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Cultural influence & milestones, Centuries in the making

History & Traditions

Signed. Sealed. Chartered.

In 1864, Gallaudet University became federally funded when President Abraham Lincoln signed the charter bill into law, leading to our first commencement in 1869–whose attendees included none other than President Ulysses S. Grant.
Read About Lincoln's Legacy at Gallaudet
Charter Day Celebration
A black and white image featuring a close-up of the seated statue of Abraham Lincoln, with a group of people in historical clothing gathered in the background. The statue is prominently displayed on the left side, while the group is in a dimly lit, ornate setting.
A smiling young woman sits at a desk, engaging in conversation with an unseen person. The background features a whiteboard with diagrams and notes. The woman is wearing a black and white striped shirt. An outstretched hand from the other person suggests they are actively participating in the discussion.

ASL Linguistics

Following the research of Gallaudet English professor William Stokoe and two Deaf student researchers, the study of ASL linguistics was established–formally recognizing ASL as a language.
Stokoe in the Archives and Deaf Collections
Explore our Linguistics Department

Expanding Our Reach

Shortly after our 100th anniversary, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed an act creating the Model Secondary School for the Deaf (MSSD). One year later, President Richard Nixon signed the Kendall Demonstration Elementary School (KDES) charter, paving the way for Gallaudet to be a K-PhD school for the Deaf.
Learn More About KDES
Learn More About MSSD
A brick building with large windows, featuring a front entrance and a blue structure. In the foreground, there is a landscaped area with bushes and flowers, alongside a sign indicating the name of the institution. The sky is partly cloudy.
A black and white photograph of a group of people marching in a protest. They are holding a large banner that reads "DEAF PREZ NOW!" and some individuals carry other signs. The scene is set outdoors, with a building and trees in the background.

Deaf President Now

In 1988, an on-campus movement gained worldwide attention. What began as a fight for deaf leadership transformed and empowered the deaf community–resulting in the appointment of the university’s first Deaf president.
Learn More About the DPN Movement

Our Next Chapter

From a humble twelve students in 1857 to 1,500 in 2020, we’ve continued growing and evolving. The next chapter of Gallaudet’s story lies in the hands of our students. 

Campus student candid in front of statue
A black and white image featuring a close-up of the seated statue of Abraham Lincoln, with a group of people in historical clothing gathered in the background. The statue is prominently displayed on the left side, while the group is in a dimly lit, ornate setting.

Signed. Sealed. Chartered.

In 1864, Gallaudet University became federally funded when President Abraham Lincoln signed the charter bill into law, leading to our first commencement in 1869–whose attendees included none other than President Ulysses S. Grant.
Read About Lincoln's Legacy at Gallaudet
Charter Day Celebration
A smiling young woman sits at a desk, engaging in conversation with an unseen person. The background features a whiteboard with diagrams and notes. The woman is wearing a black and white striped shirt. An outstretched hand from the other person suggests they are actively participating in the discussion.

ASL Linguistics

Going from a school of 12 students in 1857 to over 1,500 students served in 2020, Gallaudet has always been a consistently growing and evolving university.
Stokoe in the Archives and Deaf Collections
Explore our Linguistics Department
A brick building with large windows, featuring a front entrance and a blue structure. In the foreground, there is a landscaped area with bushes and flowers, alongside a sign indicating the name of the institution. The sky is partly cloudy.

Expanding Our Reach

Shortly after our 100th anniversary, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed an act creating the Model Secondary School for the Deaf (MSSD). One year later, President Richard Nixon signed the Kendall Demonstration Elementary School (KDES) charter, paving the way for Gallaudet to be a K-PhD school for the Deaf.
Learn More About KDES
Learn More About MSSD
A black and white photograph of a group of people marching in a protest. They are holding a large banner that reads "DEAF PREZ NOW!" and some individuals carry other signs. The scene is set outdoors, with a building and trees in the background.

