The following are diplomas granted to Gallaudet University graduate and undergraduate students and signed by United States President Ronald Reagan who was president from 1981 until 1989.

Diplomas were also signed by Edward C. Merrill, Jr., president of Gallaudet from 1969 until 1983. The next Gallaudet president to preside over commencement exercises was Jerry C. Lee, president from 1984 until 1987.

In 1986, Gallaudet College become Gallaudet University. Alumni were offered commemorative diplomas with the new school name.

Finally, in 1988, I. King Jordan, '70, began his term as Gallaudet president. Dr. Jordan's appointment followed the landmark Deaf President Now protest when students and alumni objected to the selection of Dr. Elisabeth Zinser, a hearing woman, as president. The week-long protest gained world-wide attention and support and led to the selection of Jordan, the university's first deaf president. The protest is often noted as being a catalyst for the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990.

U.S. President

Gallaudet Presidents

Ronald Reagan
Ronald Reagan
1981–1989

Edward C. Merrill, Jr.
Edward C. Merrill, Jr.
1969–1983

Jerry C. Lee
Jerry C. Lee
1984–1987

I. King Jordan
I. King Jordan, '70
1988–2006

1981

Linnea Ellen Aldridge
Linnea Ellen Aldridge
Bachelor of Arts
December 17, 1981

Thanks to Linnea Ellen Aldridge, '81, for generously donating her diploma to the University Archives.

Robbie Jane Carmichael
Robbie Jane Carmichael
Master of Arts
May 18, 1981

Thanks to Robbie Jane Carmichael, '79 & G-'81, for generously donating her diplomas to the University Archives.

David Wayne King
David Wayne King
Bachelor of Arts
May 18, 1981

Thanks to David Wayne King, '81, for generously donating his diploma to the University Archives.

Janet Sue Rothenberg
Janet Sue Rothenberg
Master of Arts
May 18, 1981

Gallaudet University would like to thank Janet Rothenberg Weinstock ’78 & G-’81 for generously donating her B.A. and M.A. diplomas.

1982

Valerie Lynn Dively
Valerie Lynn Dively
Bachelor of Arts
May 14, 1982

Thanks to Valerie Lynn Dively, '82 & G-'84, for generously donating her diplomas to the University Archives.

André Pierre Pellerin
André Pierre Pellerin
Bachelor of Arts
December 14, 1982

Thanks to Andre Pellerin, '82, for generously donating his diploma to the University Archives.

1984

Mona Blanchette McCubbin
Mona Blanchette McCubbin
Bachelor of Arts
May 1984

Thanks to Ms. Mona Blanchette McCubbin, '84, for generously donating her diploma to the University Archives.

Valerie Lynn Dively
Valerie Lynn Dively
Master of Arts
December 1984

Thanks to Valerie Lynn Dively, '82 & G-'84, for generously donating her diplomas to the University Archives.

Ellen Felton Speranza
Ellen Felton Speranza
Bachelor of Science
May 1984

Debra Siel Lawson
Debra Siel Lawson
Master of Arts
May 1984

Thanks to Debra Siel Lawson, G-'84, for generously donating her diploma to the University Archives.

1986

Gerald "Bummy" Burstein
Gerald "Bummy" Burstein
Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa
October 24, 1986

Thanks to Mr. Gerald "Bummy" Burstein, '50 & H-'86, for generously donating his diplomas to the University Archives.

Susan Mozzer Mather
Dr. Susan Mozzer Mather
Master of Arts
May 1986

Thanks to Dr. Susan Mather, G-‘86, professor of linguistics, for generously donating her diploma to the University Archives.

Jennifer C. Grinder Witteborg
Jennifer C. Grinder Witteborg
Bachelor of Arts
1983
Commemorative Diploma
1986

In 1986, when Gallaudet College became Gallaudet University, alumni were offered commemorative diplomas with the new school name. This donation was made by Jennifer Witteborg who received her original bachelor of arts degree in 1983.