News

[An animated Hi5 logo appears on a blue screen. Two drawn hands high-five each other, while text appears below: “hifive”.]

[LaToya Plummer stands in front of a blue background. At the top right is the Gallaudet logo on a white box. On the left are decorative yellow lines. A lower third identifies her as a graduate student in Deaf Studies: Cultural Studies. Plummer has braids behind her shoulders. She wears a white blazer with a blue shirt undereath.]

Welcome to the June 5 edition of Hi5! Welcome to summer! My name is LaToya Plummer. I will sign a summary of the Top Five news stories. Want to learn more about each story? Click the links in the email or on the website.

#1 Commencement 2026: Celebrating the next generation of leaders

Congratulations, Class of 2026! This past May 15 was our Commencement ceremony. So much celebration, gratitude, and joy. Curious? Want to relive Commencement? Look online! We have great photos from the event. So many future leaders! We look forward to seeing you change the world!

#2 Wadha Alshammari has big dreams for deaf education in Saudi Arabia

Wadha Alshammari [sign name] is from Saudi Arabia. She arrived at Gallaudet not knowing English or ASL! Her dream? Educating deaf children in Saudi Arabia. At the recent Commencement, Wadha graduated with her Master’s in Deaf Education Studies. And she was the Graduate Student Speaker! She stood on stage in front of the crowd and shared her story. It was amazing. Handwaves!

#3 Salt Morton takes life one step at a time

Salt Morton [sign name] recently graduated with a BA in Communication Studies. He completed his degree fully online. The first ever online graduate for the Communication Studies program! He was also Undergraduate Student Speaker for the Commencement ceremony. Salt’s speech shared his life journey, including how he overcame barriers. Now he’s ready to thrive! Handwaves.

#4 From partying to a PhD: keeping up with Reggie Bess

Gallaudet Math teacher Dr. Reginald Bess [sign name] recently graduated with his PhD in Education. His goal is to help Black Deaf students enjoy math, and give teachers more specialized skills to help students. Curious how Reggie managed both his teaching job and PhD studies? Look online! Great job, Reggie!

#5 Seven distinguished faculty members receive emeritus honors

During the recent Commencement, seven former teachers became Faculty Emeritus. Meaning what? They received honors for their amazing work here at Gallaudet University. They have many cherished Gallaudet memories, like working with students and other faculty members. They shared their hopes for the next 50 years. Check our website to learn more. Thank you for uplifting Gallaudet and the deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing community!

The next email will be Notable News on June 19, 2026. Hi5 is on summer vacation! You’ll get another Notable News on July 10. 

For more news, follow @GALLAUDETU on social media.

Have a wonderful summer!