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Celebrating the Accomplishments of our Graduating Students

Commencement 2026

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Information For Students
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A graduating female signing "ILY" to the camera

Commemorating our Graduating Class of 2026

Family, friends, and community members will gather to celebrate our graduating students’ accomplishments as they receive their diplomas on Friday, May 15, 2026, at the University Field House.

  • Graduate Ceremony: 9 to 11 a.m. ET
  • Undergraduate Ceremony: 2 to 4 p.m. ET

The ceremonies will be livestreamed on YouTube and Facebook for those who can’t attend in person.

Days
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Program Book

Tickets are required to attend commencement ceremonies in person

Tickets are by invitation of a graduating student
For other ticketing questions or concerns, please contact the Commencement Committee.

Moments from the Ceremony

A group of three women performing with drums, wearing vibrant red and white costumes with intricate patterns. The central figure is raising her arms in a celebratory pose, while the others are actively playing their drums. The background shows a gymnasium setting with a crowd and stage lighting.
A male graduate wearing a black cap and gown, adorned with multiple honor cords and stoles, smiles as he walks in a graduation ceremony. In the background, other graduates are visible, with a crowd and a sports hall setting.
A graduate in a black cap and gown raises their fists in celebration, wearing a yellow and black stole, with a medal around their neck. In the background, other graduates are seen also in caps and gowns, creating a festive atmosphere during a graduation ceremony.
A graduate in a cap and gown smiles and gives a thumbs-up while holding a diploma and wearing multiple honor cords. In the background, other graduates are visible, and an audience is seated.
A joyful graduate with long, curly hair wearing a cap and gown celebrates with a raised fist, surrounded by fellow graduates in a crowded auditorium.
A smiling graduate in a cap and gown waves to the camera, surrounded by fellow graduates in a stadium filled with an audience.
A smiling graduate wearing a turban and a graduation gown, holding a hand up in a wave, with an orange, white, and green sash draped over their gown. In the background, a crowd of fellow graduates and spectators can be seen in a large indoor venue.
Two female graduates in caps and gowns stand on a stage, celebrating their achievement with raised hands. They are adorned with colorful stoles and cords, while a group of people in academic regalia can be seen in the background. A large screen displays information behind them.
A group of diverse graduates sitting together during a graduation ceremony, wearing caps and gowns. Some graduates are adorned with colorful stoles, and they are smiling as they celebrate their achievement.
A group of graduates wearing black caps and gowns, some adorned with colorful stoles, smiling and posing for the camera during a graduation ceremony.
A group of graduates seated at a commencement ceremony, wearing black caps and gowns. One graduate in the foreground is wearing a blue cap and a white and black stole, while others are draped in yellow stoles. The audience is filled with graduates, creating a festive atmosphere.
A man in a black academic gown and white collar speaks from a podium to an audience in a large venue, with blurred figures seated in the background.
A young woman in a black robe stands on stage, passionately gesturing with her hands as she speaks or performs, with a blurred audience in the background.
A woman wearing a black robe and a red dress gestures expressively while standing on a stage, looking towards the audience.
A graduate in a black cap and gown smiles as they shake hands with a person in an academic robe during a graduation ceremony.
A graduate wearing a cap and gown smiles and adjusts their cap while standing on stage, with a blue backdrop and seated faculty members visible in the background.
A graduate in a black cap and gown embraces a person wearing a blue academic robe on a stage, with a backdrop of blue lighting and seated individuals in academic attire in the background.
A joyful graduate wearing a cap and gown raises her arms in celebration, surrounded by fellow graduates during a commencement ceremony.
