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College Movers & Shakers
Sheila Lipinsky Awarded 2006 Monty for Distinguished Alumni
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Sheila Lipinsky,
class of 1972
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"We are so proud that Sheila is a graduate of the School of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences," says Dean Marilyn Newhoff. "Besides her commitment to philanthropy, Sheila dedicated her career to innovative teaching and advocacy for all individuals who face barriers to communication, particularly those who are deaf."
Sheila's commitment to her field began at a young age, when she became best friends with a five-year-old next door neighbor. Her friend was deaf, and Sheila learned sign language as a result-and much more. She advocated for her friend in school and eventually found that she had a passion for understanding the needs of deaf children, their potential for learning and the importance of helping others to understand.
This lesson remained with Sheila throughout her education, spurring her to earn a master's degree in communicative disorders. Under the guidance of faculty member Sue Earnest, who had been her best friend's speech therapist throughout her childhood, Sheila became the first graduate of the Deaf Education program in 1972.
Sheila's distinguished career began with a teaching position in the Chula Vista School System, during which she taught deaf and hard-of-hearing children, deaf/blind and autistic children and children with learning disabilities. These efforts helped her to earn a credential in teaching children with special needs.
"Besides her commitment to philanthropy, Sheila dedicated her career to innovative teaching and advocacy for all individuals who face barriers to communication, particularly those who are deaf."
In 1976, Sheila left the self-contained classroom setting to integrate deaf and hard-of-hearing children into the regular classroom. She spearheaded the Itinerate Program with Chula Vista City Schools that eventually provided services to other school districts. In 1981, Sheila left the city school system and spent the next 20 years in private practice, working with children with language processing difficulties and advocating for them in their schools.
Sheila remembers fondly the education she earned while in the School of Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences, and is amazed at its growth in capacity and reputation.
"The new doctorate of audiology speaks to the excellence of this school, and its collaboration with UCSD to create this degree shows the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit of the school to make its program stronger," says Sheila.
As for the School of Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences, Sheila is excited not only about the education it provides students, but also the services it provides the community.
"It's tremendous that the school helps underserved parts of San Diego, helping families that would otherwise be unable to afford this type of support," says Sheila.
Sheila's commitment to and understanding of this university stems from her belief that "it is important for a university to work with its community in order to create a better society - SDSU is the epitome of such an institution."
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