In recognition of visionary guidance, exceptional leadership, and voluntary service to fellow deaf citizens.
List of honorable biography of Distinguished Alumnus, based on chronology date order of the award.
Alan Barwiolek – Class of 1952
Alan Barwiolek was born on July 19, 1952, to Stanley (Class of 1940) and Irene (Jesse) Barwiolek (Class of 1942). He graduated from WPSD in 1970, where he performed as an actor in the signed play Our Town.
Alan went on to study drama at Gallaudet University, graduating in 1975. He later earned a master’s degree in educational theater from New York University in 1979.
His professional career reflected his passion for both the arts and service to the Deaf community. Alan was an associate professor of sign language studies at Union College in Plainfield, New Jersey, a Deaf-blind specialist at the New Jersey Commission for the Blind, and a counselor at the Hoehne Rehabilitation Center. He was also one of the founders of the New York Deaf Theater, helping to expand opportunities for Deaf performers and audiences alike.
Sadly, Alan passed away on April 17, 1996, at the age of 43. His friends honored his memory by dedicating a tree to the WPSD campus. In recognition of his visionary guidance, outstanding leadership, and selfless service to the Deaf community, the Alumni Association posthumously awarded Alan Barwiolek the Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1999.
David Binning – Class of 1977
After graduating from WPSD in 1977, David Binning went on to earn an associate degree in Electromechanical Technology from the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) in Rochester, New York, in 1981.
He began a long and successful professional career as a Senior Lab Specialist at IBM, working in both North Carolina and Arizona starting in 1982. Alongside his IBM role, he also worked for Sorenson Communications as an installer/trainer for five years. In 2006, he was promoted to Director Manager at Sorenson, where he served until his retirement in 2009, completing 27 years in the field.
David was also a passionate advocate for the Deaf community. He served as President of the North Carolina Association of the Deaf from 1997 to 2001, and later as Vice President of the Wisconsin Association of the Deaf from 2013 to 2017.
In recognition of his leadership and service, David received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and was honored by the WPSD Alumni Association with the Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2014.
Rodney Danco – Class of 1965
Rodney Danco was born to WPSD parents, Rade and Marie (Rice) Danco. He graduated from Point Park University in 1970 with a bachelor’s degree in business management. Since then, Rodney has served as Vice President of Finance for Danco Precision, Inc., a family-owned business near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.
He remains active in the Deaf community, regularly attending the Pennsylvania Society for the Advancement of the Deaf (PSAD), National Association of the Deaf (NAD), and Deaf Senior Citizen Conventions.
At WPSD, Rodney was the first alumnus to serve on the Board of Trustees in 1984 and became the school’s first Deaf President in 2002. He served on the board for 22 years, stepping down in 2006.
The Alumni Association honored him with the Distinguished Service Award in 2002, recognizing his unwavering passion, unconditional commitment, and enduring dedication to WPSD. In 2014, he received the Distinguished Alumnus Award for his visionary guidance, outstanding leadership, and selfless service to the Deaf community.
Wesley Dickson – Class of 1948
Wesley Dickson, originally from Greensburg, enrolled at WPSD and graduated in 1948. During his school years, he was a dedicated athlete who played both soccer and basketball, helping his team to win the ESDAA Basketball Championship in 1948.
After graduation, Wesley attended Gallaudet College (now Gallaudet University), earning his degree in 1953. He returned to WPSD in 1955 to teach in the school’s printing shop, launching a career in education that would span decades. Alongside teaching, he joined the school’s basketball program as an assistant varsity coach and as the junior varsity coach.
Wesley retired from teaching in 1982 after 27 years of service but remained deeply involved with the school. In 1994, he joined the WPSD Board of Trustees, serving until his full retirement in 2017. Altogether, Wesley dedicated 50 years of service to WPSD.
