Ohlone Deaf Center

On May 21, 2026, the Ohlone College Deaf Center hosted our Student Recognition Celebration. 💚💛

It was a beautiful evening celebrating our students’ achievements, leadership, and community. We honored our graduates, recognized the ASL Club officers, celebrated university transfers, acknowledged the Deaf-Centered Interpreting Preparation Program (DCIPP), and celebrated the accomplishments of our students.

We also took time to honor the memory and legacy of Ronald Charles Burdett (1947–2025) as the first Dean and recognize the people who have helped build and support the Deaf Center’s history and future.

Congratulations to all of our students. Your hard work, dedication, and passion inspire us. Thank you to our faculty, staff, families, and community members for continuing to support Deaf education at Ohlone College.

The future of our Deaf community is bright! ✨💚💛

Graduation Day 2026 at Ohlone College! 💚💛

A proud moment for our Deaf Center as we celebrate our students’ achievements and the power of our Deaf community. Graduation is not only about receiving a degree, it represents hard work, growth, resilience, and the support we give each other along the journey.

We are grateful to have such an amazing team who continues to support Deaf students, ASL learners, interpreters, and our community. Congratulations to all graduates, your future is bright! 🎓







Visual Description:
Six Deaf Center faculty and staff members are standing together outside wearing graduation regalia. Everyone is smiling and celebrating the special day. From left to right: Stefanie Ellis-Gonzales wearing a black graduation gown with an orange dress underneath; Jim Brune wearing a black gown with a light blue hood; Ardavan Guity wearing a bright royal blue doctoral gown and cap; William Wong wearing a black gown with a light blue panel and graduation cap; Nan Zhou wearing a black gown with a gold hood and medal; and Jill Birchall wearing a black gown with a light blue hood. They are standing in front of a glass building entrance with a gold graduation decoration in the background. 🎓💙

May 19, 2026 — Ohlone College Employee Service Awards Ceremony

Never too late to post.

Congratulations to our amazing Deaf Center team members who were recognized at the Employee Service Awards Ceremony!

🌟 Pam Snedigar — Honoring her retirement and many years of dedication and service.
🌟 Nan Zhou — Celebrating 15 years of service at Ohlone College.
🌟 Ann Burdett — Recipient of the Outstanding Manager Award.

Thank you all for your leadership, commitment, and the positive impact you have made in our community. Your contributions continue to inspire many students, faculty, and staff. Congratulations again!


















Visual description:
First photo: A group photo on stage in front of a large, elegant red curtain backdrop. From left to right: William Wong wearing a red T-shirt, Gerry Dulalia wearing a light striped shirt, Rakesh Swamy wearing a light-colored shirt, Jaurong Lin wearing a white shirt and pants, Pam Snedigar wearing a lavender top and holding her retirement recognition, Ann Burdett wearing a black top and striped skirt while holding her award plaque, Nan Zhou wearing a blue-gray shirt and burgundy pants while holding his 15-year service award, Aundrea Love wearing a black dress, Stefanie Ellis-Gonzales wearing a black top and white patterned skirt, and Ardavan Guity wearing a dark vest with a colorful floral shirt. Everyone is standing together and smiling during the celebration.

Second photo: Ann Burdett, Pam Snedigar, and Nan Zhou stand together on the stage in front of the red curtain. Ann and Pam are holding framed recognition plaques, and Nan is holding a glass award. The photo highlights their achievements and years of dedication to Ohlone College.

May 14 — Never too late to post.

Congratulations to Yupei Zhu for receiving the Outstanding Student Award in Deaf Studies!

Nan Zhou, as Yupei’s academic advisor, had the honor of announcing and recognizing Yupei’s achievement. Your hard work, dedication, and passion for Deaf Studies truly deserve this recognition. Congratulations again! 👏










Visual description:
There are three photos from the award ceremony. In the first photo, Yupei and Nan Zhou are seated on stage in front of a bright red curtain. Nan is signing while announcing the award, and Yupei is sitting beside him. In the second photo, Yupei and Nan stand together outdoors, smiling for the camera. In the third photo, Yupei is standing on stage holding his Outstanding Student Award certificate, with a colorful flower arrangement and red backdrop behind him. The photos capture a proud and meaningful moment of celebration in the Deaf Studies community.

