BoT Chairperson: Pam Holmes Resigns and Ben Soukup Takes Over.

——Original Message——
From: trustees@gallaudet.edu
To: trustees@gallaudet.edu
Sent: Jun 19, 2007 12:36 PM
Subject: A message from Board Chair Pamela Holmes

Signature: Gallaudet University

Board of Trustees
COLLEGE HALL
800 FLORIDA AVE. NE
WASHINGTON, DC 20002-3695

June 19, 2007

Dear Board of Trustees members, President Davila, and community stakeholders:

In February 2007, I advised the Board and administration that due to increasing and demanding job obligations and changes in my personal life I would need to conclude my service to the University as a board member in order to properly attend to my job commitments and personal challenges. Due to the serious circumstances my alma mater faced, I made a commitment to the Board to provide  the University with leadership and dedication during a transition period that required tremendous vigilance and change. As promised, I have served with
steadfast commitment in the capacity of chair of the Board of Trustees through the completion of the 2006-07 academic year. It is time to let others carry on.

I am pleased and confident to pass off the “baton” to Benjamin Soukup, who is not only a leader within the Board of Trustees but a renowned leader in the deaf community. He is committed to providing the leadership and knowledge Gallaudet needs as we move forward. I know he will be in communication with the community soon. I join the community in extending support and congratulations to Ben as the newly elected chair of the Board of Trustees. I am also leaving knowing that the Board will benefit from the outstanding dedication and skill of Frank Wu, who is continuing as vice chair. He has been a terrific partner to work with this past year, and believe me when I tell you,
Gallaudet is fortunate to have Frank on board. (Thank you, Frank!)

I also need to recognize the amazing dedication of all the trustees on the Board. Our obligation of coming to campus three times a year was amplified to 10 Board meetings last year to handle the critical business at hand. This is a
significant commitment from a group of volunteers who travel great distances to participate and who all have other full time jobs as well as family obligations. I salute those on campus who work hard daily to make a difference and carry the University’s mission forward, especially Dr. Davila who is working diligently to bring about positive change and is doing an excellent job. (Thank you, Bob!) Dr. Davila’s  ‘Team Gallaudet’  without question must continue its work to allow our University to be readi ly recognized as a center of higher education for deaf,
hard of hearing, late-deafened, and deaf-blind students, and to be a place where distinguished scholars and hard working staff can share wisdom and talents to enhance the University.

I encourage Gallaudet University?s 15,000 alumni to stand steadfastly by Gallaudet and remember why the University is so beloved to them, holding strong to their fond memories. Speaking for myself, my years at Gallaudet gave me an unsurpassed education and provided me with numerous opportunities to succeed professionally, and grow as a person both socially and emotionally. My Gallaudet experience has been truly invaluable to me, thus my dedication to my alma mater will never stop. I know I stand among many alumni who feel the same.
Serving as chair of the Board has been an honor and a privilege. With the best of intentions and the greatest of hope for Gallaudet, I submit this letter of departure from Board service to the University effective June 30, 2007.

Sincerely,

Pam Holmes
Departing Board of Trustees Chair
Class of 74

Commentary: I’ve heard the rumors about this impending change for some time, but I kept quiet until this became official.  I am sure everybody will agree that as a chairperson of BoT, this job had been exceptionally challenging for Pam Holmes, especially after two BoT chairpersons abruptly resigned last year during the protest.

What does this change of leadership mean for BoT and Gallaudet?  With several newcomers last year and soon to be appointed seven this year, the majority of the BoT members will be mostly new with only eight old timers and three Congressional members.  With the dubious reputation for being responsible for two major university protests,  I hope they will take this unique opportunity to become more transparent and listen more to Gallaudet stakeholders, working more as a team player rather than continue as a paternalistic board.  We all know that Gallaudet cannot afford a third protest, so our eyes are on BoT to clean up its act.

Personally I don’t know Soukup but I am  impressed how he built Communications Service for the Deaf (CSD) from nothing  into a multi-million dollars business.  That took grits and determination. I think he was the sole BoT member who cared enough to be on the scene that Black Friday when our brave protesters were arrested.  Incidentally after leaving RIT/NTID, Davila had worked at CSD under Soukup for a while before he retired.  It’s indeed a small world.  For those who are curious what CSD is, here is the link: http://www.c-s-d.org/ 

So how do you feel about Soukup being the chairperson of BoT? MZ

31 Responses to “BoT Chairperson: Pam Holmes Resigns and Ben Soukup Takes Over.”

  1. Wonder Says:

    MZ,
    Well, I am worried what if Ben can do handle this BoT run well? If new function and responsibility what I say it called High Risk Management basically, each of the lines have identified areas that are subject to high risk, rated various functions and funds. These include high profile exposures, systems deficiencies/failure, debt collection activites, potential fraudulent activity/improper payments, and mispayments. That’s Congressional want to see the reports like GAO ( Goverment Accounting Office)part of Education expenses. Keep in mind that is a new function at Gallaudet just like new BoT and memebers. Lastly I hope that all you will view this as new and venture wish luck them.

