New endowment fund established to honor the lasting legacy of Deaf President Now

In the nearly four decades since Deaf President Now (DPN) installed the first deaf president in Gallaudet University’s history, the movement has been celebrated around the country and the world as a watershed moment in both Deaf culture and civil rights. It is fitting that in the same month of the 37th anniversary of DPN, esteemed Gallaudet alums, Dr. Philip W. Bravin, ’66 & H-’14, and Judith R. Bravin, ’66, established an endowment fund to honor the legacy of DPN. 

On Wednesday, March 26, 2025, the Bravins officially signed their endowment gift agreement in front of their loved ones, alongside Gallaudet President Roberta J. Cordano and Provost Dr. Khadijat K. Rashid, ’90. With the signing, the fund is fully endowed. 

“DPN was a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ event that was a paradigm shift for the deaf community, going from having others controlling our destiny to we, as deaf people, now controlling our own destiny,” said the Bravins. “Many young deaf people are not aware, or do not realize, the many blessings and changes that have benefited us within society are a direct result of DPN.”

The Judith Rasmus Bravin and Philip William Bravin Deaf President Now (DPN) Legacy Fund supports initiatives that celebrate, promote, and preserve the legacy of DPN such as giving an award for the best student essay, the production of a university or student-produced media project, creative performances, the creation of historical landmarks and displays, the development of academic materials or curriculum, and more. 

“The more deaf and hard of hearing people know about the symbolism and the spirit of DPN, the more roads of opportunity for deaf and hard of hearing people will open. The various initiatives the fund hopes to provide will make such awareness available to all parts of our community,” said the Bravins. 

“Given their deep love and passion for Gallaudet and how thoughtful they are, this endowment is a perfect reflection of who they are,” said Nicholas Kiego, ’09, Executive Director of Gallaudet’s Office of Institutional Advancement, during the ceremony. “They have deep roots here at Gallaudet that go back more than 50 years. Phil and Judy have been incredibly generous with both their time and money. It is impossible to measure how much they have given of themselves back to the university and it is impossible to measure the positive impact they have had on our community.” 

Dr. Bravin was a member of the Gallaudet Board of Trustees during DPN and helped steer the administration toward the best possible outcome. He was an intermediary between the four student leaders, Bridgetta Bourne-Firl, ’89; Jerry Covell, ’89; Greg Hlibok, ’89; and Tim Rarus, ’88, as well as the board during the protest. Afterward, Dr. Bravin became the first deaf chairperson of the Board of Trustees, a position he held for five of his 20 years on the board. 

“Your commitment to Gallaudet is outstanding and your place in Gallaudet’s history cannot be replaced,” said President Cordano to the Bravins during the signing ceremony.

President Cordano acknowledged the Bravin family members in attendance, many of whom are alums, current or former staff members, and deaf educators. 

“Your family has had a significant impact on the Deaf community and here at Gallaudet,” she said. “We need the love and commitment of families like yours to keep Gallaudet strong.”

Provost Rashid shared her own DPN story during the signing ceremony at the encouragement of President Cordano.

“As an international student, I was worried at first about being involved in a protest because I did not want to jeopardize my student visa,” recalled Provost Rashid. “I was friends with Bridgetta and after watching from the sidelines for several days, I felt inspired to join them. I am so glad that I did.” 

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Do you want to contribute to the legacy of Deaf President Now? You can make a donation to the Judith Rasmus Bravin and Philip William Bravin Deaf President Now (DPN) Legacy Fund today.

Visit the Giving at Gallaudet page to learn more about ways to give, and the lasting impact you can make on the world’s leading university for the deaf and hard of hearing.

DPN is now a movie! The Deaf President Now! documentary from Apple Original Films will be available to watch at AppleTV+ on May 16, 2025. Gallaudet proudly collaborated with alumnus Nyle DiMarco, ’13, and Oscar-winning filmmaker Davis Guggenheim from Concordia Studio on the film which premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival.