The Gallaudet University Board of Trustees voted to grant an honorary degree to Alexander Fleischman, a grassroots leader in the deaf community for more than 50 years. He is known as Mr. NCJD as he has been involved with NCJD since it was founded in 1956.

Dr. Deborah Sonnenstrahl, Professor and former chair of the Department of Art has been named professor emeritus status. Sonnenstrahl, a 1959 graduate of Gallaudet, has taught Art History at Gallaudet since 1965. They will receive their awards during the University’s 127th commencement exercises on May 10, 1996.