Malkowski dedicated a significant portion of his address to advocating for the removal of tuition surcharges on international deaf students at Gallaudet University, citing precedent from Howard University and support from President Clinton, who had called Gallaudet 'a national treasure' that should not have extra barriers excluding international students. His vision was deeply strategic: by making Gallaudet more accessible to deaf students from around the world, the university could train a generation of international leaders who would return to their home countries as agents of change—fighting for deaf education rights, democratic participation, and the recognition of sign languages globally. He pointed to existing successes like Wilma Newhoudt-Druchen, a Gallaudet graduate elected to the South African Parliament, and more than ten alumni who had entered politics or senior government positions. For Malkowski, Gallaudet was not just an American institution but an international engine for transforming the lives of deaf people worldwide.