Gallaudet Establishes First Endowed Professorship in University History

Gallaudet is pleased to announce a gift from Alan M. Fisch that establishes the university’s first-ever endowed and named professorship: the Alan M. Fisch Professorship in Mathematics. The gift is intended to assist Gallaudet in attracting and retaining a faculty member in the Mathematics Program, assist in recognizing an outstanding member of the Mathematics Program, and to provide supplemental salary support. 

A prominent Washington, D.C. lawyer and St. Paul, Minn., native, Fisch said he chose to fund the mathematics professorship because: “Mathematics is the most elegant form of abstraction humans have. It operates independently of culture, of language, even of sound. In this way, math offers something rare: An arena where what matters is clarity of thought, not the volume of expression.”

With his gift, Fisch seeks to enhance Gallaudet’s institutional excellence in the Mathematics Program, ensuring that all students who take mathematics courses, whether they are mathematics majors or not, continue to have access to high quality instruction inside a program that values rigor. 

“Every Gallaudet student deserves the challenge, discipline, and insight that great mathematics instruction uniquely provides,” said Fisch.

“Mathematics is an essential part of Gallaudet’s undergraduate core curriculum. Enhancing mathematical literacy benefits every student and provides them with a wealth of critical thinking and problem-solving skills applicable to their other courses, daily lives, and future careers,” said Provost Khadijat K. Rashid, ’90. “Mr. Fisch’s generosity affirms our academic plan and stewardship, and we are deeply grateful for his gift to the university and its Mathematics Program.”

Fisch had long known of Gallaudet, but it was an unexpected meeting with the late, beloved alumnus Gerald ‘Bummy’ Burstein, ’50 & H-’86, that stirred him to become a dedicated donor. 

“We happened to be seated next to one another on a long-delayed afternoon flight from Washington, D.C. to Texas, and our conversation never stopped. It was the most impactful flight delay of my life,” Fisch recalled. “Bummy was an amazing person with boundless curiosity and spirit. He inspired my commitment to the university more than a decade ago, and I’m forever grateful he did. Supporting Gallaudet and its unique mission has been a life pleasure like no other.”

“This gift is a powerful reminder of the role our alumni play as ambassadors for Gallaudet,” said Nicholas Kiego, ’09, executive director of Gallaudet’s Office of Institutional Advancement. “When they share our community’s values, language, and vision with the world, they spark connections that lead to extraordinary opportunities—like this professorship. We are grateful to the late Dr. Bummy Burstein, for being that bridge and to Mr. Fisch for recognizing the brilliance within our university.”

---

Gallaudet’s math program offers students several degree options, including a B.S., B.A., minor, and dual degree in Industrial Engineering.