Alumni Night 2024 Photos

Communication barriers for a Deaf PhD student meant risking burnout

Megan Majocha, WPSD Class of 2015, shares her spotlight story article. By Jyoti Madhusoodanan Megan Majocha is gearing up to complete her PhD. But developing a sign-language lexicon to help her succeed took an immense toll during her scientific research. Sign language in science The lack of scientific terms and vocabulary in many of the […]

Honor Ida (Gray) Hampton in Women’s History Month

This month, March GUAA’s commemoration of Women’s History Month, we honor Ida Wynette Gray Hampton, WPSD graduate of 1951 and Gallaudet graduate of 1957, the first Black Deaf woman to graduate from Gallaudet University. Black women were not allowed to attend Gallaudet until the 1950s. That is when Hampton, a Pennsylvania native, enrolled in classes. […]

Obituary: Donna Ulmer, Class of 1981

Donna Marie Ulmer aged 62 of Wilkinsburg, fell asleep in the Lord on Thursday, February 22, 2024. She was a beloved daughter to Shirley Y. Scott and James (Blood) Ulmer; beloved sister of Gregory Ulmer (wife Pam), Marcus Scott Ulmer, Michael Ulmer (wife Azaria) and Damu Ulmer; sister to Nisa Brunner and Gia Rae Ulmer; Aunt […]

Kyle D’Amore, Class of 2018 sets new Gally record with his teammates

Note: Kyle D’Amore, WPSD Class of 2018 made the spotlight in the Gallaudet article. Gallaudet men’s indoor track team sets new Distance Medley Relay school record SALEM, Va. – School records continue to fall for the Gallaudet University men’s indoor track and field team as the Bison participated in the Joe LaRocco Invitational here Saturday in […]

Obituary: Gary Avery, Class of 1958

The Rev. Gary Avery, 84, of Stoneboro passed away on Nov. 12, 2023, at Quality Life Services of New Castle. Born in New Castle on Sept. 15, 1939, Gary was the son of the late William and Elcetha (Pierce) Avery. On March 28, 1997, Gary married his beloved wife, the former Rebekah Ann Clark. She […]

Ryane selected to Soccer All-Sportsmanship Team

Title: Ryane Smalley selected to United East Women’s Soccer All-Sportsmanship Team LATHAM, N.Y. – Gallaudet University senior defender Ryane Smalley (Nicholson, Pa. and WPSD Class of 2019) was named to the 2023 United East Conference Women’s Soccer All-Sportsmanship Team as announced by the conference office. The United East All-Sportsmanship Team recognizes student-athletes who epitomize the ideals of sportsmanship. […]

Memoriam: Carol S. Swift, WPSD Teacher

Carol died at her home on Saturday, November 25th.  She had been hospitalized for several weeks following surgery. Carol started teaching at WPSD in September 1967 and taught cooking and sewing. She retired from WPSD in 1989. She worked WPSD for twenty-two years. To my knowledge, Carol was currently our oldest living retiree at the […]

Connie and Gregg plaque

WPSD celebrated Connie Stepien and Gregg Bowers at a plaque dedication ceremony at the residence building on Friday, October 20, 2023.  WPSD is deeply grateful for their dedication and service to the students in WPSD’s residential program through the decades.  Gregg’s famous motto: “Always Remember, and Never Forget, WPSD is #1!!” Those photos below shows where to […]

An evening honoring Connie and Gregg

The Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf is proud to honor and gratefully remember the work of Connie Stepien and Gregg Bowers within the residential program at the school and the many lives they positively impacted through the years. Please join us on Friday, October 20th 2023 as WPSD unveils a plaque at the Residence that honors […]

Obituary: Frances Overly, Class of 1961

Frances E. (Orange) Overly, age 80, of Penn Township, died on Tuesday, August 1, 2023. She was born on October 11, 1942 in Greensburg, to the late Mike and Veronica (Schultz) Orange. Fran worked at the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf (WPSD) for over 30 years, where she was dedicated to assisting the students […]

Obituary: Mary Olszewski, Class of 1962

Mary Jane (Ludwik) Oszewski, WPSD 1962 Graduate passed away on August 2, 2023. Nn obituary is not available at this time for Mary Jane Olszewski. We welcome you to provide your thoughts and memories on our Tribute Wall. To send flowers to the family or plant a treein memory of Mary Jane Olszewski, please visit […]

Support Matt Hoffer and Hollie (Lewis) Culley

As some of you may or may not know, my brother, Matt Hoffer, WPSD Class of 1998, and his girlfriend, Hollie (Lewis) Culley, WPSD Class of 2000 welcomed another baby girl on Thursday June 8, 2023. She was only out of the hospital for a little over a day before needing to be readmitted. She […]