Two students, dressed in matching navy jackets and jeans, stand on a stage during a graduation ceremony, gesturing with their hands as they celebrate. In the background, a faculty member in academic regalia and other attendees are visible, with blue lighting illuminating the scene.
A large group of graduates in caps and gowns is seated, with many individuals raising their hands in celebration. The graduates are wearing various colored stoles, and the atmosphere is festive, likely during a graduation ceremony.
A group of graduates in caps and gowns is participating in a graduation ceremony. One graduate, smiling and gesturing with her hand, is walking forward, while others follow closely behind. The venue is filled with an audience in the background, celebrating the event.
A graduate wearing a cap and gown is smiling and making a hand gesture while holding a diploma. They are surrounded by a crowd in a large indoor venue, celebrating their graduation. The graduate has multiple colored stoles around their neck.
A group of graduates in caps and gowns celebrating during a graduation ceremony, with one graduate in the foreground smiling and waving, while others follow behind. The venue is filled with an audience in the background.
A group of graduates in caps and gowns walk across a stage during a graduation ceremony, with one graduate joyfully raising their diploma. The audience is visible in the background, seated in a large indoor venue.
A graduate wearing sunglasses and a cap adorned with flowers is smiling and making a gesture with their hand, surrounded by other graduates in a celebratory indoor setting. The graduate is draped in a colorful sash featuring the colors of the Ghanaian flag.
Three individuals pose together outdoors, smiling for a photo. The central figure is wearing a graduation cap and gown, holding a diploma, with cords and a stole around their neck. The two individuals on either side are dressed in academic regalia, with one wearing a blue and gold outfit and the other in a dark blue outfit with a hood. Green trees are visible in the background, suggesting a graduation ceremony setting.
Two graduates, one male and one female, are smiling and holding their diplomas while wearing graduation caps and gowns. The female graduate has long red hair and is adorned with a floral lei, while the male graduate has short hair. They are outdoors at a graduation ceremony, with other graduates and flags in the background.
A young woman in a graduation cap smiles joyfully while being embraced by another person. The setting appears to be outdoors with greenery in the background.
Two male graduates in caps and gowns, smiling and holding their diplomas, pose together outdoors. One is wearing a blue stole, while the other has a red shirt under his gown. In the background, people can be seen celebrating.
A man and a woman pose together outdoors, both wearing graduation attire. The man is wearing a dark shirt with an honor cord draped around his neck, while the woman is wearing a blue graduation gown and colorful stoles. They are both smiling, with greenery in the background.
Four dancers in matching outfits perform on stage, showcasing coordinated movements. The backdrop features a large blue screen, and potted yellow flowers are placed at the front of the stage.
A woman with curly hair smiles while playing a drum, wearing a black t-shirt and light blue jeans. She appears joyful and engaged in the music, with a colorful drum in front of her. The background shows a stage with blue lighting.
A group of graduates in black caps and gowns are walking in a gymnasium filled with seated spectators. One graduate, smiling, is raising his hand in a sign of celebration, while another graduate beside him is also smiling. Both wear sashes around their necks, and the venue has banners hanging from the ceiling.
A close-up of a graduation cap decorated with the words "MY future is UNLIMITED" in colorful lettering. The cap features a pink and green design with a ribbon bow in pink and green. In the background, other graduates can be seen in caps and gowns.
A group of graduates in black caps and gowns, smiling and waving at the camera. They are standing together in a gymnasium decorated for a graduation ceremony, with colorful stoles and cords around their necks.
A group of graduates in black caps and gowns smiles while taking a selfie together, celebrating their graduation in a gymnasium decorated with banners. One graduate holds a pink phone, while another has blue hair and they both wear graduation stoles.
A person wearing an academic gown and hood is standing on a stage, smiling and clapping their hands, with a large screen displaying a blue background behind them.
