Percy, Charles Harting "Chuck"

Hard of hearing. Born at Pensacola, FL; partially deafened as a young Navy gunnery officer during World War II; hearing gradually became worse as he aged. Sat on the board of the Bell & Howell Company at age 23; by age 29, had become president of the company. Entered politics in the late 1950s. Defeated for Illinois governor 1964, but won election to the U.S. Senate from Illinois, 1966. While in the Senate, got a hearing aid and claimed to be the first U.S. Senator to wear one. Reelected 1972 and 1978 but defeated in 1984. In 1985, became chair of the Institute of International Education (later U.S. International Cultural and Trade Center). Recipient of numerous honorary degrees, including an LL.D. from Gallaudet College, 1981.