gallaudetalumni

Dear Alumni,

Since beginning my service as president of Gallaudet a few days ago, Vicki
and I have been touched by the warm and friendly reception that we have
received. We are both thrilled to now be a part of the vibrant Gallaudet
community.

Since I was a child, I have benefited from the influence of Gallaudet
University and its alumni. As a child growing up in Iowa and Missouri, I
have had (and continue to have) many close friends who were Gallaudet
alumni, some of whom were my excellent role models. When I went for my
doctorate, I received a grant from the Gallaudet University Alumni
Association’s Graduate Fellowship Fund, which allowed me to further my own
education. During my professional career, I have worked with Gallaudet
alumni. I have served on the boards of deaf organizations with Gallaudet
alumni, including my tenure as president of the National Association of
the Deaf. My daughter was a student at Gallaudet University and played on
varsity women’s softball team for two years. At the National Technical
Institute for the Deaf, an alumnus of Gallaudet, Dr. Robert R. Davila, who
at that time was vice president of RIT for NTID, hired me as the dean of
NTID.  Dr. Davila eventually became the ninth president of Gallaudet
University.  I am both honored and humbled to be selected as his
successor.

I am proud now to be part of the University community that has meant so
much to me personally and has made such an impact on my own life.

I look forward to working with Gallaudet University Alumni Association
(GUAA) President Alyce Slater Reynolds, the GUAA Board, and GUAA Executive
Director and Director of Alumni Relations Sam Sonnenstrahl and his staff.
They will help me to maintain the excellent relationship the University
has with its active and committed alumni. I hope to meet you either on
campus or at an event in your area.

Warmly,