A graduation ceremony scene featuring a stage with graduates seated in caps and gowns. In the foreground, a woman in a blue dress is smiling and using sign language, while another person in a black graduation gown stands nearby, also gesturing. The background includes a blue curtain, flags, and floral arrangements on the stage.
A person wearing academic regalia, including a black robe and blue hood, is gesturing with their hands while speaking in front of a backdrop of blue curtains.
A group of graduates in black caps and gowns, with one man in a blue academic robe and gold hood joyfully waving. A woman next to him is smiling and raising her hand in celebration. The atmosphere is festive, likely at a graduation ceremony.
A graduate wearing a cap and gown, with an orange tassel, is joyfully gesturing on stage during a graduation ceremony. In the background, seated faculty members are watching, and there is a blue backdrop with a design.
A graduate wearing a cap and gown is smiling and making a hand gesture while standing on stage. They are adorned with a red sash and are surrounded by seated faculty members in academic regalia. The background features blue lighting and a presentation screen.
A group of graduates in caps and gowns celebrating at a graduation ceremony, with some attendees raising their hands and smiling.
A graduation ceremony scene featuring a joyful moment where a graduate in a black gown and cap embraces a family member. In the background, a woman in academic regalia observes, while another seated individual in formal attire watches the celebration. The stage is decorated with blue and gold elements, and a video screen displays the event.
A speaker in an academic gown and cap stands on stage, gesturing while addressing an audience. A large screen behind them displays their image. The setting appears to be a graduation or formal ceremony, with banners and seating visible in the background.
A graduate wearing a cap and gown is joyfully celebrating on stage, receiving a diploma, while two other individuals in academic regalia assist in the process. The background features blue lighting and a celebratory atmosphere.
A graduation ceremony scene featuring a male graduate in a blue gown with a yellow and teal sash, receiving a congratulatory gesture from a male presenter wearing a graduation cap and a sash. A woman in a black gown observes the moment. The background includes blue lighting and a simple venue setting.
A graduate in a black cap and gown smiles and gestures excitedly while interacting with a faculty member, who is wearing academic regalia. The setting appears to be a graduation ceremony, with banners and decorations in the background.
Two performers in matching sweatshirts are engaged in a lively dance on stage, with one reaching out to the other. In the background, a large screen displays a scene from an event, and several individuals in academic regalia watch from the side. An American flag is visible in the foreground, and the venue appears to be a sports arena with seating in the background.
Two graduates wearing black caps and gowns are smiling and holding their diplomas, standing in a crowded auditorium. One graduate has long, dark hair, while the other has colorful, wavy hair. The background shows other attendees and graduates celebrating the ceremony.
A smiling older woman wearing a black and white hat and sunglasses stands next to a young woman in a graduation cap and gown, holding a bouquet of yellow flowers. They are outdoors, and there are flags and people in the background.
A joyful graduation scene featuring two women embracing, one wearing a graduation cap and holding a bouquet of flowers, while the other has braided hair. They are surrounded by a crowd, with smiles and celebratory gestures in the background.
Three graduates pose together outside a building, wearing traditional black graduation caps and gowns. One graduate holds a small French flag, while another wears a blue stole with various honors. They stand in front of a large sculpture, with a crowd visible in the background and the words "FIELD HOUSE" above them.
Two female graduates stand together outdoors, both wearing black graduation gowns and caps. One holds a diploma and a bouquet of flowers, while the other displays a sign that reads "Gallaudet University Alumni." They are smiling, celebrating their achievement, with a campus building and trees in the background.
A graduate in a cap and gown holds a diploma and bouquet of red roses, smiling alongside a man who holds a baby wearing a yellow hat. They are standing outside a building with large glass doors.

