News Release: Gallaudet Alumni House renovation

From: Gallaudet - Jan 31, 2005

Plans under way for Gallaudet alumni house renovation

Alumni Association and University meet its funding mark

(WASHINGTON) The Gallaudet University Alumni Association (GUAA) has announced plans to begin a major renovation project involving its campus home.

Thanks to the efforts of Gallaudet's alumni, faculty and staff, the Peikoff Alumni House will undergo both exterior and interior renovation. The project, slated to cost approximately $1.7 million, should be completed by fall 2006.

The bulk of the project will be financed with $1.2 million from the Alumni House Maintenance Fund, one of the three funds established by the GUAA in 1964 to mark its centennial anniversary. Much of the remainder of the funding will be supported by the University's deferred maintenance funding.

"This renovation project would not have been possible without strong support from President I. King Jordan and Vice President (of Administration and Finance) Paul Kelly. Both agree that the Peikoff Alumni House is a campus treasure as well as a welcome center for Gallaudet alumni," said Sam Sonnenstrahl, director of alumni relations and GUAA executive director.

Nicknamed "Ole Jim," the Peikoff Alumni House was constructed in 1881 and served as the first gymnasium on Gallaudet's campus. Designed by architect Frederick Winters, the building housed one of the nation's first indoor swimming pools. It also had a basketball court and a two-lane bowling alley. Members of Congress frequently used the facilities.

About Gallaudet University

Gallaudet University is the world leader in liberal education and career development for deaf and hard-of-hearing undergraduate students. The University enjoys an international reputation for the outstanding graduate programs it provides deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing students, as well as for the quality of the research it conducts on the history, language, culture, and other topics related to deaf people. In addition, the University's Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center serves deaf and hard-of-hearing children at its two demonstration schools and throughout the nation by developing, implementing, and disseminating innovative educational strategies. Gallaudet is located in Washington, DC.