Alumna Returns as SLS Adjunct Faculty

LIVONIA, MICH. - When Lindsey Wiegand graduated from Madonna University in 2007 with a degree in Sign Language Interpreting Studies, she stayed in touch with her professors as professional peers. This fall, she joined them again: this time as an adjunct professor in Madonna's Sign Language Studies department. "This is my first semester teaching at Madonna, and it is such an honor to be a part of the program that taught me so much," Wiegand says.

After her time at Madonna, Wiegand earned her Master of Arts in Interpreting from Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., in 2009 before moving back to Michigan to work as a freelance American Sign Language/English interpreter. Since becoming a nationally certified interpreter, she has worked in post-secondary, K-12 education, and medical settings. She also presents professional development workshops and mentors novice interpreters.

"The faculty definitely made the experience special for me," she says of her time at Madonna. Over the years, freelance assignments put her in different settings alongside some of her former teachers, which was a full-circle moment for her. "I looked up to them so much when I was a student, and it meant a great deal to then work alongside them and become their colleague."

Now, Wiegand brings that experience into the classroom, teaching SLS 4930, Field Observation: ASL. "I will take everything that I was taught while I was at Madonna and all of the lessons I've learned through experience within the Deaf community to prepare them for their future careers," she says.

"To give back to the Deaf and interpreting community in any way is always deeply rewarding, but to be able to have a positive effect on future interpreters is an endeavor that I don't take lightly."

Madonna's Sign Language Studies department has trained interpreters, educators, and Deaf community advocates since 1975.

If you are interested in learning more about Madonna's offerings, you can visit Madonna's Sign Language Studies department to explore programs in:

• Sign Language Interpreting,
• ASL Education,
• and Deaf Community Studies.