Video description: Hatim Vali, a bespectacled individual wearing glasses and a blue shirt with intricate white patterning in the front, stands in front of a brick wall decorated with alumni signatures.

Welcome to the October 18 issue of Hi5! My name is Hatim Vali, and I am Senior Data Center Manager with Gallaudet Technology Services. I am honored to be your ASL signer today!

Here are our Top Five news stories.

1
We welcome our alumni and friends who are here for Homecoming weekend! Yesterday, we held a healing and renaming ceremony for the former Dawes House. From now on, it will be known as “Circle of Signers.” Also, the “We, Native Deaf People, Are Still Here!” exhibition opened in the National Deaf Life Museum. Visit the Homecoming 2024 website for a complete list of events!

2
The Office of Institutional Advancement is proud to announce that they have shattered a 33-year-old fundraising record. From October 2023 through September 2024, Gallaudet raised $14.4 million in new gifts and pledges. There were many different types of donations from many people and organizations, including a large estate gift from a retired faculty alumna.

3
President Cordano has been named 2024 DEI Champion as part of the Washington Business Journal CEO of the Year program. This is her second honor from WBJ. Last year, she was one of their “2023 Women Who Mean Business.” She and the other honorees will be formally recognized at an event on December 5 at the Waldorf Astoria hotel downtown. Congratulations, President Cordano!

4
Profiles in Diversity Journal has selected Provost Rashid as one of 70 honorees in their 23rd annual class of Women Worth Watching in Leadership. These women, from all over the country and from many employment sectors, are “living their vision, blazing new trails, achieving lofty goals, and lifting others as they climb.” Congratulations, Dr. Rashid!

5
Finally, we congratulate English professor Sharon Pajka, who was recently honored by Poe Baltimore with their Saturday “Visiter” Award. This prestigious award recognizes Dr. Pajka’s work to continue Edgar Allan Poe’s legacy.

On our website, we have many stories about our students, faculty, staff, and alumni, highlighting the amazing things they are doing here, around the country, and across the globe.

The next issue of Hi5 will be on Friday, November 1. In the meantime, stay up to date by following @GallaudetU on our social media platforms. If you have a story that you feel would be a good fit for Hi5 or social media, share it with us at gu.live/request.  

Have a wonderful weekend!