  2. CyanSquirrel Says:

    MM…I have mixed feelings. I’ve heard some very good and some very bad things about this man, so I’m not going to make a judgment about his prospects as BOT Chair. I’ll just sit back and let him work and hopefully good things will come forth.

    Fingers crossed!

  3. Richard Roehm Says:

    No way Ben take over? He’ll sink the ship like he did with CSD! That’s the last straw!

    Richard

  4. The Deaf Sherlock Says:

    If a new BOT chairperson can handle this job.. I think it’s time for a major change of the BOT of GU. We need it if we want true change to happen on the campus of Gallaudet University.

  5. DT Says:

    So, Sherlock, even after getting 8 new Botters, you still say, the rest need to be wiped out if Gallaudet is to achieve the greatness you seek?

  6. Water Says:

    Guess you all have seen Richard Roehm’s blog announcing withdrawing his name as nominee for Gallaudet’s Board of Trustee. Best decision that jerk has ever made. If he got appointed, he would really tear apart BOT with his nonsense rambling. I know posting on his blog is of no use. He deletes all postings.

    I am certain Ben and BOT, let alone Gallaudet campus, are breathing easier knowing Rohem withdrew his name from BOT. Yeah, his blog is THE ORANGE DEAFIE BLOG.

  7. Erick Ketcham Says:

    Water,

    I concur & second that! :o)

    MZ,

    I think that we are better off if we completely replace the BOT with the exception of those that are culturally Deaf currently on the board. For sure, we need to get rid of the audists on the board at least.

    It would be the best for GU if board members are required to be culturally Deaf, mentally Deaf, and an alumni of Gallaudet, period. No questions asked & no loopholes. But will we ever see that day? I doubt it. :o(

    As for Ben Soukup, I’m not too sure if it’s a good idea. I’ve met his children, although they are extremely nice and decent people, they’re not really culturally Deaf. I don’t know how that reflects on the pappy.

    Sincerely,
    Erick

  8. The blues Says:

    I am thrilled that Roehm is NOT going to be om the BOT. Thank God!!!!!!!

  9. Mishka Zena Says:

    I believe many people applaud Richard’s decision to withdraw his BoT nomination ;)

    Erick, I have no preference about the BoT person’s hearing status, as long as this person believes in the historic mission of Gallaudet and practices no audism. There are some really great hearing people who are true supporters of Deaf Community and ASL, though not many. We also have some deaf BoT members accused of audism and Deaf members protecting their status quo rather than ensuring that Gallaudet remain a high quality academic institution : /

  10. Wonder Says:

    MZ Bravo! I am sure that BoT have the responsibility for monitoring the success (or not) of each of these areas in controlling or limiting high risk. So, part of their function will be to see what measures is taking to reoragization to resolved or eliminate these BoT
    Members and how successful are there efforts? How will they accomplish this tasking? First we will need to gradually phase out of review function. Lastly, I hope that of you will see the new era the right of balance at Gally? I hope so.

  11. CyanSquirrel Says:

    Erick, what does being culturally deaf have to do with one’s ability to lead an institution of higher learning, which is what Gallaudet is. It is a university, a place for training for advanced careers. It is NOT SOLELY a Deaf club. There is a love of deaf culture by many who attend, myself included, but it is not and should not be a place only for culturally deaf folks. I’m so tired of hearing this hogwash. I, being late deafened, able to speak clearly and unabashedly, and being a primary user of PSE for all of my communication with hearing and deaf alike, am just as freaking qualified to attend Gallaudet (which I have), graduate with a degree (which I have), run for the BOT (which I have not, but have seriously considered), teach (which I may someday), and otherwise attain a postsecondary experience on Kendall Green as the Deaf person next to me who can’t read past a 4th grade level and expects that because s/he is CULTURALLY Deaf, s/he is superior and more deserving to be around our beloved alma mater! I will fight to get this idea through the Deaf community’s collective THICK HEAD if I have to! Thankfully, changes are afoot on campus that are bringing people who understand the fundamental truth about Gallaudet being first and foremost a place of higher learning, open to all (as long as they sign) into leadership positions.