He was also a committed member of the WPSD Alumni Association for 18 years, serving as President (1960–62), Trustee (1965–72), and Member at Large (1993–96, 2005–11). Wesley generously supported the school’s “Sharing the Future” initiative, further demonstrating his lifelong devotion to its mission.
In recognition of his many contributions, Wesley received numerous honors, including the WPSD Outstanding Alumni Award of the Year (1995), the Alumni Merit Award and Athletic Hall of Fame induction (2005), and the Rev. John G. Brown Service Award (2020).
Wesley Dickson’s legacy embodies the spirit of commitment, versatility, and service that have long supported the daily life and enduring success of the WPSD community. He passed away on December 20, 2019, at the age of 90.
Donald Galloway – Class of 1973
Donald Galloway began his academic journey at Bethany College in West Virginia, graduating in 1977. He went on to earn a master’s degree in Deaf Education from New York University in 1980, followed by a Professional Certification in School Leadership from the same institution in 1991.
Donald’s long and distinguished career in Deaf education began at Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf in 1977, followed by a teaching position at the Lexington School for the Deaf in New York City in 1980. In addition to teaching, he held various roles that demonstrated his leadership and expertise:
- Adjunct Professional Coordinator, New York University (1982–1985)
- ASL Instructor, New York Society for the Deaf (1984–1987)
- Director of Pupil Personnel Services, New York (1991)
- Executive Director, Treasure Coast Deaf Services, Port St. Lucie, Florida (1996)
- Adjunct Professor, Interpreter Training Program, Indian River Community College, Florida (1998)
- Director of Student Services, Atlanta Area School for the Deaf, Georgia (1999)
In 2013, Donald returned to the Lexington School for the Deaf, where he served as CEO/Superintendent until his retirement in 2019.
Donald has also demonstrated long-standing leadership within the Deaf community:
- Treasurer and President, New York Coalition of Deaf Educators (1985–1996)
- Board Treasurer, New York Deaf Theatre (1991)
- Board President, New York Deaf Theatre (1992–1996; resumed in 2018 and still serving)
- Member, 50th Anniversary Planning Committee, Maryland School for the Deaf
- Entertainment Coordinator, National Deaf Senior Citizens (DSA), 2021–2023
In recognition of his service and accomplishments, Donald was named Outstanding Alumni of the Year by WPSD in 2017 and received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the WPSD Alumni Association in 2020.
Audrain (Kukleski) Graham – Class of 1948
Audrain Kukleski graduated from WPSD in 1948 and went on to earn her degree from Gallaudet University in 1954. That same year, she began her teaching career at the West Virginia School for the Deaf before eventually returning to WPSD, where she served with dedication for 21 years.
Audrain departed WPSD in 1978 following her marriage to Lester Graham, which took place inside the school auditorium on December 30, 1978. Her sign name was formed with the letter “K” moving from the left to the right side of the head.
She passed away on January 11, 2001, at the age of 66, leaving a generous bequest of $650,000 to WPSD. In recognition of her life and contributions, she was posthumously honored with the Superintendent’s Award in 2001 and the Distinguished Alumna Award in 2005 by the Alumni Association.
Ida (Gray) Hampton – Class of 1951
Ida Wynette Gray was born in Richmond, Virginia. During her childhood, her father accepted a job in Pennsylvania, and the family relocated to the Johnstown area. After she became deaf, she enrolled at the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf (WPSD) in 1949 and graduated in 1951.
At the age of seventeen, Gray made history as the first Black Deaf woman to enroll at Gallaudet College, breaking significant racial and social barriers. During her years at Gallaudet, she became the first Black member of Delta Epsilon Sorority and served as chairperson of the Women’s Governing Council, the student organization responsible for overseeing the rules and regulations for women residing in the campus residence halls.
In 1957, Gray earned her Bachelor of Arts degree, becoming the first Black Deaf woman to graduate from Gallaudet College. Her achievements marked an important milestone in the history of both the Deaf community and higher education, paving the way for future generations of Black Deaf students.
