The Learning Center for Deaf Children Announces Appointment of Robert Badavas as Chairman of Board of Directors

From: Business Wire (press release) - May 20, 2003

Badavas Brings Deep Knowledge of School's Programs and Vision to New England's Leading Institution for Deaf Education

The Learning Center for Deaf Children today announced the appointment of Robert P. Badavas, chief operating officer of Atlas Venture of Waltham, as chairman of its Board of Directors. With nearly two decades of direct exposure to The Learning Center as the parent of an alumnus and as an existing member of the Center's Board of Directors, Badavas will play instrumental roles in helping the school grow and in communicating the value it provides to the communities it serves.

"I am delighted to be installed as chairman of the Board of Directors at the Learning Center for Deaf Children," Badavas stated. "It is an honor to serve an institution with such a rich history of service to the Deaf community. In these challenging times for educational organizations relying on state and federal funding, we must do an even better job of ensuring that The Learning Center's message is broadly communicated. I look forward to helping the school continue to play a leading role in the evolution of Deaf and hard of hearing education."

Founded in 1970 as a 22 student institution in Framingham, The Learning Center has devoted itself to remaining at the forefront of best practices in educating Deaf and hard of hearing students. The Learning Center's innovative programs, such as its Deaf Parent Infant Program and its programs for Cochlear Implanted students, are a model for other educational institutions serving Deaf and hard of hearing students nationwide. Central to its educational philosophy is its commitment to being a bilingual school, emphasizing in its curricula and in its extracurricular activities the acquisition of both American Sign Language and English. Today, The Learning Center is the largest school for the Deaf and hard of hearing in Massachusetts, supporting more than 225 students from nine states from preschool to high school at campuses in Framingham and Randolph, and is among the largest institutions of its kind in the nation.

"As the father of a Learning Center alumnus, not to mention one who has committed two years to the school as an assistant coach of our high school soccer team, Bob knows every facet of Deaf and hard of hearing education firsthand," said Michael Bello, Director of The Learning Center. "He has deep exposure to our staff and the services we provide to our students, and believes sincerely in the vision we have for the school. The breadth and depth of Bob's career experience and, specifically, his knowledge of the workings of both corporate and nonprofit boards of directors will be invaluable to this institution. Our students and staff will all benefit from the professionalism and dedication with which Bob will lead us for the next four years."

About The Learning Center for Deaf Children

Founded in 1970, The Learning Center for Deaf Children provides a challenging program of academic excellence for Deaf and hard of hearing students from infancy through high school. The school believes that Deaf and hard of hearing students have the right to maximize their personal, educational, social, communicative and vocational potential through participation in demanding educational experiences that develop their ability to think creatively and critically. This, coupled with the early access to American Sign Language and English, enables the students to develop the self-esteem and positive self-identity to be successful participants in both the hearing and Deaf communities. For more information about The Learning Center for Deaf Children, please visit the school's website at www.tlcdeaf.org .

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CONTACT: Media Contact :
Miller Consulting Group
Christiaan Vorkink, 617/262-1800 cv@millergrp.com or
School Contact :
The Learning Center
Ellen Lis, 508/879-5110 ellen_lis@tlcdeaf.org