    Sorry for the rant, but I’ve had enough of this subtle discrimination against and stigmatizing of all who are not CAPITAL D DEAF.

  12. The blues Says:

    May I ask the question(s) that we all want to ask of CyanSquirrel: You said that you graduated from Gallaudet recently. Why, if you are so dissatisfied with Gallaudet, did you even went there (and graduated [according to you])? You seemed to attack and criticized everything about Gallaudet-last week it was about the students -now it’s about the unique place that Gallaudet holds in the heart of many Deaf people worldwide.

  13. Mishka Zena Says:

    unfortunately there are many disgruntled stakeholders. Gallaudet has a long way to go with the healing. I hope some day we will see all the stakeholders satisfied with how Gallaudet handles its affairs.

  14. Wonder Says:

    The Blues you have very careful what the issues are. Gallaudet must have follow-up actions are accomplished to validate management actions will properly complete for how long get the healing away? What MZ sugguest to you with the matters.

  15. CyanSquirrel Says:

    I came to Gallaudet to find my deaf self after realizing the hearing world was not a safe place for me anymore, to learn sign, and to get an education in the only environment that allows complete access via visual language. I could have gone to Harvard, but I chose Gallaudet. I was very happy with Gallaudet. The social aspect was amazing, though the educational challenge wasn’t what I expected it to be. But that’s no biggie, and I was (still am) very happy with Gallaudet and most of the people there, even now. Students, professors, and administrators were all polite, unique, and welcoming. I graduated JUST as the new president was announced. THAT is when all hell broke loose and I saw an ugly side of Gallaudet, particularly the student body, I never thought existed. JKF, IKJ, Davila…who cares. What botheres me is the attitude displayed by many (not all) of the protesters, advocating Deaf-only access to and use of this place I call home. When people come to your face, after you’ve finally found a place you are accepted because you are, like them, deaf and sign, and call you AUDIST because you have a clue how the real world operates, that would make you disgusted. Erick K does not attend Gallaudet. Yet he speaks as if he knows how it should be there, and that all others not matching his ideal are FAULTY and NOT WORTHY. Give me a break! This is the exact attitude that was displayed during the protest that had me aghast at the disrespect and childishness of the whole ordeal. Martin Luther King Jrs., these protesters were NOT!

    I love Gallaudet and I want to see her stay that welcoming place she was to me, even with my minimal sign skills my first year. You, however, have indicated your only connection to the deaf community and Gallaudet is that you have friends who are deaf. Blues, if you ever stepped foot on Kendall Green as a stakeholder, you would understand where my post came from. I think MZ does, as do many silent lurkers out there who do not wish to speak up for fear of being called what I’ve witnessed others call people: audists, not caring about the community, and impediments to Gallaudet becoming a grand deaf club (not in those words, of course).

    Lest anyone have any doubt about my allegiances, JKF was a good person caught in a bad situation, and not the leader we needed at that time. Too much garbage from administration to administration would have continued under her tenure, and I say this as someone she took time to mentor and develop a friendship with. How’s that for truthfulness? However, the vileness of the protest also did not inspire respect either. Therefore, I sat, painfully, neutral during the protests, speaking up for common sense and decency under this very same name until Davila was named and people chilled out. I hope that clarifies, Blues. Again, walk a mile in the shoes of those you seek to understand instead of flinging labels at me.

  16. CyanSquirrel Says:

    Oh and holding a place in your heart for Gallaudet is one thing…insisting that become the only reality is another. Gallaudet is special to all of us, culturally deaf or not (I could qualify…my mother and uncle are deaf and my uncle went to Gallaudet.) I have no problem with people loving the culture at Gallaudet. I do have a problem with them saying that ONLY that culture should be allowed to attend, learn, thrive, and be a part of Gally. Is that clear?

    As for bashing the students…haha!! I bashed the specific students on the volleyball teams that broke the rules. Hardly bashing all students! I KNEW those women in person, by social networks, and through the grapevine, and I can’t stress enough that I stand by what I wrote about them making conscious decisions to break the rules, hoping not to get caught. Can you say you know these specific folks as intimately? The truth hurts sometimes. The deaf community is not without its skeletons, its turncoats, and its misbehaving denizens. To pretend otherwise is to live in a fantasy world. I choose to confront the truth and if that sounds to you like bashing, well…I’m sorry.

  17. Jean Boutcher Says:

    I completely agree with CyanSquirrel.
    I would have taken hearing people,
    including Harlan Lane, for president.
    Dr. Lane is author of a compendium
    history of the deaf in “When the Mind
    Hears.”