Graduate Commencement Ceremony

  • Friday, May 16, 2025 | 9 to 11 a.m. ET

Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony

  • Friday, May 16, 2025 | 2 to 4 p.m. ET
Commencement Ceremony - Close Vision

Keynote Speakers

The commencement keynote speaker for each ceremony is a notable figure selected to offer advice and reflections to our graduating classes as they prepare to share with the world their knowledge and skills gained at Gallaudet University.

This year, we are honored to have Chairman Yohei Sasakawa deliver the keynote address for the graduate ceremony, and Nyle DiMarco, ’13 as the keynote presenter for the undergraduate ceremony.

A woman with shoulder-length brown hair stands outdoors, smiling confidently. She is wearing glasses and a light gray blazer over a multicolored striped shirt. The background features green grass and blurred trees, suggesting a sunny day.

Chairman Yohei Sasakawa

Doctor of Humane Letters

Graduate Ceremony Speaker and Honorary Degree Recipient

Biography
A smiling older man with glasses, wearing a dark blazer over a black shirt, sits in front of a bookshelf filled with colorful books.

Nyle DiMarco, ’13

Doctor of Humane Letters

Undergraduate Ceremony Speaker and Honorary Degree Recipient

Biography

Keynote speakers have been a part of Gallaudet University’s commencement tradition since 1869. The Archives and Deaf Collections maintains an annually updated list of those who have addressed our graduates over the years.

Past Keynote Speakers

Student Commencement Speakers

These students speakers will share their journeys, insights, and advice to their graduating classes to prepare them for the future after Gallaudet University. It is an honor for these students to be selected as Undergraduate or Graduate Commencement Speaker.

A young woman with shoulder-length reddish hair stands smiling in a park. She is wearing a dark sweater over a white shirt, with green grass and trees in the background, under a clear blue sky.

Lu Ming

Master of Science in Accessible Human-Centered Computing

Graduate Class of 2025 Speaker

Biography
A young person with short, light-colored hair smiles brightly, wearing a sleeveless white top. They have a butterfly tattoo on their arm and are standing in front of a brick wall with flowers in the background.

Aubrie Bauer

Bachelor of Arts degree in Government and History

Undergraduate Class of 2025 Speaker

Biography

Gallaudet University has selected undergraduate and graduate students to speak to their graduating classes since 1991. If you would like to know who were our previous student speakers, our Archives and Deaf Collections updates the list annually.

Past Student Speakers

Faculty Emerit

A woman with short, curly hair is standing outside, smiling. She is wearing glasses and a black coat over a patterned blouse. The background features soft, blurred greenery and warm sunlight.

Dr. Valerie (Val) Dively, ’82 & G-’85

Professor Emerita

Biography
A smiling woman with curly hair, wearing glasses and a patterned blouse, stands near a stone pillar in a corridor with a checkered floor and red walls in the background.

Dr. Carol J. Erting

Professor Emerita

Biography
A smiling older woman with short, gray hair wearing a blue sweater and a light scarf, standing against a neutral background.

Dr. Linda Lytle, ’72

Professor Emerita

Biography
A man in a black blazer and white shirt, wearing a patterned tie, smiles at the camera. He has short, light-colored hair and is standing against a light-colored wall.

Dr. James Nickerson, ’80

Professor Emeritus

Biography

Commencement Awards

Each year in May, we recognize the accomplishments of students who have demonstrated academic excellence and exceptional leadership in their fields.

Please join us in celebrating our Award recipients and their outstanding scholarly achievements!

Undergraduate Awards
Graduate Awards
Past Awards
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Tim Cook presenting to the audience at a Gallaudet Commencement ceremony

Past Commencements

Join previous classes in reliving the memories and inspiration of their graduation ceremonies.

Watch below and be inspired by the words of these accomplished leaders such as notable speakers including Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum of Mount Holyoke College and author, Dr. Annelies Kusters of Heriot-Watt University, Scotland, Dr. Naomi Caselli of Boston University, and so many more.

Watch now and be inspired by the words of these accomplished leaders

FAQs

  • These recommendations are intended for graduating students who test positive for COVID prior to commencement. Graduating students who show symptoms of COVID will not be allowed to attend the ceremony.
  • Students with COVID within days 1-5, who are not showing active symptoms such as cough and/or fever will be allowed to sit in a designated room in the fieldhouse apart from the commencement ceremony and will watch the event on TV in the separate area. They will be brought into the ceremony by a volunteer worker and walk on stage to receive their degrees and then return to the designated space to watch the rest of the ceremony.
  • Students can test out after their 5th day of isolation to return to daily activities and attend commencement activities as normal, but should mask up until day 10. 
    • This includes walking on the stage. 
  • Students with COVID and not showing symptoms should be masked up at all times while sitting in the designated room.
  • Exception to the mask policy: Students will be allowed to walk at the end of the ceremony with a modified walk that could include mask removal for a brief amount of time for photographs.
  • There will be no attendance for rehearsal.

