Payton DeGraw - I am Gallaudet | Gallaudet University

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Payton DeGraw '23

International Studies

Utah

Gallaudet offers many opportunities to feel welcomed! Payton was involved as a student-athlete, Peer Leader, and then Senior Peer Leader at JumpStart, the immersion program for emerging signers. Those roles paved the way for Payton to develop leadership skills. No matter what communication tool(s) you use, you will find your place at Gallaudet, just like Payton did.

New and emerging signers are welcomed at Gallaudet University!

Regardless of your background, communication style, or where you come from, Gallaudet welcomes you! JumpStart, an immersion program for emerging signers, is one of the avenues to plug into as you start your journey at Gallaudet to discover the Deaf culture and have fun learning a new language along the way.

#IAmGallaudet Stories

Explore the stories of a variety of members of our Gallaudet community.

Two individuals are seated in front of a purple backdrop with the text "I am Gallaudet" and a graphic design element. One person, wearing a black t-shirt, is speaking while using sign language, and the other, also in a black t-shirt, is listening attentively. The setting appears to be an interview or discussion, with a camera visible in the foreground.

Scott Lehmann and Shayna Unger

Discover the inspiring journey of Scott Lehmann and Shayna Unger at Gallaudet University. Explore their contributions and experiences within the Deaf community.

A person sitting in a yellow chair, gesturing with their hands while speaking. The background features the hashtag "#iamGalaudet" in colorful text. There are cameras set up in the foreground, indicating a recording or interview setting.

Lorenzo Lewis

Discover Lorenzo Lewis’s inspiring journey at Gallaudet University, where he champions diversity and inclusion in the deaf community. Explore his impactful story!

A smiling male athlete wearing a blue and yellow "Gallaudet Bison" sports shirt, with a blurred background featuring the words "iamGallaudet." The atmosphere is positive and energetic.

Cas Mastropaolo, ’24

Discover the inspiring journey of CAS Mastropaolo at Gallaudet University. Explore their achievements, experiences, and contributions to the Deaf community.

A man with glasses and a beard smiles while wearing a dark t-shirt with text, underneath a light blazer. He is standing in front of a colorful backdrop with the hashtag #iamGlaudet and studio lighting.

Warren “Wawa” Snipe, ’94

Explore Warren “Wawa” Snipe’s inspiring journey at Gallaudet University, where he shares his experiences and insights as a proud member of the Deaf community.

The #IAmGallaudet campaign is part of The Gallaudet Promise, our ten-year vision to share the story from many different angles and show that there are many different ways to be deaf. These stories are moving, insightful, and often triumphant. These also reflect the importance of the space Gallaudet has offered to nurture the growth of a broad range of successful members of the deaf, hard of hearing, and signing community.