Ben Hoshina

Ben always knew he was destined to come to Gallaudet University. Both of his parents and his sister are deaf and his father and sister are proud alumni of the university.

In 1994, Ben competed in and won the Mr. Junior NAD pageant at the National Association of the Deaf convention that year. During the convention Ben met other deaf kids from all over the country and many of them talked about going to Gallaudet. Ben also met lots of great friends at the NAD's Youth Leadership Camp and as they parted at the end of summer they told each other, "see you at Gallaudet!"

When Ben finally enrolled at Gallaudet, he knew from that moment on that he had made the right decision. "Gallaudet was my second home and always will be."

Ben graduated from Gallaudet in 2000, with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Communication Arts. As an undergraduate, he was Editor-in-Chief of 1999 Tower Clock yearbook. He was also class president, a member of the Judicial Board, a group leader for New Student Orientation, and much more.

After graduating, Ben worked in Minnesota, New Mexico, and Connecticut-his home state-before settling in Maryland. He is currently a graduate student in the Leisure Services Administration program and works as a residence educator at the Model Secondary School for the Deaf, coordinating after school activities.

"I will always grateful for what the deaf community, especially Gallaudet University, have done for me."