Tickets are required for entrance to commencement. You must have a ticket by invitation of a graduating student, or be a volunteer, to attend.

Information for Students

You can find the GradFest Checklist to help prepare you for the Commencement week festivities. The Checklist includes information on the GradFest, cap and gown orders, ceremony schedule, ticketing, housing and meal accommodations, events, and more.

If you have any specific questions that are not answered on the webpage, please feel free to contact the Commencement Team via the contact form below. We are here to assist you in any way we can.

Contact Us

Chairman Yohei Sasakawa

Chairman Yohei Sasakawa is a Japanese businessman, philanthropist, and diplomat who has served as chairman of The Nippon Foundation since 2005. Born on January 8, 1939, in Tokyo, Sasakawa led The Nippon Foundation, Japan’s most prominent private charitable organization, through significant expansion in philanthropy, maritime safety, education, and disability inclusion.

He is recognized for his lifelong work to eliminate leprosy and its associated stigma, serving as the World Health Organization’s Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination since 2001. He has initiated global aid projects focused on food security, healthcare, and education, including medical support for Chernobyl victims, scholarship networks, and initiatives to improve maritime navigation. He is credited with organizing major arts festivals promoting the talents of disabled artists and establishing scholarship and training programs for people with disabilities, especially across Southeast Asia. Sasakawa’s commitment to ocean conservation has led to key partnerships and initiatives that support global maritime development.

Chairman Yohei Sasakawa’s role at Gallaudet University centers on supporting international deaf and hard-of-hearing students through philanthropic initiatives. He facilitated the partnership between The Nippon Foundation and Gallaudet University, which led to the creation of scholarship programs, including the Sasakawa International Scholarship (SIS) and the Gallaudet-Nippon World Deaf Leadership Scholarship (WDL). These programs provide financial support, enabling students from around the world to pursue higher education at Gallaudet. Recipients are empowered to make significant contributions to their local deaf communities upon graduation, reinforcing the partnership’s goal of fostering global leadership. Sasakawa personally engaged with university leadership and has been instrumental in maintaining and renewing this partnership, furthering his commitment to building an inclusive society for people with disabilities. His involvement is not in an administrative or faculty role but as a philanthropic leader whose foundation’s support enables lasting educational and leadership opportunities for international deaf students at Gallaudet University.

Nyle DiMarco

Nyle DiMarco was born in Queens, New York, into a large multigenerational Deaf family and graduated from Gallaudet University with a degree in mathematics. He first rose to fame as the first Deaf contestant and later won “America’s Next Top Model” in 2015, followed by a victory on “Dancing with the Stars” in 2016. DiMarco has continued to break barriers as a model, actor, and producer, and as an activist for advancing language equality and Deaf representation in the media. He has appeared on television shows such as “Switched at Birth,” “Difficult People,” and “This Close,” and he has also produced the Broadway revival of “Children of a Lesser God.”

DiMarco has stated that Gallaudet gave him his identity and lifelong friends, and helped him develop confidence through immersion in a Deaf-centric environment. He credits the university’s belief and support for inspiring his self-belief and providing him with the foundation to pursue modeling, acting, and advocacy opportunities. The strong community at Gallaudet enabled him to thrive and recognize the value of a supportive and inclusive space.

Initially majoring in mathematics with the intention of teaching Deaf children, DiMarco was inspired by his experiences and interactions on campus to pursue public advocacy and a career in the entertainment industry. Gallaudet’s focus on Deaf education and activism encouraged him to approach his career as a platform for wider-reaching impact on Deaf rights and language equality. He later returned to collaborate on media projects, such as “Deaf U,” which spotlighted Deaf experiences at Gallaudet.

