually narrowed down my top choices to Brown, Wesleyan (CT), and Solomon

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A CONVERSATION WITH THE SCHOOL DIRECTOR OF STAMP

Harvard, and ended up choosing Harvard. I wanted proximity to a Deaf community, a large available pool of interpreters, and to be part of a swim team. When I entered Harvard as a freshman, I was unsure if I wanted to major in science or pre-law to eventually fight for the environment. Luckily for me, Harvard had just established a new degree in Environmental Science and Public Policy, allowing me to merge both interests, which was perfect.

That is super impressive. What was it like being at Harvard as a Deaf student?

Rarus

Solomon 68

I was fortunate to have a great support system and

roommates. It was a great experience. It was also challenging and lonely at times. I envy the experience our Gallaudet students have where they do not have to work hard at communicating and can “just be.” The ability to “just be” allows our students to grow in ways that I could not because I was so focused on ensuring I had access. That can be exhausting.

Does the Harvard experience have an impact on your teaching here at Gallaudet?

Rarus

Oh, definitely. I give my students some of the same ecology math problems that we were given at Harvard. The concepts behind those Solomon

problems do not change! I also developed an incredible network that I use today to connect our students for internships and career opportunities. For example, one of our seniors last year studied lakes in Alaska with Woodwell Climate Research Center, formerly the Woods Hole Research Center.

I love that. I appreciate you talking to me today. We really have a gem in the STAMP program. What is the one thing you want our students to know?

Rarus

Our STAMP students are enriched by a holistic and unique education at Gallaudet, learning everything they need to know to advocate

for themselves and excel after college. They have access to real-life mentors and role models that they will not get anywhere else.

They have access to internship opportunities that are welcoming to Deaf scientists and mathematicians. They can be Deaf scientists and mathematicians in both Deaf and Deaffriendly research spaces.

Thank you, Carrie. You are an exceptional role model for all our students, and, indeed, for all Deaf and hard of hearing people in the STEM fields!

Rarus

Solomon

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REMEMBERING A GIANT IN DEAF EDUCATION

REMEMBERING A GIANT in DEAF EDUCATION It was a high school summer job working on a farm at the American School for the Deaf (ASD) that led Donald F. Moores, Ph.D., G-’59, to his calling in life – working with and serving the deaf community. Moores went on to become a renowned figure in deaf education and professor emeritus at Gallaudet. He passed away in September 2021 at the age of 86.

“He loved the field, he loved deaf people,” said his wife, Dr. Margery Miller, also professor emerita at Gallaudet. “Until the day he died he was interested in deaf people, especially deaf students, and their ability to be extremely successful.”

During his two summers on ASD’s farm, Moores learned ASL and became interested in deaf education. Later, during his undergraduate studies at Amherst College, he worked as a dorm supervisor at ASD. “He was just a couple of years older than the students and that’s how my husband, Herb, met and became friends with Don,” recalled Dr. Roslyn Rosen, ’62 and G-’64, retired Gallaudet provost and long-time friend of Moores and his wife. “Subsequently, Herb and 70 70

Don both graduated from Gallaudet in 1959.

Years rolled by and we became colleagues and educational warriors.”

After graduating with his master’s degree in Deaf Education from Gallaudet, Moores went on to earn another master’s degree and his doctorate. His dissertation, “Assessment of psycholinguistic abilities of deaf adolescents” became pivotal in assessments of language for deaf and hard of hearing children.

After stints at the University of Minnesota and Penn State University, Moores found his way back to Gallaudet in 1980 as a tenured professor. He was a member of Gallaudet’s Department of Education and Department of Educational Foundations and Research.

Moores was also director of the Center for Studies in Education and Human Development which conducted research on early childhood, reading, and academic achievement.

“He knew that deaf students were capable of much more if they had early exposure to ASL as well as the right teaching and learning environments. He wanted to make sure that all deaf children could have that,” said Miller.

A prolific author of more than 250 publications, some of his proudest accomplishments included authoring Educating the Deaf:

Psychology, Principles, and Practices and serving as associate editor and editor of the American Annals of the Deaf from 1978 to 2011.

“As editor, he composed thoughtful — often provocative essays — discussing the nuances of topics such as teacher preparation, cochlear implants, intelligence testing, and the effects of No Child Left Behind,” said Dr. Peter Paul, friend and current Annals editor.

“In a 1998

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editorial, Don authored a piece on the intersections of race, ethnicity, and minority status that is clearly relevant for today’s social issues and challenges.”

“Don Moores was a great human being, a friend to all, and generous,” said Dr. Robert R. Davila, ’53 & H-’88, friend and Gallaudet President Emeritus. “He was an important and valuable teacher and an

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REMEMBERING A GIANT IN DEAF EDUCATION

authority of the knowledge that teachers of the deaf need to have to teach deaf children at all levels.”

“He knew that deaf students were capable of much more if they had early exposure to ASL as well as the right teaching and learning environments. He wanted to make sure that all deaf children could have that,” - Miller After 27 years at Gallaudet, Moores retired in 2007, but his contributions to deaf education were far from over. He went on to become a tenured professor in the University of North Florida’s Education of the Deaf program until 2013. From then until his death, he continued to publish articles, present at international conferences, and evaluate manuscripts for the Annals.