Following her groundbreaking academic journey, Ida dedicated her life to education. She began teaching at the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind (FSDB) during a time when the school remained racially segregated. Committed to expanding her skills, she later earned a master’s degree in special education for children with learning disabilities from the University of North Florida. In 1987, she transitioned to teaching preschool and continued until her retirement in 1989, completing 32 years of service. She continues to reside in Florida.
Ida Hampton passed away on May 18, 2026, at the age of ninety in Kissimmee, Florida.
Ida’s legacy has been celebrated with numerous honors, including:
- Who’s Who Among American Colleges and Universities (1956)
- Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, Gallaudet University (2018)
- Distinguished Alumni Award, WPSD Alumni Association (2023)
- Recognition during Women’sHistory Month, Gallaudet University Alumni Association (2024)
Ida Wynette Gray Hampton’s life is a testament to courage, resilience, and dedication to education and advocacy. Her trailblazing achievements continue to inspire future generations to overcome obstacles and pursue their dreams.
Agatha (Tiegel) Hanson – Class of 1888
Agatha Tiegel was born on September 14, 1873, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. At the age of seven, she became deaf and lost sight in one eye due to spinal meningitis. She attended a Catholic academy and later a public school until the age of 13, when she was readmitted to the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf (WPSD) in October 1886. She graduated just two years later, in 1888.
That same year, at just 15 years old, Agatha entered the National Deaf-Mutes College (now Gallaudet University. Her enrollment was made possible after then-President Edward Miner Gallaudet provisionally lifted the college’s ban on admitting women in 1887. Agatha quickly proved herself a leader and advocate for gender equality. She founded a women’s debate club, and as the women continued to succeed academically and socially, the ban was permanently lifted.
During her years at Gallaudet, she became deeply involved in student life. In 1892, she co-founded and served as associate editor of The Buff and Blue, Gallaudet’s student newspaper. That same year, she helped organize a secret society for women—originally called the OWLS, later known as Phi Kappa Zeta—and served as its first president.
In 1893, Agatha made history by becoming the first woman to graduate from Gallaudet University with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She was also the first woman to serve as class valedictorian. Her speech, titled “The Intellect of Women,” powerfully expressed her lifelong belief in the strength, intelligence, and potential of women—especially deaf women.
After college, she taught at the Minnesota School for the Deaf for six years. She later married Olaf Hanson, a distinguished deaf architect, and remained active in the Deaf community throughout her life. Her leadership roles included:
- Officer in Seattle’s Puget Sound Association of the Deaf
- Active member of the Episcopal Church’s Deaf Mission
- Leader in the Washington State Association of the Deaf
Within the Gallaudet University Alumni Association, Agatha held multiple office positions over four decades: Treasurer (1896–1899), Second Vice President (1899–1904), and First Vice President (1936–1939).
Agatha passed away on October 17, 1959, at the age of 86 after a long illness. Her legacy as a fierce advocate for women’s education and leadership has continued to inspire generations. She was one of 12 honorees nationally recognized during Women’s History Month. In 2023, the WPSD Alumni Association posthumously honored her with the Distinguished Alumna Award.
Dr. Eddy Laird – Class of 1970
After graduating from the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf (WPSD), Eddy Laird enrolled at Gallaudet College, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1975. He went on to receive an impressive five academic degrees: two master’s degrees from the University of Tennessee and California State University, Northridge; a doctoral degree from Northeastern University; and an Ed.D. in Deaf Education/Deaf Studies from Lamar University in 2005. He holds the distinction of being the fourth WPSD graduate to earn a doctoral degree in the field of Deaf Education/Deaf Studies.
Dr. Laird began his professional career at the Tennessee School for the Deaf, serving in three distinct positions from 1975 to 1980. He then became Executive Director of the New England Homes for the Deaf in Danvers, Massachusetts, in 1981. During that time, he also served as an adjunct instructor at Northeastern University and Boston University.
