Welcome to Hi5! Every week, we will share five newsworthy highlights from the desk of President Cordano. If you are interested in keeping up to date, open this email and check out all the new buzzworthy content! This week’s signer is Darrius Doe, ’18, a social media copywriter in the Office of University Communications.

Our new students have arrived!

This week, we welcomed 270 new undergraduate students for New Student Orientation.

The undergraduate student body comes from 39 states and the District of Columbia, and includes nine international students. As in past years, one-third of the entering class is from deaf schools, one-third from mainstream programs, and one-third are transfer students. Students from California, Maryland, and New York make up one-third of the class.

We also have 160 new graduate students across more than 20 programs. This number includes some students who began their programs this summer. They come from 35 states and ten countries.

The university welcome ceremony took place yesterday for both undergraduate and graduate students. Classes begin next Monday. Be sure to welcome our newest community members!

First 48 Days initiative

Health and Wellness Programs is hosting the First 48 Days initiative from August 26 to October 6. There will be many different activities to help promote connections, engagement with the Gallaudet community, and healthy behaviors. It is modeled after a similar program at the University of Wisconsin. This is a cross-divisional collaborative effort including many departments under Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, Administration and Finance, and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Some of the planned events include a food challenge, programs on study and distress, therapy dogs, “Art for Mental Health Mondays,” suicide awareness, bystander training, and “Get Moving Gallaudet.” Flyers and social media posts will help spread the word! For more information, contact Christine Gannon, director of Health and Wellness Programs, at christine.gannon@gallaudet.edu. Most importantly, please come to these events and help make Gallaudet a home for all of our students!

Paul Julin announces his retirement 

Paul Julin, Vice President of Institutional Advancement, announced his retirement last week. His last day at Gallaudet will be August 30. Mr. Julin came to Gallaudet in 2014, just before the 150th anniversary celebration. He oversaw the Office of Development, the Office of Alumni Relations, and until this year, the Office of University Communications. He and his team have helped to increase planned giving commitments from alumni. The university will begin a national search for a new advancement leader immediately. Please join President Cordano in thanking Mr. Julin for his service and contributions to Gallaudet, and wishing him well in retirement.

The Metropolitan Police Department serves it up!

The Metropolitan Police Department, Fifth District, reached out to the MSSD administration and offered to cook hamburgers and hot dogs for staff and students to kick off the new school year. This cookout, held on Saturday, August 17, was great fun despite the high temperatures and humidity. We are grateful for MPD’s service and support. This is what truly makes a community! 

Upcoming events

Mark your calendar now for three major events during the month of September! President Cordano’s Welcome Home address on Wednesday, September 18 will include a full day of exciting events. Also coming up is the H Street Festival on Saturday, September 21 from 12 to 7 p.m. on H Street between Third and 14th Streets, Northeast. The following Monday, September 23, is the International Day of Sign Languages. More information will follow!

Have a good weekend!