RELEASE: Gallaudet President I. King Jordan receives George Bush Medal

From: Gallaudet - Jul 26, 2005

PRESS RELEASE
For more information, contact:
Darrick Nicholas
Media Relations Coordinator, Gallaudet University
PH: 202.448.7136
E-mail: darrick.nicholas@gallaudet.edu

Gallaudet President I. King Jordan receives George Bush Medal

Honor marks the 15th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act

(WASHINGTON) Dr. I. King Jordan, president of Gallaudet University, recently received the George Bush Medal for the Empowerment of People with Disabilities.

The ceremony took place July 25, 2005, at a gala marking the 15th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Honored with Jordan were National Organization on Disability founder Alan A. Reich and U.S. Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-MD). Jordan could not attend the program in person, and Dr. Glenn Anderson, chair of the Gallaudet University Board of Trustees and vice chair of the National Council on Disabilities, accepted the award on Jordan's behalf. Dr. Anderson was accompanied by Carrie Kobek Pezzarossi, president of Gallaudet's Graduate Student Association, and Michael Higgins, president of the university's Student Body Government.

"I am honored and humbled to receive the [medal]," Jordan said in written remarks. "I am especially honored knowing the others who have received this award. They are my heroes." Past recipients of the Bush Medal include Justin Dart, Jr., Evan J. Kemp, Jr., and Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa).

Jordan was present at the White House in 1990 when President George H. W. Bush signed the ADA into law. He believes that the measure's relevance cannot be diluted by the passing years.

"Today, 15 years later, I am proud to report there continues to be tremendous progress at Gallaudet and in the deaf community," he said. "I see that progress every day when I speak with young deaf people. They discuss their plans to become lawyers or scientists or accountants or professors…and they in fact succeed in these and many other professions."

"I share [the medal] with all my deaf brothers and sisters," he concluded. "I assure you that we will continue to work hard to keep the promise of the ADA."

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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.