In 1992, he was appointed Superintendent of the Indiana School for the Deaf, a position he held until 1995. Later, in 2000, he joined McDaniel College in Maryland as an Associate Professor, where he remained until his retirement in 2019.
Dr. Laird has been elected president of four different state associations and has served on numerous committees and boards dedicated to advancing the Deaf community and Deaf professionals since 1982. In recognition of his outstanding leadership and service, he has received numerous honors and awards from six states: the District of Columbia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Texas, Indiana, and Tennessee.
Dr. Nathie Marbury – Class of 1962
Nathie Marbury was born on January 20, 1944, in Grenada, Missouri, and grew up in Pennsylvania. She graduated from the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf (WPSD) in 1962 and went on to become a nationally recognized leader in Deaf education and advocacy.
Her academic achievements were remarkable. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics from Gallaudet University in 1975, followed by a master’s degree in special education from California State University at Northridge (CSUN) in 1976. She later obtained a second master’s degree in educational administration and Supervision in 1988, and finally, a Doctorate in Deaf Studies/Deaf Education from Lamar University in Austin, Texas, in 2007.
Nathie broke barriers throughout her professional life. She was the first Black Deaf female instructor at Kendall Demonstration Elementary School for the Deaf, where she taught from 1978 to 1986. She later held numerous leadership roles across the country:
- ASL Specialist at California School for the Deaf, Fremont (1991)
- Regional Resource Center Director at Ohlone Community College (1992–1995)
- Director of Sign Enhances, Inc. in Salem, Oregon (1996)
- ASL Instructor at Shoreline Community College in Washington (1997)
- Professor in the ASL Interpreter Training Department at Austin Community College, where she served from 1999 until her passing in 2013.
In 2005, Tactile Mind Press released her acclaimed video No Hand Me Down, featuring her personal stories and ASL poetry.
Nathie joined the WPSD Board of Trustees in 2008, serving with distinction until her death on April 15, 2013, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 60.
Her numerous honors include the Distinguished Alumnus Award from WPSD in 2008 and, posthumously in 2013, both the Superintendent’s Award from WPSD and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Black Deaf Advocates. In 2024, she was honored during GUAA’s commemoration of Women’s History Month.
Dr. Nathie Marbury’s life was a legacy of advocacy, education, and inspiration—a voice and role model for generations of Deaf individuals, especially women and people of color.
Dr. Harold Mowl Jr. – Class of 1965
Born to Deaf parents, Harold Mowl Jr. enrolled at the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf (WPSD), where he thrived and graduated in the Class of 1965. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Bethany College in 1969 and later completed his master’s degree at the University of Pittsburgh.
While still a college student, Harold worked as a part-time boys’ dormitory counselor at WPSD from 1968 to 1970. He officially began teaching in 1970 and took on additional duties as a counseling teacher from 1973 to 1975. His leadership skills quickly earned recognition: he was promoted to Dean of Boys in 1974, then Dean of Students in 1977, and eventually Principal—all while continuing his counseling responsibilities.
In 1985, Harold earned his doctoral degree in Special Education from the University of Pittsburgh, becoming the second WPSD graduate to achieve this distinction. He also authored WPSD History 1869–1987 (Third Edition), preserving the school’s legacy for future generations.
After 22 years of service at WPSD, Dr. Mowl left in 1990 to become the first Deaf Superintendent of the Rochester School for the Deaf (RSD) since its founding in 1876. He led the school with vision and dedication for 25 years, retiring in 2015 after five decades in Deaf education. Following his retirement, he continued serving as Interim Superintendent at the New York School for the Deaf in White Plains, helping guide the search for permanent leadership.
Dr. Mowl’s connection to WPSD remained strong. He joined the WPSD Board of Trustees in 2009 and recently completed a four-year term as Board President in 2023. He continues to serve on the board today.
