Richard Jacobs (1989) '91

I was born in Chicago and lived in Illinois for almost 30 years before living permanently in Edmonds near Seattle, Washington. My parents are hearing, and I have one younger deaf sister, Charmaine (G-'95), who is married to Gregory Hlibok ('89). I attended an oral school program and a self-contained classroom for the deaf in a suburb of Chicago before I attended Wisconsin School for the Deaf in Delavan for nine years. After I graduated from high school in 1985, I went to Gallaudet University and completed my bachelor’s degree in 1991. I was heavily involved in varsity sports most of my high school and college years. I spent three years as a member of the USA National Team Handball team training for 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. Unfortunately, my dream of playing at the Olympics diminished after I injured my knee.

Later, I earned a Master degree in Special Education for the Deaf at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon. I settled in Washington State after marrying Julia Petersen (’87; G-’89), a Seattle native. I was a Deaf teacher at a public school in Seattle area before I became a full-time ASL professor at the Shoreline Community College in Seattle. I have been teaching for over 15 years now. I have two children; one girl and one boy.

I was a member of the deaf USA team handball team as a player/coach for four straight Deaflympics in 1989, 1993, 1997 and 2001. I decided to retire from playing team handball team after my last game at the 2001 Deaflympic Games in Rome, Italy. At that time, I discovered new hobbies... I truly enjoy being a handyman and doing outdoors adventures, especially fishing for squids at night!

Currently, this is my second term as WAGUAA president. I especially enjoy working with my team of officers/board members. I strive to do my presidential duties to the best of my ability.

One of my three most memorable Gally moments were when I was the member of 1986-1987 Gallaudet's basketball team with the best record with 16 wins and 10 losses in Gallaudet's history. I won fourth place in the Decathlon event at the NCAA Division III National competition in 1990. On October 24, 2009, I have received a Hall of Fame award for all of the sports I participated in. It was a great honor for me. And lastly, the inspirational 1988 Deaf President Now movement was is a cherished moment for me.