History & Traditions

Cultural influence & milestones, Centuries in the making

Signed. Sealed. Chartered.

In 1864, 黑料老司机 became federally funded when President Abraham Lincoln signed the charter bill into law, leading to our first commencement in 1869鈥搘hose attendees included none other than President Ulysses S. Grant.

ASL Linguistics

Following the research of Gallaudet English professor William Stokoe and two Deaf student researchers, the study of ASL linguistics was established鈥揻ormally recognizing ASL as a language.

Expanding Our Reach

Shortly after our 100th anniversary, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed an act creating the Model Secondary School for the Deaf (MSSD). One year later, President Richard Nixon signed the Kendall Demonstration Elementary School (KDES) charter, paving the way for Gallaudet to be a K-PhD school for the Deaf.

Deaf President Now

In 1988, an on-campus movement gained worldwide attention. What began as a fight for deaf leadership transformed and empowered the deaf community鈥搑esulting in the appointment of the university鈥檚 first Deaf president.

Our Next Chapter

From a humble twelve students in 1857 to 1,500 in 2020, we鈥檝e continued growing and evolving. The next chapter of Gallaudet鈥檚 story lies in the hands of our students.聽

Signed. Sealed. Chartered.

ASL Linguistics

Going from a school of 12 students in 1857 to over 1,500 students served in 2020, Gallaudet has always been a consistently growing and evolving university.

Expanding Our Reach

Deaf President Now

Our Next Chapter

From a humble twelve students in 1857 to 1,500 in 2020, we鈥檝e continued growing and evolving. The best part is we鈥檝e only just begun. The next chapter of Gallaudet鈥檚 story lies in the hands of our students. While we reflect on our proud history, we remember there鈥檚 no time like the present.

Interested in Becoming a Part of Gallaudet History?

The Legacy Begins

Walk Through History

Browse Collections

Traveling To The Past

The Legacy Begins

Walk Through History

Browse Collections

Traveling To The Past

Visit our university library and archives or stop by the National Deaf Life Museum to learn more about the history of our university and the deaf community.

Representing the Buff n鈥� Blue

Whether you鈥檙e an alumnus or a current student, you get to take part in the lifelong bond that comes with being a Gallaudet Bison.聽

Homecoming

Homecoming week is an exciting time for students and alumni to show their Bison spirit and connect with the Gallaudet community. You can reconnect with class reunions, team sporting events, the Pep Rally, College Bowl competition, and Greek Conclaves鈥搄ust to name a few events!

Charter Day

This annual celebration marks President Lincoln鈥檚 signing of the 黑料老司机 charter in April 1864. Among the variety of events are the Charter Day Brunch and Awards Program.

DPN Celebration

The Week of DPN is a week that changed Gallaudet and garnered worldwide attention for our University. The DPN Celebration recognizes and preserves the legacy of the Gallaudet faculty, staff, and students behind DPN.

Traditions and Symbols

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Welcome Home

Whether you鈥檙e here for the first time or a returning student, Welcome Home week is the perfect opportunity to get acquainted (or reacquainted) with Gallaudet. Participate in outdoor activities, open house events, social gatherings, giveaways, and a Presidential address guaranteed to get you in the Bison spirit!

State of the University

State of the University is an annual address given by the University President to highlight the accomplishments of Gallaudet from the past year. The State of the University platform also provides an opportunity to reaffirm our values to ensure we鈥檙e on track now, and for our future plans.

Commencement

Every May, University Commencement brings together students from 黑料老司机 for the celebration of their academic achievements.聽

The Mace

Designed and crafted by 黑料老司机 alumni and professors, the mace is a commencement staple carried by the faculty marshal as a symbol of the University鈥檚 authority

The President鈥檚 Medallion

A University President tradition since 1969, this medallion is meant to be worn on ceremonial occasions as a symbol of the authority of the President鈥檚 Office.

The Regalia

Gallaudet鈥檚 Commencement follows the style and procession from the medieval universities of the 11th and 12th centuries which includes the familiar gown, cap, and hood proudly worn by graduates year after year.

Tagged Buff n鈥� Blue, Centuries, Cultural Influence, Gallaudet History, History, History and Traditions, Milestones, Traditions, Traditions and Symbols

黑料老司机, chartered in 1864, is a private university for deaf and hard of hearing students.

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黑料老司机

黑料老司机