WashU Medicine celebrates Audiology and Deaf Education graduates

At commencement ceremonies May 12, Washington University’s top ranked Program in Audiology and Communication Sciences awarded 11 Doctor of Audiology degrees and eight Master of Science in Deaf Education degrees this year.

The Program in Audiology and Communication Sciences recognized its graduates during a Commencement Recognition Ceremony held at the Eric P. Newman Center on the medical school campus, Monday, May 12.

Two special awards are bestowed each year to outstanding graduate students. This year’s honorees certainly reflect outstanding academic achievement and professional promise.

Antoinette Frances Dames Award

The Antoinette Frances Dames Award recognizes outstanding scholarship in teaching the hearing impaired, as judged by the faculty. The 2025 recipient is Halle Smith.

Max A. Goldstein Award

The Max A. Goldstein Award recognizes excellence and professional promise, as judged by the faculty. The 2025 recipient is Callie Boren.

Graduates with Doctorate in Audiology (AuD)

Graduates with Master of Science in Deaf Education (MSDE)

In addition, Amanda Dunaway received a Master of Arts in Speech and Hearing Sciences

According to Director of Deaf Education Casey Reimer, PhD, these graduates will be working with children who are deaf or hard of hearing and the families of children with hearing loss across the country, in both private and public schools.

Director of Audiology Amanda Ortmann, PhD, commented on the ceremony and the achievements of the graduates.

“Graduation was a huge success, and it was wonderful to celebrate the accomplishments of our graduates alongside their friends and families,” said Ortmann. “We have full confidence in our graduates and expect great things from them as they begin their careers in audiology and deaf education. Our graduates are in high demand as 90% of them had jobs secured upon graduation. We are so proud of them!”

Undergraduate Studies

On the Danforth campus, eight students celebrated undergraduate degrees that included a Minor in Speech and Hearing Sciences. According to Director of Undergraduate Studies Kate McClannahan, AuD, PhD, most are heading to graduate programs in deaf education, speech-language pathology, social work, and public health. They are: