ASD's 1817 Society

You're invited to join the 1817 Society

Become a partner in our mission and make a lasting difference in the lives of Deaf and hard-of-hearing students.

What is the 1817 Society?

Founded in 1817 as the nation’s first permanent school for the Deaf, the American School for the Deaf (ASD) continues to lead the way in Deaf education, empowering Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and Deafblind students to learn, grow, and thrive in a world of endless possibilities.

The 1817 Society honors those who have demonstrated a profound commitment to advancing ASD’s mission through a gift included in their estate plans. These members recognize the strength and sustainability that these gifts provide – ensuring that their impact will grow and benefit the students we serve for generations to come.

These visionary supporters understand the enduring power of their generosity -creating a foundation of strength and sustainability for the future of ASD.

For More Information, Please Contact:

List of 1 members.

  • Photo of Toula Ramey

    Toula Ramey 

    Assistant Director of Institutional Advancement
“We cherish ASD and feel deeply grateful for what it gave us. We want current and future students to have the same opportunities for growth and success. That is why we have chosen to include ASD in our estate plans.”

— Barbara Cassin, ASD Alumna, 1817 Society Member

1817 Society Members

With gratitude to our friends who have included ASD in their estate plans:

Beverly Buckner Baker
Jeffrey and Naomi Bravin
Dennis T. Cardello
Barbara Cassin
Joseph A. Caso
Brian Clemow
Janice E. De Dominicis
Roger Evarts
Janice Knauth
Alice Liebson
Sandra McLennon
Audrey J. Mordavsky
Bradford P. Moseley, IV
Carleton N. Mowell
Alan Schroeder
John Valone
Janet A. York

With deep appreciation, we remember those whose legacies endure through their generosity:


Joyce A. Allaire
Jane M. Austin
Mabel Bass
Virginia Belknap
James G. Bethell
Eunice W. Bouchard
Lilian Brace
Bernard Bragg
Muriel Braithwaite
Irene Brzezinski
Sarah T. Butler
Paul M. Butterworth
Mary M. Camilleri
Robert E. Carroll
Rhonda S. Clark
Winifred Clark
Helen C. Clason
Frederick U. Conard
Etta Cornwell
John J. Daniels
Anthony Deferari
Mary L. Derrick
Frank and Christine Dever
Robert E. Dunn
Morton A. Elsner
Mary L. Ferrari
William Finkelstein
John Fronczek
Anna M. Fronczek
Julia H. Gazsi
Mary H. Gionfriddo
Frank P. Gionfriddo
Dorothee R. Grenon
David H. Halberg
Ralph F. Harrison
Guy B. Holt
Katherine Hughes
Georgianna T. Ives
Joseph H. Jackson
Mary S. Johnson
Mr. and Mrs. Earl Kasulke
Mary Jean Kilfoil
Robert C. Knox
Laura C. Krieble
Walter B. Kuligowsky
Ann MacBride
Alberta Monte
David M. Mordavsky
Mary Morton
Richmond Paine
Mary W. Parker
Laura E. Parsells
Russell E. Perkins
Dennis Povesko
Abbie J. Quick
Gillian Ratcliffe
Anna M. Rinaldi
Ann T. and Edward C. Roberts
Edward C. Roberts
Scott R. Robinson
Cornelia RossiLois P. Schipul
Madeline Schuh
Lucille A. Schults
Bessie S. Sigel
Dorothy and Samuel Snider
Helen Sobolewski
Joseph S. Stackpole
James A. Stewart
Maria M. Szopa
Elizabeth Taylor
Maxine L. Thumim
Rose Tierney
Elizabeth H. Webster
Anna Zaharevitz








Member Benefits

On behalf of the American School for the Deaf, we thank you for planning for the future of Deaf education.

To show our gratitude for your lasting commitment to our mission, we are proud to offer the following benefits to each 1817 Society member:
  • Special invitations to special ASD events
  • An 1817 Society Exclusive Membership Pin
  • Recognition in our Annual American Era Publication
  • The joy of being a part of a community with a shared commitment to ASD’s future.

The American School for the Deaf serves deaf and hard of hearing individuals from birth through adulthood with a variety of programs and services.