Sign language interpreter retiring after more than 170 commencement ceremonies

After 36 years, sign language interpreter Rachel Kohn is signing off at her final University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire commencement exercises Saturday at Zorn Arena, the last graduation ceremonies in the 72-year-old facility.

“Commencement day is such a happy day to be a part of,” Kohn says. “There is so much positive energy in the arena. I often get choked up as the graduates enter the arena, and I don't even know most of them.”

Kohn says she was honored and humbled to receive the Honorary Blugold Award from Chancellor James Schmidt during commencement as a token of gratitude for her many years of service.

Kohn, who has taught multiple eight-week sign language classes through UW-Eau Claire Continuing Education, started signing at commencement in 1988 and interpreted more than 170 commencement ceremonies for 72,000 Blugolds, including three ceremonies on her final day.

“It has been an honor and I will certainly enjoy this last ceremony in Zorn Arena as it, too, retires,” Kohn says. “It is a place where many memories have been created over the years.”

Kohn recalls graduates doing backflips after receiving a diploma, students being unable to find their way off the stage and others losing their caps as proud members in the audience cheered and whistled their approval. A special moment was when she signed as her son received his diploma with a bachelor’s degree in biology.

Kohn, who retired after 36 years as a sign language interpreter in the Eau Claire Area School District, knows she played an important role at commencement over the years.

“Communication and information access is so very important to Deaf and hard of hearing family members, friends and Deaf students, who are participating in such an important milestone,” Kohn says. “Everyone wants to feel included, should be included, so having sign language access through an interpreter, being seen throughout the arena on the big screen, where they can sit with family members, provides that access.”

Kohn plans to continue interpreting for The Forum series and other one-day events at UW-Eau Claire.