Chough, Steven K.

Born in Kimchon, Korea; his original Korean name is Kyong Koun Chough. Deafened by meningitis at age 3. 1938-1941, attended the National School for the Blind and Deaf in Seoul, then returned to that school 1947-1950 for advanced studies, where he learned English. Upon graduation in 1950, began teaching third grade in the Christian School for the Blind and Deaf at Taegu, but the school was closed a month later by the outbreak of the Korean War. The South Korean government eventually allowed deaf men to support the military war effort through menial tasks such as kitchen workers, janitors, and cooks. Chough distinguished himself well enough that he became an agent in the Korean Counter-Intelligence Corps (CIC). After the fall of Seoul and the suspension of the Korean CIC, he became a volunteer for a US Army battalion, starting as a janitor but rapidly rising to typist, translator, and assistant administrator for almost 2 years. Transferred to the American CIC as a translator until war's end, the only deaf man in that role. Postwar, became vice-president of the Korean Association of the Deaf. Aspirations to attend Gallaudet College were realized in 1955 when he got sponsorship for his trip to the U.S. At Gallaudet , was member of the ASP fraternity and class vice-president, graduating with a degree in sociology. Worked for a time as a counselor in several American schools for the deaf. Much later, taught and was an administrator at Gallaudet University, continuing to teach part-time in semi-retirement.