A resolute graduate, Dr. Mowl, was deeply involved in the Alumni Association. He served as President from 1969 to 1975, Member-at-Large from 1984 to 1990, and Editor of the Alumni Newspaper during those same years.
His generosity toward his alma mater is reflected in his contributions to both the Sharing the Future campaign and the Alumni Giving Tree. Dr. Mowl has been honored with multiple awards, including:
- Alumni Merit Award (1999)
- WPSD Outstanding Alumni Award (2000)
- Distinguished Alumnus Award (2008)
Dr. Harold Mowl Jr.’s legacy is one of leadership, service, and lasting impact on Deaf education and the WPSD community.
Mary Lou Novitsky – Class of 1974
Mary Lou Novitsky grew up in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, with her deaf parents and enrolled at WPSD, graduating in 1974. She went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from Gallaudet College in 1979.
Mary Lou enjoyed a long and distinguished professional career as a producer in the Department of Television, Photography, and Educational Technology at Gallaudet University for over 20 years. She was also the co-host of Deaf Mosaic, the Emmy Award–winning magazine program that highlighted stories about deaf and hard-of-hearing people. For her contributions to Deaf Mosaic, she received five Emmy Awards—two for Composite (host, interview, or moderator), two for Producer, and one for On-Camera Talent.
In addition to her work on Deaf Mosaic, Mary Lou freelanced as a TV consultant, scriptwriter, producer, and director for various professional organizations and production companies. One memorable project was a parody of the soap opera Dynasty, performed by a Deaf theater troupe from Washington, D.C., in the early 1980s. In this production, Mary Lou played the role of Kristen, the sweet wife of Blake Carrington, in 1984.
Mary Lou served on the WPSD Board of Trustees from 1999 to 2012 and was a generous donor to the Alumni Giving Tree. In recognition of her achievements, she was honored with the WPSD Distinguished Alumna Award in 1996.
Libby (Sparks) Pollard – Class of 1956
Elizabeth Sparks, affectionately known as Libby, was recognized by her sign name—an “L” handshape tapped on the chest. Born in 1940, she began her education at the West Virginia School for the Deaf before her family relocated to Pennsylvania. She then enrolled at the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf (WPSD), where she graduated in 1956.
Remarkably, in 1955, Libby began attending Gallaudet College as a high school junior while still earning her WPSD diploma.
Although she did not complete her studies at Gallaudet, Libby later moved to Cleveland, Ohio, and earned her associate degree in 1972 from the Electronics Computer Programming Institute.
Libby launched her professional career in Pittsburgh as a keypunch/data entry operator with the Iron City Sash and Door Company. Her talent and dedication led to two promotions—first to Junior Computer Programmer and later to Senior Programmer/System Analyst. She retired in April 2002 after 30 years of service.
A passionate advocate for the Deaf community, Libby made history multiple times. She was the first female President of the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf #36 in Pittsburgh and the first woman to serve as President of the Pittsburgh Association of the Deaf, holding that role from 1972 to 1997—a 25-year tenure.
Her leadership extended statewide and nationally. Libby served on the Board of the Pennsylvania Society for the Advancement of the Deaf (PSAD), where she again broke barriers by becoming the organization’s first female President in 1992. Through PSAD’s affiliation with the National Association of the Deaf (NAD), she was elected Region I Board Member in 1994 and served as NAD President from 1998 to 2002.
A Certified Parliamentarian, Libby mentored countless young Deaf leaders, conducting numerous parliamentary and leadership workshops. She also served as parliamentarian for many organizations.
Libby’s contributions to the WPSD Alumni Association spanned 18 years. She served as Secretary (1972–1981), Member-at-Large (1981–1984, 1990–1993), and President (1984–1987). In addition, she was a dedicated member of the WPSD Board of Trustees from 1988 to 2008.
