Samuel M Sonnenstrahl, ’79 & G-’84, to retire

Samuel M Sonnenstrahl, ’79 & G-’84, who has been Director of Alumni Relations since 2002, will retire this year. He is the third-ever person to hold this role, succeeding Jack R. Gannon, ’59 & H-’88, and Mary Anne Pugin, ’71. He has passionately served our alumni community since then, accumulating a wealth of knowledge and relationships that are deeply valuable to Gallaudet University

As Myles Goldberg, ’16, Alumni Relations Specialist, said, “Sam is a walking history textbook for Gallaudet!” His ties to the university extend beyond his 18 years as Director; he first arrived on campus as a preschooler in 1959, and throughout his life, many of his family members have also been active members and supporters of Gallaudet University.

He oversaw the 2005 to 2007 renovation and preservation of Peikoff Alumni House, known as “Ole Jim.” He was also heavily involved with Gallaudet’s 150th and the Gallaudet University Alumni Association’s 125th anniversary celebrations in 2014. He and his team coordinate and support homecoming reunions every year, and have expanded our Homecoming celebrations to include reunions for alumni of color, as well as classes celebrating their 55th, 60th and 65th anniversaries.

Nick Gould, ‘09, Executive Director of Institutional Advancement, says, “We are grateful for Sam’s many years of service. He will be greatly missed.”