We honor the memory of Ronald Burdett, a remarkable instructor, dean, and leader who dedicated more than three decades to Ohlone College and the Deaf community. His impact, leadership, and commitment to education touched many lives and will continue to be remembered.

Please join us as we celebrate his life and legacy on September 26, 2026, at Ohlone College Dining Hall in Fremont, California.

He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. 🤍














Visual description: A memorial poster featuring a portrait of a bald man wearing a dark suit, white shirt, and patterned tie, smiling softly at the camera. The background is warm brown with elegant decorative corner designs. Large text reads “Honoring the Memory of Ronald Burdett” with the dates September 20, 1947 – November 14, 2025. Additional text shares details for a memorial gathering at Ohlone College Dining Hall in Fremont, California.

Join us tomorrow for an exciting workshop hosted by the Ohlone Deaf Center!

We’re welcoming two Deaf professional caregivers, Jeff and Denise Anderson, who will share their experiences and insights about working in the caregiving field. This is a great opportunity to learn about a meaningful career path supporting Deaf senior citizens and DeafPlus individuals.

📅 Wednesday, May 6
⏰ 1:30 – 2:30 PM
📍 Room 6104
💻 HyFlex (in person or via Zoom)

🔗 Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87147426214
Meeting ID: 871 4742 6214











All students and community members are welcome. Come learn, ask questions, and connect with professionals in the field.

[Visual Description: A blue, green, and yellow flyer with the title “Ohlone Deaf Center Workshop!” in large bold letters at the top. On the right is a circular badge that says “Great Opportunity!” The flyer explains the topic: learning about jobs as a caregiver for Deaf senior citizens and DeafPlus individuals. Event details are listed with icons: date (Wednesday, May 6), time (1:30–2:30 PM), location (Room 6104), and format (HyFlex: in person and Zoom). On the right side, there are three bullet points about learning caregiving, understanding DeafPlus needs, and connecting with professionals. At the bottom are two headshots of the guest speakers, Jeff and Denise Anderson, both smiling outdoors. A banner at the bottom reads: “All students and community members welcome!”]

Join us for a Virtual Info Night with the American Sign Language & Deaf Studies Program at Ohlone College!

📅 May 14, 2026
🕕 Thursday, 6–8 PM (PST)
💻 Free & open to the public
🤟 ASL interpreted

Learn about our program and connect with the Deaf community.

RSVP & details:
ohlone.edu/deafstudies/asl














Visual description:
A flyer with a green-to-blue gradient background. At the top is the Ohlone College logo and the title “American Sign Language & Deaf Studies Program.” The center features large text reading “Virtual Info Night” and the date “May 14, 2026.” On the right, two people face each other and sign in ASL. At the bottom, text highlights that the event is free, virtual, open to the public, and ASL interpreted, along with a website link for more information.

Summer 2026 ASL 101 is here, online and ready for you!

Join us at Ohlone College Deaf Center for an introduction to American Sign Language and learn about Deaf community and culture in an engaging, interactive space.

🗓 Mondays–Thursdays
⏰ 4:30–6:35 PM
📅 June 15 – August 6, 2026

Perfect for beginners. Come learn, connect, and build your skills.

🔗 Enroll: www.ohlone.edu/topten

Visual description: A green-themed flyer from Ohlone College Deaf Center promoting a “Summer 2026 Online ASL 101 Class.” The top shows the Ohlone College logo. On the left, large bold text reads “ONLINE ASL 101 CLASS.” On the right, the schedule and dates are listed. Below, a Zoom-style screen shows an instructor signing in the main window, with several smiling students in smaller boxes, all making the “NOW” handshape. At the bottom, there is a link to enroll.