In 1988, Gallaudet students, with support from many alumni, faculty, staff and friends of the University, protested the Board of Trustees' appointment of a hearing person to the presidency. Called Deaf President Now (DPN), the weeklong protest was a watershed event in the lives of deaf and hard of hearing people all over the world. At its conclusion, the new president resigned, and the Board named I. King Jordan, one of three finalists for the position, the eighth president of Gallaudet and the first deaf president since the institution was established in 1864.

Dr. Jordan’s leadership has heightened public awareness of the important educational contributions Gallaudet makes to the nation and the world. He serves as an international spokesperson for deaf and hard of hearing people, as well as an advocate for all persons with disabilities. President of Gallaudet for 18 years, Dr. Jordan will step down from the position Dec. 31, 2006.

Dr. Jordan will be recognized during a gala on Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at 7 p.m. in East Hall, Union Station. Other recipients include:

U. S. Senator John Heinz Award

Greatest Public Service by an Elected or Appointed Official

Representative John Lewis

S. Roger Horchow Award

Greatest Public Service by a Private Citizen

Michael Feinberg

David Levin

Samuel S. Beard Award

Greatest Public Service by an Individual 35 Years or Under

Peyton Manning

Established in 1972 by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Senator Robert Taft, Jr. and Sam Beard, the Jefferson Awards is considered the “Nobel Prize for public and community service.” The awards are presented on two levels: national and local. National award recipients represent a “Who’s Who” of outstanding Americans. On the local level, Jefferson Awards recipients are ordinary people who do extraordinary things without expectation of recognition or reward.

By Darrick Nicholas