News

Gary Viall Named Deaf Businessperson of the Year

April 24, 2008

The members of the Department of Business (DOB), Gallaudet University, are pleased to announce that the DOB has recognized Gary Viall, from Falls Church, VA, for his efforts to further business ownership by deaf and hard of hearing individuals by naming him Deaf Businessperson of the Year. This event, which took place during the DOB¡¯s annual Business After Hours program, also includes the always hotly contested Sutcliffe Business Bowl and a mixer after the main events. To be recognized for this award, the person must be deaf or hard of hearing, epitomize best business practices, and must have exemplary character and a reputation for being ethical.

Gary Viall more than met all of those criteria. Born in California, Gary was raised in Wisconsin and attended Oshkosh School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. He graduated from Oshkosh High School in 1963 and Gallaudet University in 1967 with a B.S. in accounting. He later earned his MBA in management from Gallaudet University in 1984. He was with U.S. Small Business Administration for over 40 years, ending as a senior accountant. He also served as a resource person for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing community by giving SBA pre-business workshops around the country, writing articles on small business in The NAD Broadcaster for 11 years and making referrals for potential deaf business owners to SBA's district offices around the country.

Gary has been active in the local, state and national civic activities and is one of the founders of Northern Virginia Resource Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons in Fairfax, VA. He is a past President of the Virginia Association of the Deaf and a longstanding member of the National Association of the Deaf, serving on several of its committees. In addition, for many years Gary has contributed his time and knowledge toward supporting the Department of Business at Gallaudet University.

It is with heartfelt thanks that the members of the DOB at Gallaudet University thank Gary for his time and efforts in helping to develop a culture of deaf and hard of hearing entrepreneurship as encapsulated in his efforts at the SBA. The DOB¡¯s respect for him is reflected in this award as the Deaf Businessperson of the Year.

In addition to Gary's award, the DOB ran its annual Sutcliffe Business Bowl, named for Dr. Ronald Sutcliffe, retired Dean of the School of Management at Gallaudet University. The Bowl was as always hotly contested by an initial field of 20 contestants selected out of a pool of 35 applicants. The first place winner was Jonathan Chanin, a senior Computer Information Systems major, and second and third place winners were Robert Siebert, a freshman business major and Timothy Putt, a senior history major, respectively. The audience had a wonderful time anticipating the answers to the progressively tougher questions asked during the event. Questions covered a variety of business topics including finance, accounting, economics, marketing, management, and computers, and challenged even the most knowledgeable observers.

Gallaudet Dept of Business announced the Business Person of Year 2007

April 29, 2007

The Department of Business at Gallaudet University selected Louis J. Schwarz, QFP, CFP, RFC, as the Business Person of the Year 2007 last Thursday.

The comments Dr. Issac Agboola, Chair, Department of Business, made at the Business After Hours (BAH) ceremony at Gallaudet University were:

Through Louis J Schwarz's dynamic leadership, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, Schwarz Financial Services LLC has been one of the top financial services providers for the Deaf in this country for many years. For over 30 years, he has served as an excellent role model for many who want to go into business as well as being active in many organizations promoting entrepreneurship." The previous awardees were Jimmy Libman (NJ), Jim Macfadden (MD), Marilyn Smith (WA), David Birnbaum (MD), and John Yeh (MD).