Dr. I. King Jordan, First Deaf President of an American University, to Speak at Bergen Community College’s Deaf Culture Day, Apr
By Paramus Post Tuesday, April 21, 2009, 06:49 AM EDT
Dr. I. King Jordan
Dr. Jordan first became President of Gallaudet University in 1988, after a week-long student led protest that is now referred to as Deaf President Now (DPN). He retired in December 2006 and now serves as an international spokesperson and advocate for all people with disabilities.
Deaf students are proud members of a unique linguistic community. “Deaf Culture Day” reflects Bergen’s commitment to promoting the diverse cultures that enrich campus life and enhance learning and career development opportunities for students.
A student panel discussion titled, “Hearing the Deaf Community: How Deaf Culture Shapes Lives,” will be held from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. in S-134, in the Pitkin Education Center. Join students from the Deaf community as they share their perspectives on Deaf and hearing communities, campus life at Bergen and their dreams for the future.
Deaf community resources and vendors will also be available in the Student Center from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
In addition, Bergen Community College’s Center for Collegiate Deaf Education (CCDE) celebrates 20 years of service to the Deaf community with a special dinner on the evening of April 24.
“Deaf Culture Day presents both hearing and hard of hearing students with an opportunity to learn about the services that CCDE offers to the Deaf community,” said Bergen student Anthony De Franco, of Ringwood. “The CCDE has provided me with access to a range of educational resources, including the opportunity to work with sign language interpreters, who have helped me communicate with my professors and classmates.”
The CCDE serves as the Northern Regional Center for college students who are Deaf or hard of hearing. The Center provides students enrolled at the College with comprehensive support services, including sign language interpreting services and academic and personal enrichment opportunities. Throughout its 20-year history, the CCDE has served approximately 600 students.
“Bergen Community College is proud to partner with The Center for Collegiate Deaf Education in creating an environment where Deaf students throughout the region can successfully pursue their commitment to higher education,” said Dr. G. Jeremiah Ryan, President of Bergen Community College. “The 20-year anniversary of the CCDE marks a momentous milestone as Bergen recognizes faculty, staff and students who have brought this program to the forefront of the Deaf community through specialized programs, professional development and training classes and student-sponsored events.”
For additional information about CCDE, please visit http://www.bergen.edu/ccde
About the Center for Collegiate Deaf Education
The Center for Collegiate Deaf Education (CCDE) is the Northern Regional Center for college students who are Deaf or hard of hearing. The Center was established by means of the New Jersey Commission on Higher Education with the support of Bergen Community College. The CCDE works collaboratively with the administration and faculty of Bergen Community College in creating an inclusive barrier free environment where students with hearing loss can be successful. The aim of the Center is to sponsor students in their commitment to higher education. The Center provides comprehensive support services as well as personal enrichment opportunities for students enrolled at the college.
About Bergen Community College
Bergen Community College is a public two-year coeducational college, enrolling more than 15,000 students in Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, and Associate in Applied Science degree programs and certificate programs. More than 10,000 students are enrolled in non-credit, professional courses through the Division of Continuing Education, the Institute for Learning in Retirement, the Philip J. Ciarco Jr. Learning Center, located at 355 Main Street, Hackensack, and Bergen at the Meadowlands, located at 1280 Wall Street West, Lyndhurst. Information about the College is available at www.bergen.edu or by phoning the Welcome Center at (201) 447-7200.
