Gallery of Diplomas - Ronald Reagan

The following are diplomas granted to Gallaudet University graduate and undergraduate students and signed by United States President Ronald Reagan, who was president from 1981 until 1989.

Diplomas were also signed by Edward C. Merrill, Jr., president of Gallaudet, from 1969 until 1983. The next Gallaudet president to preside over commencement exercises was Jerry C. Lee, president from 1984 until 1987.

In 1986, Gallaudet College became Gallaudet University. Alumni were offered commemorative diplomas with the new school name.

Finally, in 1988, I. King Jordan, ’70, began his term as Gallaudet president. Dr. Jordan’s appointment followed the landmark Deaf President Now protest when students and alumni objected to the selection of Dr. Elisabeth Zinser, a hearing woman, as president. The week-long protest gained world-wide attention and support and led to the selection of Jordan, the university’s first deaf president. The protest is often noted as being a catalyst for the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990.

U.S. President

Gallaudet Presidents

Ronald Reagan

1981-1989

Edward C. Merrill, Jr.

1969-1983

Jerry C. Lee

1984-1987

I. King Jordan, ’70

1988-2006

1981

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Linnea Ellen Aldridge

Bachelor of Arts

December 17, 1981

Thanks to Linnea Ellen Aldridge, ’81, for generously donating her diploma to the University Archives.

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Robbie Jane Carmichael

Master of Arts

May 18, 1981

Thanks to Robbie Jane Carmichael, ’79 & G-’81, for generously donating her diplomas to the University Archives.

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David Wayne King

Bachelor of Arts

May 18, 1981

Thanks to David Wayne King, ’81, for generously donating his diploma to the University Archives.

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Janet Sue Rothenberg

Master of Arts

May 18, 1981

Gallaudet University would like to thank Janet Rothenberg Weinstock ’78 & G-’81 for generously donating her B.A. and M.A. diplomas.

1982

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Valerie Lynn Dively

Bachelor of Arts

May 14, 1982

Thanks to Valerie Lynn Dively, ’82 & G-’84, for generously donating her diplomas to the University Archives.

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André Pierre Pellerin

Bachelor of Arts

December 14, 1982

Thanks to Andre Pellerin, ’82, for generously donating his diploma to the University Archives.

1984

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Mona Blanchette McCubbin

Bachelor of Arts

May 1984

Thanks to Ms. Mona Blanchette McCubbin, ’84, for generously donating her diploma to the University Archives.

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Valerie Lynn Dively

Master of Arts

December 1984

Thanks to Valerie Lynn Dively, ’82 & G-’84, for generously donating her diplomas to the University Archives.

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Ellen Felton Speranza

Bachelor of Science

May 1984

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Debra Siel Lawson

Master of Arts

May 1984

Thanks to Debra Siel Lawson, G-’84, for generously donating her diploma to the University Archives.

1986

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Gerald “Bummy” Burstein

Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa

October 24, 1986

Thanks to Mr. Gerald “Bummy” Burstein, ’50 & H-’86, for generously donating his diplomas to the University Archives.

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Dr. Susan Mozzer Mather

Master of Arts

May 1986

Thanks to Dr. Susan Mather, G-’86, professor of linguistics, for generously donating her diploma to the University Archives.

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Jennifer C. Grinder Witteborg

Bachelor of Arts

1983

Commemorative Diploma

1986

In 1986, when Gallaudet College became Gallaudet University, alumni were offered commemorative diplomas with the new school name. This donation was made by Jennifer Witteborg who received her original bachelor of arts degree in 1983.