Day: February 9, 2021

Once more, my friend and mentee in the DLP/LP.D program, Dr. Opeoluwa Sotonwa has made news.

When I met Ope before he even applied to the Doctor of Law and Policy Program, he was the Executive Director of the Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.  He held that position throughout his studies at #NEU in the DLP program.  He leveraged his learning in the #DLP program to draft and promote legislation to educate Missouri police as to the special needs of the deaf and hard of hearing that was approved by Missouri Legislature and signed into law by its governor.  I flew to Boston just to attend his hooding.

In January 2021, Ope was appointed Commissioner for the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.  Ope’s appointment commences on March 1, 2021.  I have linked the state announcement below.

You’ll notice that the official photo of Ope to the left has him wearing a button on his lapel.  A close examination of the photo will show that he’s proudly wearing a #NEU button

There are few things in my life that make me happier than to see quality people, like Ope, rise to take on an overcome new challenges benefiting the public who are unlikely to know of their existence.  Ope is not a public servant. Rather, he is a true public hero and public protector.

Here is the link to the formal announcement in text, voiced, and in ASL:

https://www.mass.gov/news/dr-opeoluwa-sotonwa-appointed-commissioner-for-the-massachusetts-commission-for-the-deaf-and

My hat is off to my friend, Dr. Opeoluwa Sotonwa, a true representative of Northeastern University’s Doctor of Law and Policy program.

Jonathan

PS:  I’m really proud of the kid, in case you couldn’t tell!