Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the
Robert G. Sanderson Community Center
Robert G. Sanderson Community Center
Compiled & Written by Jodi Christel Becker
Edited by Valerie G. Kinney
Published in 2017
Updated in 2026
Edited by Valerie G. Kinney
Published in 2017
Updated in 2026
Author's Note
It was a pleasure working with the Historical Timeline Panels Committee! I extend my heartfelt thanks to Diego Acosta, Joene Nicolaisen, and Robin Traveller for their collaboration and dedication throughout this project. I am especially grateful to Diego for inviting me to participate in such a meaningful endeavor.
Our mission was to design historical timeline panels that celebrate Utah Deaf history and honor remarkable leaders such as Dr. Robert G. Sanderson and W. David Mortensen. Through their vision, leadership, and advocacy, they helped transform the community center into a welcoming gathering place where Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals can connect, participate in activities, access services in American Sign Language, and strengthen their sense of community.
Today, these historical panels are proudly displayed in the museum area of the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. If you are ever in the area, I encourage you to stop by and explore this important part of Utah Deaf history.
I hope you enjoy learning about our celebration event and viewing the photographs of the historical panels featured below. It was truly an honor to help preserve and share these stories for future generations.
Enjoy!
Jodi Christel Becker
Our mission was to design historical timeline panels that celebrate Utah Deaf history and honor remarkable leaders such as Dr. Robert G. Sanderson and W. David Mortensen. Through their vision, leadership, and advocacy, they helped transform the community center into a welcoming gathering place where Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals can connect, participate in activities, access services in American Sign Language, and strengthen their sense of community.
Today, these historical panels are proudly displayed in the museum area of the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. If you are ever in the area, I encourage you to stop by and explore this important part of Utah Deaf history.
I hope you enjoy learning about our celebration event and viewing the photographs of the historical panels featured below. It was truly an honor to help preserve and share these stories for future generations.
Enjoy!
Jodi Christel Becker
The Sanderson Center's 25th Anniversary Celebration: 1992-2017 Program Book
Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Future:
The Sanderson Community Center's 25th Anniversary
The Sanderson Community Center's 25th Anniversary
On September 8, 2017, the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing celebrated its 25th anniversary. Approximately 450 Deaf community members from across Utah attended the event, enjoying games, delicious food, entertainment, and opportunities to reconnect with friends and colleagues. The theme, "Blast from the Past," highlighted the center's rich history and the many individuals whose dedication made the center possible (DSDHH Newsletter, October 17, 2017).
The roots of the center extend back to 1946, when Utah's Deaf and hard-of-hearing community recognized the need for a dedicated gathering place. During the 1960s, pioneers such as Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, Utah's first Deaf Services Coordinator, worked tirelessly to make that vision a reality. Their efforts eventually led to the opening of the Utah Community Center for the Deaf in Bountiful, Utah, in 1983. Nine years later, in 1992, the current Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing opened in Taylorsville, Utah, thanks in large part to the leadership and advocacy of W. David Mortensen, longtime president of the Utah Association for the Deaf.
Since its founding, the center has served as a vital resource for individuals who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and Late Deafened. Through its many programs and services, the center has strengthened community connections while promoting accessibility, education, employment, and independence. Services have included American Sign Language interpreting, case management, employment assistance, assistive technology resources, community outreach, educational programs, and social and recreational activities. These efforts have helped create a welcoming environment where individuals with hearing loss can access support, build relationships, and fully participate in community life.
The roots of the center extend back to 1946, when Utah's Deaf and hard-of-hearing community recognized the need for a dedicated gathering place. During the 1960s, pioneers such as Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, Utah's first Deaf Services Coordinator, worked tirelessly to make that vision a reality. Their efforts eventually led to the opening of the Utah Community Center for the Deaf in Bountiful, Utah, in 1983. Nine years later, in 1992, the current Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing opened in Taylorsville, Utah, thanks in large part to the leadership and advocacy of W. David Mortensen, longtime president of the Utah Association for the Deaf.
Since its founding, the center has served as a vital resource for individuals who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and Late Deafened. Through its many programs and services, the center has strengthened community connections while promoting accessibility, education, employment, and independence. Services have included American Sign Language interpreting, case management, employment assistance, assistive technology resources, community outreach, educational programs, and social and recreational activities. These efforts have helped create a welcoming environment where individuals with hearing loss can access support, build relationships, and fully participate in community life.
Approximately 450 Utahns joined the event celebrating with games, dinner, and performance. Photograph by Jodi Christel Becker
Visitors can explore the center's rich history by viewing the historical timeline panels displayed in the museum area of the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. These panels were developed through the collaborative efforts of Joene Nicolaisen, Diego Acosta, Robin Traveller, and Jodi Christel Becker. Through photographs, historical records, and informative exhibits, the panels celebrate the milestones, challenges, and achievements that have shaped Utah Deaf history and the center's enduring legacy.
Historical timeline panels of the Sanderson Community Center. Photograph by Jodi Christel Becker
Historical Timeline Panels Committee: Jodi Christel Becker, Diego Acosta, Joene Nicolaisen, Robin Traveller. Photo from the private collection of Jodi Christel Becker
Robert Belshe and his son viewing the historical timeline panels of the Sanderson Community Center. Photo from the private collection of Jodi Christel Becker
During the celebration, Marilyn Tiller Call
and Others Receive Recognition
and Others Receive Recognition
During the anniversary celebration, several individuals were recognized for their significant contributions:
- Marilyn Tiller Call, Director of the Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, in recognition of her distinguished leadership and upcoming retirement in December 2017.
