When grads-to-be hold their caps and gowns for the very first time at GradFest, they think about the future. And the past.
Organized by the Provost’s office, the annual GradFest event is a one-stop shop for graduates to get everything in order before Commencement. From clearing up outstanding balances to staying connected as an alumni, GradFest is where graduating becomes real–and so do the feels.
Before they walk the stage and get their well-earned degrees at the Commencement 2026 ceremony, we asked some seniors to share what they most appreciated about their teachers and classes during their time at Gallaudet.
Working out how to be a team player
Physical Education and Recreation (PER) majors were quick to compliment their program. Olivia Armstrong enjoyed the teamwork. “I learned how to improve my teaching, how to work with others, and how to coach and inspire students,” she says. Citrine Lummer agrees, saying, “Learning how to run and lead classes was fun and prepared me for the future.”
Lummer is a fan of instructor Vanessa Arp, ’10, because of the professor’s high expectations, as well as her commitment to her work and her students. “She makes sure we get the best education possible so that in the future we give the best of ourselves to our students. She expects a high standard of work from us,” says Lummer.
Matthew Flores says he learned to communicate more transparently and thoroughly enjoyed his courses with instructors Arp, Ryan Barlongo ’10, Michael Brecheen ’93, and Keith Sanfacon, ’91. For Devin Holmes, PER 240, or Diversity Topics in Sports and Recreation, was a favorite, saying, “I learned so many different things about sports through different presenters who shared their history and experiences connected to their cultures.”
The calculus of compassion
With aspirations of becoming teachers in the future, seniors Sajia Hassan and Nakai Payton had high praise for their math teachers.
A double major in Math and English, Hassan said, “Regina Nuzzo and Mohammad Obiedat were my favorite teachers–I wanted to learn from them. The courses were heavy and challenging, yes, but you could always approach them if you needed help. They would explain things clearly and help you understand.”
Payton, majoring in Deaf Studies and minoring in Black Deaf Studies, explained, “In high school, I struggled with math, but at Gallaudet, my favorite class was math, all because of Reggie Bess–my absolute favorite teacher. He taught me how to figure out problems one step at a time.”
ZaniBelle Hoglind, majoring in Business Administration, says her favorite class was Human Resources with Dr. Hollie Fallstone, ’02 & G-’05. “She shared her extensive experience working in HR and explained different applications of the work. It was really fascinating,” she says.
Humani-ties that bind
Across campus in the Washburn Arts Center, seniors Etasha Stone and Cha D’Angelo were similarly positive about their experience in the Art and Media Design program. Off to Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) in Baltimore for grad school this fall, Stone says, “Sculpting class helped me expand my creativity, knowledge, and skills. I’m a muralist, and sculpting improved my ability to use abstract concepts to visualize my Deaf identity.”
Mava Vazquez, ’06, is one of D’Angelo’s favorite teachers. “He’s fun and made me become engrossed in my courses. He’s really invested in his students. Art is rooted in creativity, and it can be hard to unpack and really discuss art. But with him, I was able to unlock that creativity,” they say.
A History major minoring in Education and Spanish, Shem Castillo looks up to past faculty Dr. Eileen Vo, and Dr. William T. Ennis, ’01. “Dr. Ennis wasn’t just supportive because of my history major. He helped me improve myself and engaged with me,” he says. Castillo’s experience working with Gallaudet staff archivists Jim McCarthy and Paige Watson, ’18, deepened his interest in archival work, which he plans to study in graduate school.
Double majoring in Government and International Studies, with a minor in Information Technology, Clark Barrett tips his hat to one professor in particular. “Professor Brendan Stern, ’06, taught me the art of debate, disagreement, and critical thinking. He brought that to me; nobody else in my life has had that level of impact,” says Barrett.
Majoring in Communication Studies and minoring in ASL and English, Justin Muschette thanks Stacy Nowak ’01, G-’05, EDS ’17 & PhD ’24 for fostering the depth of discussion in her Gender and Communication course. “My communication skills really improved in that class. It’s one of my favorites,” he says. Also on his list are Dr. Wanda Riddle ’07, G-’13, EDS ’20 & PhD ’24; and Dr. Paige Franklin,’91 & G-’95, with whom he worked in VEE classes. “She [Franklin] was also a reader for my honor’s class capstone. We really bonded,” he said. Working in Multicultural Student Programs made him close to staff members Najima Johnson, ’12 & G-’14, Brandon Williams, ’19, and Eyob Zerayesus.
Meetings of the minds
Psychology and Social Work are popular majors and minors at Gallaudet and these seniors were not shy about explaining why.
Hanna Johnston Shaw, a double major in Social Work and Psychology with a minor in Public Health, is grateful to Dr. Concetta Pucci, PhD ’13, for her support in juggling coursework with an intense internship. “She supported me, mentored me, and helped me understand how to manage everything. I worked with clients with mental health issues at a treatment center. There was a lot of vicarious trauma, but Dr. Pucci supported me through that,” says Johnston Shaw.
Similarly, Dania Collins, majoring in Social Work with a Psychology minor, appreciates the support of Terese Rognmo, ’03 & G-’06. “She was wonderful! She supported me academically and was very understanding and empathetic…She gave me the push I needed to help me keep going,” explains Collins.
Doro Williams, a Psychology major with a minor in Public Health, says both Dr. Morgane Vincent ’17, G-’20 & PhD ’23, and Dr. Christine Gannon pushed her to excel. “I have a bad habit of writing very short paragraphs, but they both expected me to do more. They forced me to type out my thoughts instead of making short statements. I really appreciate that about them,” says Williams.
No place like home
Every graduating senior had a unique experience, but they all had one thing in common: a deep appreciation for the Gallaudet community. As Muschette puts it, “There are so many people on the Gallaudet campus that I connected with, supported me, and helped with my growth from day one to today.”
Congratulations to our graduating seniors and all those who helped them along their way!
Banner Image Photo Credit: Jackie Albert
