A world-class institute of changemakers in the deaf and signing community.
Since 1864, we have been investing in and creating resources for deaf and hard of hearing children, their families, and the professionals who work with them.
Over 50 degree programs, with online and continuing education for personal and professional development.
Innovating solutions to break down barriers, and using science to prove what does and doesn’t work.
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Manager:Meredith Peruzzi
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The dreams we have as children do not always come true, but even as a young boy Andrew Foster wanted to go to Africa to preach the gospel. His dream became a reality, and over 50 years later his legacy continues, putting thousands of deaf Africans on the path to equality.
The first life Foster changed was his own. After becoming deaf at age 11 and attending the Alabama School for the Colored Deaf, he found opportunities near home limited. At age 17 he left home and joined the African-American migration to Detroit. In 1951, he earned a full scholarship to Gallaudet, achieving a degree in education in three years. The first African-American to graduate from Gallaudet, Foster later earned a Master’s degree in deaf education from Michigan State Normal College, a second Bachelor’s in Christian Missions from Seattle Pacific College, and he became an ordained minister.
His own education was crafted to realize his life’s passion: educating deaf children in Africa.
As part of his major in Education, Foster worked with students in Gallaudet’s preparatory program. The taunts he endured as one of the few African-Americans on campus spurred him to complete a four-year degree in three years.
Foster teaching preparatory students, c. 1953Courtesy of Gallaudet University Archives
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Spring 2021 – Dec 12Fall 2021 – May 15