New Logo Represents Gallaudet University's Bilingual Mission

Gallaudet University Unveils New Logo

Washington, D.C. — December 7, 2011 — Gallaudet University ushered in a new era today with the unveiling of a new university logo. The symbolic design of the logo represents the university’s bilingual mission by portraying “Gallaudet University” in American Sign Language (ASL) as well as in English, the two languages contained in the mission. The ASL component is demonstrated by the two arches meeting at a point. The design represents the movement of the sign for “Gallaudet” which is the letter “g” formed with the forefinger and thumb making an arch across the brow and meeting near the temple.

“This is an exciting time in Gallaudet’s history. Our new logo promotes unity on our campus and beyond,” said Gallaudet University President T. Alan Hurwitz. “Throughout the logo selection process we had an unprecedented level of participation by Gallaudet students, faculty, staff, and alumni as well as members of the deaf community throughout the country.”

The previous logo was in use since 1986. Last July, a committee representing a cross-section of campus departments was appointed by President Hurwitz to lead the effort to design a new logo. Committee members assigned to work on the logo design are Gallaudet alumni and work in the university’s marketing and arts departments.

The committee was chaired by the university’s executive director of communications and public relations, Catherine Murphy, and was divided into two subcommittees: one focused on creative development of the new logo and the second focused on transition and implementation of the new logo.

“We are pleased President Hurwitz asked Gallaudet alumni who work at the university to design the new logo,” said Debra Lawson, chair of the creative development subcommittee. “The designers understand our culture and community and were able to incorporate ideas from students, faculty, and staff into their artwork.”

“Every member of the committee gave time and effort to accomplish this goal,” said Michael Moore, chair of the transition and implementation subcommittee. “A collective effort offered feedback on the logo choices and the Student Body Government participated in the final revisions of the logo. We are thrilled with the final logo selection.”

“Being on the Logo Redesign Committee was an honor,” said Dylan Hinks, president of the Student Body Government. “It was definitely an exciting process that has significant importance for Gallaudet.”

After several displays to the campus community and to alumni, the university received approximately 2,000 comments from students, faculty, staff, alumni and the American deaf community in general. Gallaudet’s University Council also played a key role in the final logo selection by voting to endorse the logo that became the final selection. The University Council is charged with advising and counseling the president on university decision-making regarding issues of interest to the entire community, as well as with improving communication among members of the community by providing an open forum for discussion of critical University decisions. Council members represent the university’s undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, staff, and administration.

Gallaudet University, federally chartered in 1864, is a bilingual, diverse, multicultural institution of higher education that ensures the intellectual and professional advancement of deaf and hard of hearing individuals through American Sign Language and English. Gallaudet maintains a proud tradition of research and scholarly activity and prepares its graduates for career opportunities in a highly competitive, technological, and rapidly changing world.