Deaf President Now

In 1988, an on-campus movement gained worldwide attention. What began as a fight for deaf leadership transformed and empowered the deaf community–resulting in the appointment of the university’s first Deaf president.
Learn More About the DPN Movement
Campus student candid in front of statue

Our Next Chapter

From a humble twelve students in 1857 to 1,500 in 2020, we’ve continued growing and evolving. The best part is we’ve only just begun. The next chapter of Gallaudet’s story lies in the hands of our students. While we reflect on our proud history, we remember there’s no time like the present.

Interested in Becoming a Part of Gallaudet History?

Plan A Visit
Apply Now

Visit our university library and archives or stop by the National Deaf Life Museum to learn more about the history of our university and the deaf community.

Visit the Library and Archives
Visit the National Deaf Life Museum

Representing the Buff n’ Blue

Whether you’re an alumnus or a current student, you get to take part in the lifelong bond that comes with being a Gallaudet Bison. 

Students posing with each other for a group photo
Homecoming
Homecoming week is an exciting time for students and alumni to show their Bison spirit and connect with the Gallaudet community. You can reconnect with class reunions, team sporting events, the Pep Rally, College Bowl competition, and Greek Conclaves–just to name a few events!
Read More
A large, historical brick mansion with intricate architectural details, featuring a rounded turret, multiple windows, and a well-maintained garden with green shrubbery in the foreground. The sky is clear and blue, adding to the picturesque scene.

Charter Day

This annual celebration marks President Lincoln’s signing of the Gallaudet University charter in April 1864. Among the variety of events are the Charter Day Brunch and Awards Program.
Read More
A group of eight people, including a man in a suit and several individuals in casual clothing, smiling and posing together outdoors in front of a building. They appear to be celebrating or enjoying a moment together.
DPN Celebration
The Week of DPN is a week that changed Gallaudet and garnered worldwide attention for our University. The DPN Celebration recognizes and preserves the legacy of the Gallaudet faculty, staff, and students behind DPN.
Read More

Traditions and Symbols

Welcome Home

Whether you’re here for the first time or a returning student, Welcome Home week is the perfect opportunity to get acquainted (or reacquainted) with Gallaudet. Participate in outdoor activities, open house events, social gatherings, giveaways, and a Presidential address guaranteed to get you in the Bison spirit!
Welcome
A lively indoor event taking place on a stage, with a crowd of people holding colorful glow sticks. Two performers are on stage, engaging the audience, who appear to be enjoying the performance. The setting features a screen in the background displaying information, and the atmosphere is energetic and festive.
A speaker stands on stage in front of a large screen displaying a group of people in blue shirts, with the word "TRANSFORMATION" prominently featured. The setting appears to be a theater or auditorium, with additional screens showing the same image.

State of the University

State of the University is an annual address given by the University President to highlight the accomplishments of Gallaudet from the past year. The State of the University platform also provides an opportunity to reaffirm our values to ensure we’re on track now, and for our future plans.
State of the University

Commencement

Every May, University Commencement brings together students from Gallaudet University for the celebration of their academic achievements. 

Commencement
A lively crowd of fans at an outdoor event, with some individuals cheering and celebrating. A person dressed in colorful attire, including blue and yellow, is prominently dancing in the foreground, while others around are smiling and showing enthusiasm.
The Mace
Designed and crafted by Gallaudet University alumni and professors, the mace is a commencement staple carried by the faculty marshal as a symbol of the University’s authority
A historic brick building with ornate architectural details stands beside a large structure with a prominent spire. A flagpole with a flag is positioned in the foreground, and the sky is partly cloudy.
The President’s Medallion
A University President tradition since 1969, this medallion is meant to be worn on ceremonial occasions as a symbol of the authority of the President’s Office.
A group of eight people, including a man in a suit and several individuals in casual clothing, smiling and posing together outdoors in front of a building. They appear to be celebrating or enjoying a moment together.
The Regalia
Gallaudet’s Commencement follows the style and procession from the medieval universities of the 11th and 12th centuries which includes the familiar gown, cap, and hood proudly worn by graduates year after year.
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