  18. Water Says:

    I see Rohem chose not to post my comments on his site. LOL!! I am surprsied he allow that many post to stay on his site, when commnets were not favorable to Rohem. ThaNks Mishka for posting on his site. Asl ootehrs who commented on “relief, Rohem withdraw his nomination”.

  19. The blues Says:

    To CyanSquirrel:
    FYI- I have graduated from Gallaudet twice. so I know all about Gallaudet. Please don’t attack me without knowing all the facts.

    “Again, walk a mile in the shoes of those you seek to understand instead of flinging labels at me.”

  20. Mishka Zena Says:

    I hear you, Water. Personally I am surprised Roehm did print my comment this time cuz he didnt in the past

    It is perfectly understandable that people feel strongly about Gallaudet and I encourage people discussing different views. But please refrain from making personal insinuations and stick to the topic :)

  21. The blues Says:

    I agree, Elizabeth. I was defending myself from
    “CyanSquirrel” who, for some reason(s), has this need to attack me (last week and this week)wihtout knowing anything about me.

  22. CyanSquirrel Says:

    Hmm…interesting. Looks like my post trying to explain my feelings towards Gallaudet after being accused by Blues of “bashing and being dissatisfied” was read through his or her pre-formed judgment/lens about me. Suit yourself. I don’t see where anything I said was a rant. The sad thing is I took the time to explain politely what many many people feel, the complicated love/hate relationship with Gallaudet and the Deaf community, and instead, what you get out of it is that I am attacking you (where?? please explain. I said what I know about you and can conclude (via OPEN ENDED QUESTIONS, which you could politely clarify) based on what you’ve chosen to share, which is very little. You did not indicate you were a part of the Gallaudet community, something I find strange, but people come in all stripes and not all will disclose such info, I suppose.) and that I am ranting/angry/upsetting. I choose to chuckle at the suggestion for counseling, and no I won’t take it personally. Being a prolific writer is not the same thing as ranting.

    I read back on my posts from last week about the CAC decision, and funny little thing here…I see I said something complimenting you, noting you have more expertise on the subject of sports rules than do I. I also said I thanked you for the respectful discussion of this issue and for sharing. I did enjoy learning something new from you. WHERE DID I ATTACK YOU? The only thing I can figure is maybe you took every word I said as being sarcastic. If so, that’s not how I meant it at all. I said exactly what I meant, and the reading of sarcasm is your problem not mine. Good heavens!

    Because I am positive about both my reputation among the faculty (especially the honors program and the business department), students, and administrators, and my demeanor/personality (anger nowhere to be found, intelligent unabashed discussion of the hard issues one of my favorite pastimes), I am going to sign off with my real name (I have before on this and other deaf blogs, but I’ll do it just for you Blues…I may even be someone you know and befriended while at Gallaudet, if you’ve been there within the last four years.)

    The irony of this whole thing: it is “I” who feels attacked here by you, but I’ll just leave that alone. No good will come of continuing this bullshit with you.

    Regards,
    Jennifer E Keener
    Class of 2006
    Summa Cum Laude, BS in Economics, Minor in French
    Managing Editor, The Buff and Blue 2005-2006 (the best year ever for the BNB! Whoop!)

    PS: MZ, thank you for allowing me to experience my first bully on the blogoshpere. I come to your blog for intelligent discussion, one where you do not often take sides, and where you open up the forum to consider all points of view (compared to Ridor, laughs) yet I am coming away from this exchange with the Blues wondering why my words are being twisted so hard to be used back against me. Why must people who express minority viewpoints be accused of attacking/bashing etc, and be compelled to defend themselves against passive-aggressive comments from people like Blues? I know you’re not one for censorship, but I’m leaving feeling like the Blues just wasted a lot of my time and effort in trying to answer his/her question because all s/he sees is negative. Am I missing something?

  23. CyanSquirrel Says:

    Oh and Blues, you don’t need to reply to anything above. You’ve already formed your opinion about me, and as they say, there are many fish in the sea; no tears shed here. I really don’t give a hoot what you think about me. My life is wonderful and full as it is and I don’t need your approval for the opinions I express here.

    Regarding sticking to the topic, MZ, I posted in number 2 what I felt about this issue. Ben Soukup has his good and bad points. I do expect that he would bring some sort of excitement to the new BOT, because he is a jolly guy and committed to deaf empowerment. I am saddened to see Pam Holmes go, as she has done a great job, given the circumstances. She is also fairly level headed, understanding the deaf perspective, but also understanding how real world politics and administration works. She will be missed.

