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 In
the Spotlight
LaGuardia Community College Establishes Scholarship
in Honor of Longtime NBDA Member Thomas Samuels
The LaGuardia Community College - Division of Adult
and Continuing Education Program for Deaf Adults announced the establishment
of the Thomas Samuels Scholarship. The scholarship honors
Samuels' years of service and many contributions to LaGuardia Community
College and the Program for Deaf Adults. Samuels retired from the
program in June 2002 after working for 14 years as Assistant Director
and Media Specialist. The scholarship will be awarded annually to
Deaf and Hard of Hearing students enrolled at LaGuardia Community
College in recognition of their academic achievements.
Well known for his leadership and devotion, Samuels
is a longtime member and supporter of the National Black Deaf Advocates
(NBDA) and more importantly, a strong advocate for the rights of
Black Deaf individuals. He was the first Chairperson of the National
Black Deaf Advocates (NBDA) Board of Directors and also served as
NBDA Vice-President for three years.
In addition, he has served on several advisory councils and committees
such as: former NYC Mayor David Dinkins' Advisory Council
for the Disabled, New York State Advisory Board for the Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA), NY State Office of Vocational Educational
Service for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID), Mainstreaming
for Youth with Disabilities of NYC, New York University Deafness
Rehabilitation Community Advisory Board, Lexington Center's
Vocational Services Advisory Committee, LaGuardia Community College
504/ADA Advisory Committee and Advisory Board member of CBS Sports
Real Time Captions.
Also a Black Deaf history researcher, Samuels has given numerous
Black Deaf history presentations/workshops locally and nationally
to Deaf and hearing organizations, Deaf Senior Citizens, Schools,
Colleges, Libraries, and social groups. Added to his many skills
and interests, he is a professional videographer and photographer
and is currently working on developing Black Deaf related literatures,
videotapes, photos and CD of Black Deaf history.
A tax-deductible contribution can be made to the Thomas Samuels
Scholarship through checks made payable to LaGuardia Education Fund,
Inc. – Thomas Samuels Scholarship/EF-2619. Contributions should
be mailed to Thomas Samuels Scholarship, Program for Deaf Adults/C204,
LaGuardia Community College, 31-10 Thomson Avenue, Long Island,
NY 11101.
Michael E Graziano
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