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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 1981–1989
Edward C. Merrill, Jr.1969–1983
Jerry C. Lee1984–1987
I. King Jordan, '701988–2006
Click to enlarge.
Linnea Ellen AldridgeBachelor of ArtsDecember 17, 1981
Thanks to Linnea Ellen Aldridge, '81, for generously donating her diploma to the University Archives.
Robbie Jane CarmichaelMaster of ArtsMay 18, 1981
Thanks to Robbie Jane Carmichael, '79 & G-'81, for generously donating her diplomas to the University Archives.
David Wayne KingBachelor of ArtsMay 18, 1981
Thanks to David Wayne King, '81, for generously donating his diploma to the University Archives.
Janet Sue RothenbergMaster of ArtsMay 18, 1981
Gallaudet University would like to thank Janet Rothenberg Weinstock ’78 & G-’81 for generously donating her B.A. and M.A. diplomas.
Valerie Lynn DivelyBachelor of ArtsMay 14, 1982
Thanks to Valerie Lynn Dively, '82 & G-'84, for generously donating her diplomas to the University Archives.
André Pierre PellerinBachelor of ArtsDecember 14, 1982
Thanks to Andre Pellerin, '82, for generously donating his diploma to the University Archives.
Mona Blanchette McCubbinBachelor of ArtsMay 1984
Thanks to Ms. Mona Blanchette McCubbin, '84, for generously donating her diploma to the University Archives.
Valerie Lynn DivelyMaster of ArtsDecember 1984
Ellen Felton SperanzaBachelor of ScienceMay 1984
Debra Siel LawsonMaster of ArtsMay 1984
Thanks to Debra Siel Lawson, G-'84, for generously donating her diploma to the University Archives.
Gerald "Bummy" BursteinDoctor of Laws, Honoris CausaOctober 24, 1986
Thanks to Mr. Gerald "Bummy" Burstein, '50 & H-'86, for generously donating his diplomas to the University Archives.
Dr. Susan Mozzer MatherMaster of ArtsMay 1986
Thanks to Dr. Susan Mather, G-‘86, professor of linguistics, for generously donating her diploma to the University Archives.
Jennifer C. Grinder WitteborgBachelor of Arts1983Commemorative Diploma1986
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.
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