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Gallaudet University

Washington, DC

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

אתפתח/Ephphatha (Aramaic)("Be opened")

1864
Founded
Private federally chartered university
Type
1,354
Total Students
875
Undergrad
460
Graduate
$229M
Endowment
(2024)
Doctoral/Professional Universities
Classification
President: Roberta Cordano

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Gallaudet University

The world's only university specifically designed for deaf and hard of hearing students.

Gallaudet University stands as a beacon of education, uniquely dedicated to deaf and hard of hearing students. Established in 1864 and chartered by President Abraham Lincoln, it holds the distinction of being the first school globally to offer advanced education specifically designed for this community. Gallaudet is celebrated for its immersive bilingual environment, where American Sign Language (ASL) and written English are seamlessly integrated into all instruction and community life, fostering an inclusive and vibrant academic experience.

As the world's only higher education institution with all programs and services tailored to deaf and hard of hearing students, Gallaudet provides unparalleled academic support. Classified as a "Research College and University," it offers a robust curriculum that empowers students to excel. The university's commitment to its mission is evident in its leadership, with a predominantly deaf staff, including President Roberta Cordano, ensuring a deep understanding of student needs and fostering a representative environment.

Prospective students and their families will find a supportive and empowering community at Gallaudet. From the pioneering compilation of the first ASL dictionary by its professors to the unique tradition of U.S. presidents signing graduate diplomas, the university's legacy is rich with achievements. While primarily serving deaf and hard of hearing individuals, the graduate school and a limited number of undergraduate spots are also open to hearing students, further enriching the diverse campus culture.

Key Highlights

  • World's only higher education institution specifically designed for deaf and hard of hearing students.
  • Founded in 1864 and federally chartered by President Abraham Lincoln, making it the first of its kind.
  • Officially bilingual, utilizing American Sign Language (ASL) and written English for all instruction and community interaction.
  • All graduate diplomas are signed by the sitting U.S. President, a tradition that began in 1871-1872.
  • Led by a predominantly deaf staff, including President Roberta Cordano, ensuring leadership deeply understands the deaf community.
  • Gallaudet professors compiled the first-ever dictionary of ASL signs in 1965.
  • Home to 1,354 students (Fall 2024), fostering a vibrant and inclusive campus life.

Timeline

1856
Philanthropist Amos Kendall established a grammar school for deaf and blind children in Washington, D.C.
1857
Chartered by the 34th Congress as the "Columbia Institution for the Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb and the Blind."
1864
College-level courses were first offered; President Lincoln signed an act authorizing the institution to grant college degrees on April 8.
1865
The institution's charter was amended, removing services for blind students and renaming it the "Columbia Institution for the Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb."
1869
The first students completed a full course of college studies, graduating with bachelor's degrees.
1871
The tradition of U.S. Presidents signing Gallaudet graduate diplomas began with President U.S. Grant.
1887
Women were first admitted to the college on an experimental basis.
1894
The collegiate division was officially renamed "Gallaudet College" in honor of Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet.
1965
Gallaudet professors compiled the first-ever dictionary of ASL signs.
1986
The institution was renamed "Gallaudet University" by Congress.
2016
Roberta Cordano became President.
🏛️
162 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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