“I consider myself very lucky to have had the opportunity to work with Don Moores in several projects and papers, and to get to know him 72

as a friend,” said Venetta Lampropoulou, professor emerita at the University of Patras in Greece. “He came to Greece several times, and contributed to training programs, and meetings with teachers and Deaf people. At the International Congress on the Education of the Deaf held in Athens in 2015, Don gave an excellent keynote speech, and was honored with a special plaque for his lifetime contributions to the field of deaf education and the Deaf community.”

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In addition to his many professional accomplishments, Miller said her husband was a proud family man. He had four children, two stepchildren, 10 grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.

are Deaf Education majors. Students must have a demonstrated financial need and be interested in teaching and/or conducting research with Hispanic deaf and hard of hearing students.

And while he saw many positive changes at Gallaudet and in deaf education during his lifetime, he believed there was a much more progress to be made.

“If we want to see continued progress in the education of deaf and hard of hearing students, we need more scholars like Dr. Donald F. Moores,” said Dr. Paul.

“He was glad to see people still fighting the good fight, proving what they already knew to be true about the capabilities of deaf and hard of hearing people,” said Miller.

by Kaitlin Luna

To commemorate Moores’s legacy, a scholarship has been established. The Dr. Donald F. Moores, G-’59, Memorial Scholarship Fund in Deaf Education provides financial support to full-time undergraduate and graduate students (in alternating years) who

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ALUMNI

ALUMNA + EMPLOYEE

YIQIAO WANG DESIGNS NEW DRINKWARE for STARBUCKS Starbucks Corporation introduced three new cups and mugs in late June, first at the Signing Starbucks on H Street NE and then nationally.

They were designed by Yiqiao Wang, ’09, creative designer in Gallaudet University’s Motion Light Lab. The company stated on its website that “the design features bold and colorful hands framed by coffee cherries that express the word ‘connect’ in American Sign Language (ASL).”

“ASL requires movement,” said Wang. “I thought about how to connect that with the design so you can see the signs and how they move.”

“I was trying to clearly portray ASL handshapes and movement in a visual way. I thought that was really beautiful for the mugs.”

Wang’s collection can be found in Starbucks stores across the U.S. as part of the Starbucks 74

Artist Collaboration Series which celebrates and elevates the voices and stories of artists from around the world through uniquely curated merchandise in Starbucks stores.

Her collection includes a 24-ounce cold cup, 16-ounce stainless steel tumbler, and a 12-ounce ceramic mug.

“I really just want my art to have a positive feel to it,” she said. “And so that’s what I thought for Starbucks.”

Wang previously designed murals in the Signing Starbucks and in a Starbucks store in Austin, Texas. She most recently was commissioned to create a 36-feet by 11-feet mural called “We Share: DC’s Sign” for the NoMa Business Improvement District Mural Fest.

“I truly enjoy interacting with people at Gallaudet and have learned so much from excellent individuals,” said Wang.

This story was developed partly with material from Starbucks Corporation’s website.

by Robert Weinstock

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ALUMNUS BADER ALOMARY

RECEIVES ROYAL AWARD in SAUDI ARABIA Bader Alomary, ’11 & G-’12, a citizen of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia who now resides in Austin, Texas, received the prestigious King Khalid Award in July from Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz. Alomary’s pioneering project, the Indicative Dictionary, won first place in the King Khalid Award’s Development Partners Branch. This dictionary documents variations in sign language across different regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Alomary is a member of the Special Education faculty at King Saud University in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He is completing his doctoral studies in Deaf Studies and Deaf Education at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, and plans to return to Saudi Arabia after receiving his degree.

by Robert Weinstock

Alomary noted the variations in Saudi Sign Language across different regions and proposed a university project to compile sign language dictionaries and terminologies.

This led to the formation of a committee to create the Saudi sign language dictionary.

With the generous support of the Princess Al Anoud Charitable Foundation, the sign language dictionary was published and distributed free of charge.

Bader Alomary with his Deaf uncle, Abdulatif Alomary

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CLASS OF 2023 COMMENCEMENT

Three hundred sixty-six students received their degrees at Gallaudet’s 153rd Commencement on Friday, May 12.

The graduate ceremony in the morning featured two presenters. Dr. Annelies Kusters, an associate professor of Sign Language and Intercultural Research at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland, used International Sign, while student presenter Edgar Sanabria Ramos, G-’23, used Mexican Sign Language.

In the undergraduate ceremony the same afternoon, the university awarded a posthumour honorary degree to Blanche Wilkins Williams, a Black Deaf teacher of the late 19th and early 20th century, who was denied admission to Gallaudet because of the color of her skin.

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Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum, interim president of Mount Holyoke College, delivered the keynote address, and also received an honorary degree. The Class of 2023 was wellrepresented by its student speaker, Jakiya Murphy, ’23.

Dr. William T. Ennis III, ’01, was named the university’s Distinguished Faculty Member for 2022-2023. Dr. Ennis, a history professor, serves as chair of the University Faculty, and was one of the three leaders of the recent MSCHE self-study.

