In 1893, Agatha Tiegel Hanson became the first Deaf woman to graduate from National Deaf Mute College (now Gallaudet University) four year program with a Bachelor of Arts. She was one of the 13 founders of O.W.L.S and was its first president. She also was co-founder and associate editor of "The Buff and Blue newspaper. Her valedictorian speech argued for the recognition of "The Intellect of Women", a cause she advocated throughout her life.