DiMarco founded the Nyle DiMarco Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of Deaf individuals, particularly children, through bilingual education and language advocacy. He is also a prominent spokesperson for Language Equality and Acquisition (LEAD-K) among Deaf children. His activism encompasses educating the public about Deaf culture and advocating for increased media representation of Deaf individuals. DiMarco embraces his Deaf identity as an asset rather than a limitation, promoting diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in all areas.

Through Gallaudet, DiMarco became deeply involved in the broader movement for Deaf empowerment, drawing from the university’s rich history of activism—most notably the “Deaf President Now” protest, which he later highlighted in his co-directed documentary. This background at Gallaudet taught him the significance of representation, laying the groundwork for his advocacy for Deaf children’s access to language and education.

Lu Ming

Lu Ming is graduating with a Master of Science in Accessible Human-Centered Computing. Born and raised in China, she was inspired to apply to Gallaudet University after watching the movie CODA, which sparked her interest in Deaf culture and the power of sign language. Lu began her journey at the English Language Institute (ELI) in fall 2022, where she not only improved her American Sign Language skills but learned how to navigate and connect with the Deaf community.

In fall 2023, Lu entered the master’s program, continuing her journey of personal and professional growth. During graduate school, she joined research teams focused on enhancing the accessibility of educational materials for Deaf students. Her work centered on improving the design and effectiveness of videos and captions to better support Deaf learners. In addition, Lu served as a tutor at ELI, where she supported fellow international students as they adjusted to life at Gallaudet University. These experiences strengthened Lu’s passion for creating accessible learning environments and deepened her commitment to advancing equity through thoughtful design.

Learning at Gallaudet University opened new doors for Lu, not only to communication, but to identity, community, and growth. As she looks ahead, Lu carries with her not only the knowledge and skills gained through her studies, but a strong sense of purpose shaped by her lived experiences. She is deeply grateful to the Gallaudet community for embracing her growth and inspiring her journey. Being part of a space where Deaf voices lead and Deaf culture thrives has transformed how she envisions access and inclusion. Lu is excited to continue advocating for an accessible, human-centered design that honors the diversity of lived experiences and helps build a more equitable world for all.

Aubrie Bauer

Aubrie Bauer is graduating from Gallaudet University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government and History, completing eight years on Gallaudet’s Kendall Green campus – four at the Model Secondary School for the Deaf and four at the University. Aubrie was born in Wisconsin, raised in Indiana for most of her life, and now resides in Frederick, MD.

During her time at the University, Aubrie has been a proud member of the Debate Team for three years and has worked at the Center for Democracy in Deaf America since the second semester of her freshman year. She loves diving into controversial topics, debating with just about anyone, and learning more about how people think and why they believe what they do.

Aubrie’s intellectual curiosity includes politics, democracy, and the histories of U.S. presidents and World War II. Her passion for travel has taken her to over 20 countries, mostly in Europe, and looks forward to continuing exploring the world. When she isn’t debating or traveling, Aubrie enjoys engaging in sharp, witty humor and hanging out with her two-year-old German Shepherd, Mercedes.

Valerie Dively, ’82 and G-’85

Dr. Valerie “Val” Dively (’82 and G-’85) was an exemplary educator at Gallaudet University for 30 years, until her retirement in 2019. In 1990, she joined the Interpretation faculty in Gallaudet’s Department of Linguistics and Interpreting, which later divided into two departments – Linguistics, and Interpretation and Translation – and served as first chair of the latter program. She was also the coordinator for both the bachelor of arts and master’s of arts programs in interpretation. Dr. Dively is a published author and researcher in sign language linguistics and interpreting. In addition to her duties as a faculty member, she enrolled in a doctorate program in linguistics at The Union Institute (now Union Institute and University) and received her degree in 1996. Prior to Dr. Dively’s career at the University, she taught English and Mathematics at the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center’s Model Secondary School for the Deaf at Gallaudet University from January 1984 to June 1985, and worked as an adjunct professor at Gallaudet and a Deaf American Sign Language interpreter and instructor for approximately eight years in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.