In recognition of her lifelong service and support, Libby contributed to the WPSD Alumni Giving Tree and received several honors, including the Distinguished Alumnus Award (1993), the Outstanding Alumni Award (1998), and the Alumni Merit Award in 2020—an honor she was informed of shortly before her passing.
Dorothy (Marsh) Schwartzman – Class of 1936
Dorothy Marsh graduated from the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf (WPSD) in 1936. That same year, she began working at the school as a houseparent on the Girls’ Side. After a period away, she returned to WPSD to serve as a high school girls’ counselor until 1971. In 1976, she rejoined the staff as a teacher’s aide and later became a language tutor, continuing in that role until her retirement in 1984, marking 25 years of dedicated service.
Dot devoted 15 years to the WPSD Alumni Association. She served as 1st Vice President in 1946 and helped prepare for the 13th Alumni Reunion in 1949. She was elected 2nd Vice President three times—1949–1952, 1975–1978, and 1984–1987—assisting with the 14th Reunion in 1952, the 23rd in 1978, and the 26th, held at Howard Johnson’s Motor Lodge in Monroeville, in 1987. Additionally, she served as Secretary from 1969 to 1972. A proud supporter of the Alumni Giving Tree, she also made lasting contributions through her generous donations.
Dot was the founder of the Miss Deaf Pennsylvania Pageant in 1977, an initiative that created new opportunities for young Deaf women. In recognition of her lifetime of service and advocacy, she was named an honorary sister of the Phi Kappa Zeta sorority at Gallaudet University in 1992. She received the Alumni Merit Award in 1993 and the Distinguished Alumna Award in 2002.
Dorothy Marsh passed away on December 3, 2007, at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, dedication, and service to the Deaf community.
Valentine Wojton III – Class of 1976
After graduating from the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf (WPSD) in 1976, Valentine Wojton began his college education at Slippery Rock University before transferring to Gallaudet College, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1981. At Gallaudet, Val excelled as a baseball player and served as team captain for three years. He was named Most Valuable Player, boasting a .302 batting average and an impressive .973 fielding average, and pitched for the Bison baseball team.
In 1986, WPSD welcomed Val back as a dormitory counselor. He transitioned to teaching in 1991 and was later promoted to Coordinator of the Sign Communication Program in 1994. Val’s passion for athletics and leadership in education led to his appointment as Athletic Director in 2002, a role he held until his retirement in 2023. His 37 years of service at WPSD included coaching nearly all sports—both boys’ and girls’ teams—and advising numerous student organizations. As a soccer coach, Val’s teams earned the National Soccer Team of the Year title six times.
Val has been a dedicated member of the WPSD Alumni Association for 39 years, serving in multiple leadership roles:
- Member at Large (1987–1993, 1999–2002, 2023–2026)
- President (1993–1996)
- Secretary (1996–1999, 2005–2023)
- Treasurer (2002–2005)
He also contributed to leadership development as an instructor for the Pennsylvania Society for the Advancement of the Deaf ’s (PSAD) Leadership Training Program (LTP).
Val extended his community service to the Pittsburgh Association of the Deaf (PAD), where he served as President during three terms: 1990–1996, 2004–2006, and 2025–2027. He chaired several major events, including:
- PAD’s 80th Anniversary
- PAD’s 85th Anniversary
- Great Lakes Deaf Bowling Association (GLDBA) Tournament held in Pittsburgh
An avid softball player, Val was also active with the National Softball Association of the Deaf (NSAD). He served as Deputy Commissioner in 2001 and Commissioner during two terms: 2002–2006 and 2008–2010.
In recognition of his lifetime of service and achievement, Val has received several prestigious honors:
- Athlete Hall of Fame Award (2002)
- Alumni Merit Award (2017)
- Distinguished Alumnus Award (2020)
Provided by Stephen Rute, WPSD Class of 1974 who spend his time for the research on alumni awards. This would not have been possible without his support in our WPSD Alumni Association.