    I’m curious to see who they appoint as new BOTs. My hope is this new batch will be a little more hands on, taking ownership of the university’s successes and failures, and picking better administrators with more accountability. The old system was not working, but neither do I think students should be given a free reign in running the place. Something in between these two extremes, please!

    Jennifer

  24. Mishka Zena Says:

    Cyan,

    To answer your question, I don’t know. I see this at GallyNet, too and people sometimes interpret differently what the commenters meant. My understanding was that it happened a lot during the protest, too. I can hear both sides and recognize that they both have good points. Maybe that’s why some people enjoy reading my blog.

    I didn’t know what happened last week (by the way, what is CAC?) so I was at a loss, trying to figure what was going on between you and Blues.

    I remember you, Jennifer from last summer and you were very helpful. I hope you will come here again because I really appreciate your sharing your opinion. In fact, I wish the minority people would speak up… because I know they are there, lurking. It is very important for everybody to hear all views, so they can understand each other better. This is also what MSCHE wants from Gallaudet: unity between different groups.

  25. CyanSquirrel Says:

    MZ,
    The interaction last week between Blues and myself refers to the comments I made in your post “Gallaudet Suspends Its Athlete Teams” a few days ago, about the girls volleyball team brouhaha. Thus, the CAC (Capital Athletic Conference) decision I was referring to. Our exchange is still there, if you go back and read it; that should clarify for you. I thought it was respectful, but Blues is saying otherwise. Which is why I’m confused. Oh well.

    MZ, thank you for the kind words. I do read your blog (but don’t always post comments…I pick my battles haha) because you stood out among those covering the protest and aftermath as the epitome of what discussion about hard topics should be: safe, thorough, and respectful. I also frequent DeafDC and TactiletheWorld (whose author happens to be a friend in real life) because of their mature coverage and commenters. I visit Ridor just to pick at him (I do have a soft spot for him…he tells it like it is, but should stay away from breaking news, since he doesn’t always tell the whole story, love it or hate it.)

    Unity between different groups. EXACTLY. That, I think, is what everyone wants. I’m working on my own biases and misperceptions, as well as those I encounter in the hearing world to help in that effort, and I hope everyone else is too. Gallaudet and the deaf community are wonderful things, and I hate to see them spoiled by a few bad/intolerant apples.

  26. the Bllues Says:

    The fact that you went on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on…

    You started this last week by your attacking the students…without knowing any of the real facts about me …you said somethings off- the wall.

  27. CyanSquirrel Says:

    Blues,
    OK. Well I’m sorry I ruffle your feathers with my personality. Call it confidence? Or is it take-no-crap-or-oppression-from-others…with a touch of uppity? Must be the feisty Irish in me.
    I’ll go back to my hole now. When blues goes to another blog, I’ll be back.

  28. the Blues Says:

    oh by the way- if you think I am bully you- that just shows how that you have no idea what bullying really is. I was just defending myself from your attacks, Ms. Jennifer. YOU made some comments that were a put down to me e.g. ““Again, walk a mile in the shoes of those you seek to understand” without knowing one thing about me- that is called arrognace.

  29. Mishka Zena Says:

    Cyan and blues, I like you both and am not even sure what really happened. I deleted some personal insults, as I would keep personal insults to the minimum. If you want more deletions, let me know.

    It seems that there are two different perspectives of comments and things just went downhill from there. Nevertheless, I hope you both won’t stop commenting as I appreciate your opinions. One thing is for sure, you both have strong passion for Gallaudet. In fact, what just happened here is also happening at Gallaudet. Too many groups with different POVs, all which are very valid. I do wonder if Gallaudet is still providing workshops to promote healing and unity among the stakeholders on campus: hear each other out, accept each others’ opinions and work on resolve the differences?

    Cyan, thanks for reminding me what CAC stands for. I was thinking of a different CAC.

    Cyan and Blues? Peace, please? :)

  30. Mishka Zena Says:

    Time Out, Cyan and Blues!! Please.

    My blog isn’t a vehicle for people to launch personal insults. Address the issues, not the persons.

    My repeated requests were ignored, therefore the subsequent comments are deleted and the blog in moderation.

    I want to say that I am very neutral here.

    Please contact me at mishkazena@aol.com and tell me if you want any more deletions of ‘personal’ comments.

    Peace :)

  31. Gee whiz Says:

    CyanSquirrel: 2005-2006 the best year for BNB?

    Try 1997-1998.

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