Ernest E. Hoffmann, 1945-2004

Ernest E. Hoffmann of Washington, DC passed away on May 7, 2004 at the age of 58 at Casey House Hospice in Rockville, MD. He fought a courageous battle with lymphoma.

Ernie, as he was known to his many friends and colleagues, was born on June 15, 1945 in Faith, S.D. A graduate of the South Dakota School for the Deaf, he received a bachelor's degree in History from Gallaudet University in 1966 at the age of 20. In 1980, he received his master's degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from California State University, Northridge.

After graduating from Gallaudet, he worked for the Federal Bureau of Investigation for three years and then worked for Blue Cross/Blue Shield from 1969 to 1978. In 1978, he moved to Colorado and became a vocational rehabilitation counselor for two years before moving back to Washington, DC to accept a position with Gallaudet's Development Office. During his six
years with the Development Office, Ernie instituted the highly successful TTY-A-Thon.

In 1986, Ernie transferred to the Peikoff Alumni House ("Ole Jim") and worked as the Facility Coordinator and Alumni Records Manager until his retirement in 2000. During his tenure in the PAH, he made significant improvements to the Upper Level so that alumni, friends of Gallaudet, and campus departments could fully enjoy their events. In recognition of his outstanding service to the Alumni House and the Gallaudet University Alumni Association, he was presented with the President's Award by the GUAA in 1989.

Ernie was a member and officer of many organizations. He was president and secretary of the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf #64, president, secretary and treasurer of the Silent Athletic Club in Denver, president of the Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf, secretary and treasurer of the Metro Mixed Bowling League, advisor to the Alpha Sigma Pi Fraternity at Gallaudet, and president of the International Alpha Sigma Pi Alumni Association until his passing. He also served as editor of the Dee Cee Eyes newsletter. Ernie was an avid bowler and a die-hard Philadelphia Eagles fan.

Ernie is survived by one brother, Marlyn J. Hoffmann, Lusk, WY; three sisters, Mary Anne Hoffmann Palmer, Faith, SD; Delores Hoffmann Fair, Gordon, NE.; and Myrna Hoffmann Collins, Faith, SD; and nine nieces and nephews and other relatives. He was predeceased by his parents, John Gottfried Hoffmann and Anna Gertrude Susan Moelter Hoffmann, and two brothers, John Edward Hoffmann and Charles Eugene Hoffmann. He was predeceased by his partner, William Revell, in 2000.

A memorial service will be held in the fall of 2004. Contributions in memory of Ernest E. Hoffmann can be sent to the Alpha Sigma Pi Fellowship Fund, Gallaudet University, Development Office, 800 Florida Avenue NE, Washington, D.C. 20002; Gallaudet University Alumni Association's Alumni House Maintenance Fund, Gallaudet University, Development Office, 800 Florida Avenue NE, Washington, D.C. 20002; and/or Montgomery Hospice Casey House, 6001 Muncaster Mill Road, Rockville, MD 20855.

Source: Gallaudet University