Catherine Moses, former Gallaudet professor and inaugural Director of the Master of Social Work (MSW) Program at Gallaudet, passed away on June 16th. Born in Baltimore in 1937, Moses was inspired by her father’s involvement in social justice issues there, becoming not only a strong community advocate but also a dedicated academic on and off Gallaudet’s campus.
Moses joined Gallaudet’s Department of Social Work in 1976, teaching in the BA Program. She was instrumental in developing and securing accreditation for the MSW program, and served as its first Director.
An exceptional colleague and instructor
Dr. Martha Sheridan, ‘77, says Moses set the standard for her, first as a student and later as a faculty member. During Moses’ first year teaching, she taught Sheridan’s policy and field practicum courses. The following year, Moses became Sheridan’s student in Sheridan’s ASL tutoring sessions for Social Work faculty.
“She was a loving person and a caring social worker. She had all the right characteristics, talents, and values for the profession, and she used them to the max,” says Sheridan. The two stayed in touch after Sheridan graduated, and Moses encouraged her to apply for an open faculty position at Gallaudet after Sheridan finished her doctorate.
In 1997, twenty years after taking Moses’ class, Sheridan says she was handed the syllabus for a community and organizational development course. “That class became my favorite course to teach, and the ripple effect of her influence continued throughout my twenty-three years of teaching it,” she recalls. Sheridan says it was an honor to follow in her footsteps and also serve as the MSW Program Director.
“I owe a huge thank you to Cathy for establishing the MSW Program. Her efforts provided me with the opportunity to return to Gallaudet as a professor and give back to the university and our community,” she says.
Similarly, retired professor and former colleague, Dr. Barbara White, ‘76, says, “I have fond memories of working and teaching with her. As a new faculty member in the 80’s, she mentored me with kindness, patience, and knowledge of the profession,” she recalls. “She was a cherished colleague and left a lasting impression on all who knew her.”
Professor Emeritus Dr. Elizabeth A. Moore, ’81, G-’94 & PhD ’11 says Moses was one of her favorite professors during the late 70s and early 80s when Moore was an undergraduate studying social work. Moses would invite students to her home to discuss their internships. “She was a down to earth, open minded individual who made many of us feel comfortable sharing our personal experiences,” says Moore.
David Barclay, G-’97, Professor in the Social Work program, met Moses briefly, yet she made a lasting impression on him. “Back in Summer 1993, I decided to become a social worker and naively walked into Cathy’s office a week before the Fall semester started and asked to be admitted into the MSW program,” he recalls. Moses worked with Barclay to help him join the program on time, giving him a chance he will never forget.
“I really try to pass on her kindness and flexibility with students, and think of that moment and how she changed my life with a simple ‘yes’ and encouragement,” he says.
Moses developed a physical condition that brought about her early retirement, but her relationships continued.
Retired Field Instructor Terry Arcari began working for the Department of Social Work in 1977, and remembers Moses as a quiet, dedicated person. “Although it severely impacted her speech and overall coordination, her grit persisted. This, with her husband’s continued care, allowed a group of us to get together for dinner several times per year at Mykonos restaurant in Rockville. During this time, the struggle was clear, but it was evident that Cathy was not about to be defeated by her circumstances. With strenuous attention to physical and speech therapy, the gains were evident. What a lesson in not becoming defeated, no matter what life sends your way,” says Arcari.
Reaching beyond campus
Moses was also deeply committed to serving the community and increasing support for Deaf adults with mental illness. She became involved with the National Health Care Foundation for the Deaf (now Deaf-REACH, Inc.) and Otis House, which was the first outpatient group home in the nation for Deaf adults with behavioral health concerns. She served on the Board of Deaf-REACH for six years, three of those as President.
In 2001, Deaf-REACH named an independent living house after her. Deaf-REACH Executive Director, Michele May says, “She was near and very dear to many at Deaf-REACH, and every day her name is remembered many times. The name sign is CMH and is a favorite spot for holiday parties and barbecues on the front lawn…Clients love living there, and it is a matter of pride for them to be able to live at CMH.”
May credits the tenacity, vision, and commitment of early board members for organizing a complicated set of resources to expand Deaf-friendly housing and services for Deaf and hard of hearing people with complex medical and behavioral health issues.
“The provision of the services is a tremendous impact, but forcing funding streams such as the DC government and HUD to take responsibility for funding services for Deaf people is equally important; and finding architects and zoning lawyers to help put together and construct a house is very complex as well, and they did it! Cathy Moses was part of the board that demanded so much on behalf of this community,” she says.
Carole Schauer, former Executive Director of Deaf-REACH from 1977 to 1993, is also impressed by Moses’ contributions.
“During those years, the organization grew from a single group home to three group homes. It also added a life skills program, a clubhouse, a day program, a jobs program, referral and counseling services, and began developing what would become 25 apartments. I know Cathy played an important role in that remarkable period of growth,” she says. Moses also identified prospective board members, helped create practicum opportunities for Gallaudet’s social work students there, and encouraged graduates to join the organization as staff.
Schauer says Moses’ incredible leadership, support, and wisdom always made her feel Moses was in her corner.
“I always found Cathy to be extraordinarily patient and kind. She was deeply committed to Deaf-REACH, its mission, and the people it served. We frequently held meetings at her home in Takoma Park, where her generosity, warmth, and hospitality were always evident. Those qualities, along with her dedication and quiet strength, left a lasting impression on me,” she says.
Carrying forward a powerful legacy
Every year, a student at Gallaudet has the opportunity to live up to Moses’ legacy. In 1996, an award in her name was established to recognize a graduating MSW student demonstrating leadership and outstanding potential.
Moses’ family is generously directing memorial donations to the Arlene Gavin and Catherine Moses Endowed Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarship support to graduate students majoring in Social Work at Gallaudet. Moses shares this fund with Gavin, another leader in the field, who founded and directed the first MSW program tailored for Deaf and hard-of-hearing students at the University of Maryland’s School of Social Work and Community Planning in Baltimore.
“We believe this would be a fitting way to continue the work and legacy that meant so much to her,” says Moses’ daughter, Ellie Moses Schuchman.
If you would like to contribute to the Arlene Gavin and Catherine Moses Endowed Scholarship Fund, donations can be made through Gallaudet’s Development Office.
