It is with deep sadness that the community of Gallaudet University and countless others across Washington, D.C., mourn the passing of Jane Bassett Spilman, a beloved member of the university and a dedicated advocate for the deaf and hard of hearing communities. Jane passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of service, leadership, and compassion that will not be forgotten.
Jane Bassett Spilman was more than a name on a boardroom plaque or a presence at university events—she was a true champion for education, access, and equity. Her connection to Gallaudet University, the world’s premier institution for the education of the deaf and hard of hearing, ran deep.
As Chair of Gallaudet University’s Board of Trustees from 1985 to 1994, Jane played a pivotal role in steering the university through a transformative period, including the historic “Deaf President Now” movement in 1988.
Though her leadership during that time was met with controversy and ultimately led to her resignation, Jane’s impact on the institution and its evolving governance structure was undeniably significant.
The events of that era catalyzed widespread awareness and change in the fight for representation, self-determination, and leadership within the Deaf community. Jane’s willingness to engage, listen, and ultimately step aside contributed to a turning point in Gallaudet’s history and the broader civil rights movement for people with disabilities.
Beyond the headlines, Jane Bassett Spilman was known by many as a thoughtful, gracious, and intelligent woman, deeply committed to service and philanthropy. She was admired for her sharp mind, generous spirit, and unwavering belief in the power of education to transform lives. Her work extended beyond Gallaudet, as she served on several boards and contributed to causes that supported the arts, education, and health care.
Jane’s passion for public service was matched only by her personal warmth. She was a mentor to many and a friend to countless individuals who remember her with affection and respect. Her influence could be felt not only in institutional decisions but in quiet moments of encouragement and support offered to those around her.
Her passing is deeply felt not only by her family and friends but also by the many individuals at Gallaudet and in the Deaf community who witnessed firsthand her contributions and her humanity. While opinions on her tenure at Gallaudet may vary, few would dispute her devotion to causes she believed in and the sincere effort she made to support the university through times of change.
Jane Bassett Spilman’s legacy is complex but deeply meaningful. She leaves behind a record of leadership, growth, and introspection that continues to influence conversations around representation and inclusion in academic institutions and beyond. Her story is a reminder of the importance of listening, learning, and striving always to do better.
She is survived by loving family members, dear friends, and the many colleagues whose lives she touched. Funeral and memorial service details will be announced at a later date. In honor of Jane’s memory, the family requests that donations be made to Gallaudet University or to organizations that promote accessibility, education, and equity for people with disabilities.
As we remember Jane Bassett Spilman, we celebrate a life marked by service, dialogue, and growth—a life that, in many ways, reflected the evolving story of Gallaudet itself.
