Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, President Gallaudet's father.
=== 20th century ===
In 1911, Congress amended the charter of the institution, changing the corporate name to "Columbia Institution for the Deaf". It would remain the legal name for the institution until 1954, when Congress amended the charter to rename it "Gallaudet College", which had been the official name of the collegiate department since 1894.
During his 17 years as Dean of the college in the 1950s and 1960s, George Ernst Detmold was a significant figure in helping the college achieve accreditation. He also led the college in developing new departments, especially drama. He directed Gallaudet theater productions, which eventually led to starting the National Theatre of the Deaf.
In 1965, professors at Gallaudet compiled the first-ever dictionary of ASL signs.
In 1986, Congress again amended the charter of the institution, renaming it "Gallaudet University".
=== Deaf President Now (1988) ===
Student strikes at Gallaudet University starting March …