Carol J. Erting

Dr. Carol J. Erting left a lasting impression on Gallaudet University through a career spanning 46 years. Her collaborative ethnographic research in Deaf homes, schools, and classrooms contributed to the literature on socialization and education in the deaf community from a cultural and linguistic perspective. Dr. Erting began working at Gallaudet in 1974 as a research associate in American Sign Language linguistics pioneer Dr. William C. Stokoe’s Linguistics Research Laboratory. In 1977, she joined the faculty, and in 1979 she was appointed to the University’s Research Institute. She held faculty appointments in the Linguistics Department (1982-1996) and the Department of Education (1996-2020). Dr. Erting served in several administrative roles at Gallaudet, including Chair of the Department of Education, Dean of the Graduate School, and Provost, serving in the latter role until her retirement in 2020. Dr. Erting holds a Ph.D. in Cultural Anthropology from American University, an M.Phil in Anthropological Research Methods from the University of London, and B.S. and M.A. in Communicative Disorders/Deaf Education degrees from Northwestern University. She has received numerous scholarly awards, including a NATO Postdoctoral Fellowship in Science (1985), the Richard M. Phillips Faculty/Staff of the Year Award (1999), the Award for Excellence in Academic Leadership from the American Conference of Academic Deans (2020), and in 2023 the Association of College Educators – Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ACE-DHH) honored her with the Sister Mary Delaney Award for exemplary achievement in the preparation of teachers of students who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Linda Risser Lytle, ’72

Dr. Linda Risser Lytle (‘72) had a long and varied career at Gallaudet University. She started as a teacher’s aide at the Model Secondary School for the Deaf (MSSD) in the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center the summer after receiving her undergraduate degree. She next became a teacher in the MSSD English Department, while pursuing her master’s degree in school psychology from the Catholic University of America, and after graduating became an MSSD school psychologist. Realizing that she wanted to do more in the psychology field, she earned a doctoral degree, also from Catholic University, and became a psychologist, working briefly in the University’s former Counseling and Placement Center, and then leaving Gallaudet to set up a full-time private practice. In 2004, she returned to Gallaudet as a professor in the Department of Counseling, training both clinical mental health counselors and school counselors. Dr. Lytle was director of the innovative Summers and Online School Counseling Program for many years, supporting students with grants provided by the U.S. Department of Education. Before her retirement in 2019, she also co-directed the Infants, Toddlers, and their Families master’s certificate program. She is co-author of Turning the Tide: Making Life Better for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Schoolchildren. Dr. Lytle was married to the late Dr. Richard Lytle, a retired Gallaudet faculty member in the Department of Education. She lives in Delaware and enjoys visiting her three adult children and their families.

James Nickerson, ’80

Dr. James Nickerson (‘80), had a long and distinguished career as a faculty member in Gallaudet University’s Mathematics Program in the School of Science, Technology, Mathematics, and Public Health (1983 to 2020). Dr. Nickerson, who became deaf at age five, received his early education at the Martin School for the Deaf in Philadelphia, Pa., before transferring to a mainstream program. After graduating from Gallaudet, he enrolled at the University of Tennessee, where he earned his master of science degree in mathematics in 1983, then pursued his Ph.D. in mathematics at the University of Maryland, receiving his degree in 1995. As a Gallaudet faculty member, Dr. Nickerson was very active in faculty governance, particularly with the University Faculty Senate’s Faculty Welfare and Tenure and Promotion committees. He took great pride and gratification in mentoring mathematics majors, and particularly enjoyed teaching Non-Euclidean Geometry in American Sign Language. To this day, whenever Dr. Nickerson is asked about his past career, he always replies, “I loved my job.”