- Mitch Jensen, Certification Program Director of the Utah Interpreter Program, as the longest-serving employee at the center.
- Jodi Christel Becker and Valerie G. Kinney for their dedicated work in researching and developing the Utah Deaf History website.
- W. David Mortensen, age 86, for his leadership and advocacy in helping establish the community center (DSDHH Newsletter, October 17, 2017).
Marilyn Tiller Call receives recognition for her years of service. Marilyn T. Call Conference Room. Photograph by Jodi Christel Becker
The Conference Room is Named in Honor of
Marilyn T. Call, Director of the Division of
Services of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Marilyn T. Call, Director of the Division of
Services of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
A special tribute was paid to Marilyn Tiller Call in recognition of her many years of leadership and service. In her honor, the conference room at the Sanderson Community Center was named the Marilyn T. Call Conference Room.
Marilyn brought extensive experience in government affairs and public policy to her role, helping expand and strengthen services for Utah's Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. She recognized the growing need for enhanced social services and worked diligently to ensure that the center met high standards of service delivery (Sanderson, 2024). Throughout her tenure, she championed accessibility, employment services, outreach initiatives, technology programs, interpreter mentoring and training, and educational opportunities for individuals with hearing loss.
Marilyn brought extensive experience in government affairs and public policy to her role, helping expand and strengthen services for Utah's Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. She recognized the growing need for enhanced social services and worked diligently to ensure that the center met high standards of service delivery (Sanderson, 2024). Throughout her tenure, she championed accessibility, employment services, outreach initiatives, technology programs, interpreter mentoring and training, and educational opportunities for individuals with hearing loss.
Marilyn T. Call Conference Room. Photograph by Jodi Christel Becker
Among her many accomplishments was the development and expansion of the center's demonstration lab loaner bank, which allows Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals to evaluate assistive technologies before purchasing them. Her advocacy also helped secure funding for American Sign Language-fluent mental health counselors and case managers, improving access to critical support services (Hamilton Relay, June 3, 2011). In addition, she played an instrumental role in establishing the Southern Utah Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program's satellite office in St. George, expanding services to individuals living outside the Wasatch Front.
Marilyn T. Call Conference Room. Photograph by Jodi Christel Becker
Marilyn retired in December 2017, one year after the Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing was transferred to the Department of Workforce Services in 2016. The Utah Deaf community remains deeply grateful for her leadership, dedication, and lasting contributions. Her legacy continues to influence the programs and services that many Utahns rely upon today.
A copy of the 25th Anniversary Celebration Program for the Sanderson Community Center is attached for you to look over.
Historical Clarifications
As part of ongoing efforts to preserve and accurately document Utah Deaf history, two historical clarifications regarding the timeline panels should be noted.
First, the name W. David Mortensen is incorrectly listed as "W. Dave Mortensen" on one of the panels. The correct name is W. David Mortensen.
Second, the panels identify Beth Ann Stewart Campbell as a "Program Specialist." Historical records indicate that she served as the Director of the Utah Community Center for the Deaf in Bountiful, Utah, from 1985 to 1992. This information is supported by newspaper articles, photographs, organizational records, and correspondence from former directors.
Correcting these historical inaccuracies and restoring Beth Ann Stewart Campbell's portrait would help ensure that her contributions are properly recognized and preserved for future generations. Her leadership played a significant role in expanding services, strengthening programs, and helping shape the foundation upon which the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing continues to serve Utah's Deaf community today.
By preserving these historical details, we honor the individuals whose dedication, vision, and advocacy transformed a dream into a lasting institution that continues to enrich the lives of Deaf and hard-of-hearing Utahns throughout the state.
First, the name W. David Mortensen is incorrectly listed as "W. Dave Mortensen" on one of the panels. The correct name is W. David Mortensen.
Second, the panels identify Beth Ann Stewart Campbell as a "Program Specialist." Historical records indicate that she served as the Director of the Utah Community Center for the Deaf in Bountiful, Utah, from 1985 to 1992. This information is supported by newspaper articles, photographs, organizational records, and correspondence from former directors.
Correcting these historical inaccuracies and restoring Beth Ann Stewart Campbell's portrait would help ensure that her contributions are properly recognized and preserved for future generations. Her leadership played a significant role in expanding services, strengthening programs, and helping shape the foundation upon which the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing continues to serve Utah's Deaf community today.
By preserving these historical details, we honor the individuals whose dedication, vision, and advocacy transformed a dream into a lasting institution that continues to enrich the lives of Deaf and hard-of-hearing Utahns throughout the state.
An excerpt from the newspapers serves as evidence of Beth Ann Stewart Campbell serving as Director of the Utah Community Center for the Deaf in Bountiful, Utah, from 1985 to 1992
References
Marilyn Call selected for Hamilton Relay 2011 Better Hearing and Speech Month Recognition Award for the State of Utah. June 3, 2011.
Sanderson, Robert G. A Brief History of the Origins of the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. March 9, 2004.
Sanderson Center 25th Anniversary Celebration. Community Connections with Utah’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing Newsletter, October 2017, p. 3 & 4.
Sanderson, Robert G. A Brief History of the Origins of the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. March 9, 2004.
Sanderson Center 25th Anniversary Celebration. Community Connections with Utah’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing Newsletter, October 2017, p. 3 & 4.