Dr. Matthew H. Bakke, Dr. Dennis B. Galvan, Dr. Michael L. Moore, ’68, and Dr. Henry David Snyder received Faculty Emerit status.

Congratulations to our newest alumni!

CLASS OF 2023 COMMENCEMENT

D

A

B

C

E

A. No longer undergraduates! Gallaudet’s newest alumni are all smiles B. Dr. Annelies Kusters gave the keynote presentation at the Graduate School’s ceremony

C. Left to Right: President Roberta J. Cordano, Board Chair Dr. Glenn Anderson, ’68 & H-’17, honorary degree recipient Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum, incoming Provost Dr. Khadijat Rashid, ’90, and outgoing Provost Dr. Jeffrey Lewis, ’76 D. A posthumous honorary degree was awarded to Blanche Wilkins Williams, which was accepted by her family members

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COMMENCEMENT by the NUMBERS

366

Total number of graduates

210

Undergraduate

156

Graduate

Our domestic graduates came from

41 32

states, The District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico

F

International Graduates

19

International Undergraduate

13

International Graduate

Countries Represented Botswana Canada China Gabon Ghana

G

E. Two new alumni take a selfie following the Graduate ceremony F. Edgar Sanabria Ramos, Graduate Class of 2023 presenter G. Jakiya Murphy, Undergraduate Class of 2023 presenter

India Indonesia Iran Mexico Nigeria

Oman Philippines Saudi Arabia Türkiye

Watch Undergraduate Ceremony gu.live/PaFiZ

Watch Graduate Ceremony gu.live/PvMgx

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DOROTHY CHIYOKO SUEOKA CASTERLINE: AN APPRECIATION

DOROTHY CHIYOKO SUEOKA CASTERLINE ASL PIONEER

Dorothy Chiyoko Sueoka Casterline, ’58 & H-’22, passed away on August 8, 2023. She was 95 years old. Along with the late Carl Croneberg, ’55, Dot, as she was known, conducted much of the painstaking field research that led to the formal recognition of American Sign Language in the late 1950s and early 1960s. She and Mr. Croneberg were awarded honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees during Gallaudet’s 152nd Commencement in May 2022.

Dot was born on April 27, 1928 to Toshiba and Toyiko Sueoka, in the city of Honolulu in the territory of Hawai’i. She began her education in the public school system. At age 14, she became deaf, possibly from mastoiditis. She then was educated orally at the Diamond Head School for the Deaf and Blind, which is now the Hawai’i School for the Deaf and Blind.

After graduating from high school, Dot worked for three years, then enrolled at Gallaudet College, where she completed the requirements for her bachelor’s degree in English in three years. She was the first Native Hawai’ian student to receive a Gallaudet degree. As a student, she wrote for The Buff and Blue newspaper and was a member of the Delta Epsilon Sorority. During her senior year, she was the first and only student to be elected to the new, faculty-organized Phi Alpha Pi Honor Society established on campus the previous year.

During Dot’s senior year, noted linguist and Gallaudet English professor William C. Stokoe, 80 80

H-’88, recruited her to collaborate with him in the first scientific study of deaf people using sign language. Stokoe valued her sharp eye for detail, which made her indispensable in transcribing signs. Little did Dot know at the time that she was taking part in a study that would eventually lead to nothing short of a renaissance in the history of the deaf community – the universal recognition that sign languages are true, natural, structured languages, not merely gestures, as most linguists believed up until this revolutionary study.

After Dot graduated, she joined the faculty of Gallaudet’s Department of English. She balanced her workload between teaching and working with Gallaudet’s new, grant-funded Linguistics Research Laboratory, meeting with her fellow researchers on Sundays. The result was the landmark 1965 publication, A Dictionary of American Sign Language on Linguistic Principles, compiled by Dr. Stokoe, Ms. Casterline, and Mr. Croneberg.

Another significant outgrowth of their efforts was the transformation, in 1971, of Gallaudet’s Linguistic Research Laboratory into an autonomous research facility. This was the genesis of the world-renowned Department of Linguistics founded a decade later, training students to carry forward the mantle of sign language research.

Dot is survived by her two daughters-in-law and three grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband of over 50 years, Dr. James Larkin Casterline, ’59, and their sons.

Read the New York Times obituary gu.live/fMOCd This appreciation was compiled from several sources, including Pamela Wright, ’98, a faculty member in the Linguistics program in the School of Language, Education, and Culture; Carey Ballard, ’19; Professor Wright’s students who advocated for Dorothy Casterline and Carl Croneberg to be awarded honorary degrees; Dorothy Casterline’s honorary degree citation; the Gallaudet University Archives; and the Casterline family.

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DREAM BOLD.

When your bold dreams are powered by the confidence of belonging, there are no limits! At Gallaudet, you’re not just a student - you’re a future leader in the making.

Learn more about the admission process gu.live/apply

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800 Florida Avenue N.E. Washington, D.C. 20002 university.communications@gallaudet.edu Follow us gallaudet.edu @GallaudetU Gallaudet Today Magazine contains university news and information for the signing community, including alumni and friends of Gallaudet University.

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