In memoriam of Dr. Isaac O. Agboola, '81, G-'83

“He offered himself as an instrument for God to open doors where there were none, shed light where there was darkness, impart knowledge where there was ignorance, and provide hope where there was despair.” – Dr. Isaac O. Agboola, ’81, G-’83, 2009

Below is a modified excerpt from an article about Dr. Agboola in the January – June 2017 edition of Our Story. In 2017, Gallaudet University experienced a huge loss, the passing of Dr. Isaac O. Agboola, ’81 & G-’83, the Dean of the School of Education, Business, and Human Services (SEBHS). Many stories and memories of Dr. Agboola circulated around Kendall Green from many people who loved and respected him, and the National Deaf Life Museum is no exception. In 2013, the Museum was working on a large-scale project: to open a permanent museum in Chapel Hall to commemorate Gallaudet University’s sesquicentennial celebration on April 8, 2014. The Museum asked Dr. Agboola to curate an exhibit titled Andrew J. Foster: Missionary, Educator, and Advocate. There was no one else better than Dr. Agboola to undertake this project since he knew Dr. Foster from his youth’s days. As Museum director Meredith Peruzzi stated, “Dr. Agboola’s fondness for Andrew Foster could be easily felt any time we discussed the exhibit. He lit up when he shared photos and stories from his time working in Dr. Foster’s office, and it was a joy to work with him on this project. I can think of no one else with more passion for the subject, and I was honored to work with him.” Students from various countries in Africa bring their friends to see the exhibit, demonstrating Foster’s long-lasting legacy. Short version of How Merrily He Laughed Biography of Dr. Isaac O. Agboola Read tribute from then Provost Carol J. Erting. Contribute to the Dr. Isaac O. Agboola, ’81, G-’83, Memorial Fund Biography of Dr. Agboola by GSR-300 class on April 8, 2019 Dr. Isaac Agboola Memorial Service