The Campaign for Gallaudet’s Future
Today, Gallaudet University finds itself in a most enviable position. The University has embarked on an ambitious campaign that only it could envision and only it can see through to completion: The Campaign for Gallaudet's Future. The campaign will raise $31 million--$28 million to fund the James Lee Sorenson Language and Communication Center (SLCC) and $3 million to fund the I. King Jordan Chair in Leadership.
- The James Lee Sorenson Language and Communication Center: Embodying the Deaf Way of Being
The SLCC will reflect Gallaudet's ongoing commitment to academic excellence, and serve as a model of the unique needs of deaf people. After many months of discussion among deaf and hearing members of the campus community and architects, a visu-centric concept was born. The concept was translated into the design of a distinctive structure the clearly and unmistakably says: "This is a space by and for deaf people." Constructing and equipping the SLCC will cost $28 million. The University is seeking private donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations. There is a broad array of giving and naming opportunities from which donors may choose.
The SLCC is named for a nationally recognized business leader and entrepreneur, James Lee Sorenson, vice chairman of Sorenson Development and the creator of Sorenson Video Relay Service. Sorenson Media also created the world's leading digital video compression-decompression (codec) software and the world's first video phonebooth for deaf people. Mr. Sorenson's biography is available online.
- The I. King Jordan Chair in Leadership:
Investing in a Legacy
The Jordan Chair will be the capstone of Dr. Jordan's tenure as Gallaudet's first deaf president, a period of unsurpassed growth and change at the University. It also will be a fitting acknowledgement of him as a role model and devoted advocate for people who are deaf or have disabilities. To this day, his famous quote, "Deaf people can do anything, except hear," is the motto of countless deaf and hard of hearing people all over the world.
The Jordan Chair will be funded through private contributions. Once it is fully funded at $3 million, Gallaudet will appoint Jordan Chair scholars. All gifts above $1,000 will be recognized on a plaque in the newly-renamed I. King Jordan Student Academic Center.
To date, the Campaign has secured $21.6 million with most of the support coming from alumni, friends, corporations, and foundations. You can help the University reach its goal of $31 million by making a gift through our secure online site.
Thank you for your support of Gallaudet, a vibrant University with a groundbreaking history and a bold future.
