Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center
Compiled & Written by Jodi Christel Becker
Published in 2022
Updated in 2026
Published in 2022
Updated in 2026
Author's Note
I had the privilege of celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. It was both a surprise and an honor to be recognized by the center and receive an award. This unexpected acknowledgment was deeply meaningful, and I will always cherish the experience.
My involvement with the Utah Deaf History Collection has been one of the most rewarding journeys of my life. I am grateful for the opportunity to help preserve the stories, achievements, and contributions of Utah's Deaf community. Through this work, I have witnessed the remarkable connections between generations and gained a deeper appreciation for the individuals whose dedication and advocacy helped shape our history.
Preserving these historical treasures not only keeps our past alive but also empowers present and future generations to share their stories and understand the foundations upon which our community was built. I am honored to contribute to this important effort and look forward to continuing this work for years to come.
Thank you to everyone who has supported the Utah Deaf History Collection and helped make this recognition possible. Your encouragement, collaboration, and commitment to preserving our shared heritage are deeply appreciated.
A special thank-you to everyone involved in organizing the celebration and making the evening so memorable.
Thank you!
Jodi Christel Becker
My involvement with the Utah Deaf History Collection has been one of the most rewarding journeys of my life. I am grateful for the opportunity to help preserve the stories, achievements, and contributions of Utah's Deaf community. Through this work, I have witnessed the remarkable connections between generations and gained a deeper appreciation for the individuals whose dedication and advocacy helped shape our history.
Preserving these historical treasures not only keeps our past alive but also empowers present and future generations to share their stories and understand the foundations upon which our community was built. I am honored to contribute to this important effort and look forward to continuing this work for years to come.
Thank you to everyone who has supported the Utah Deaf History Collection and helped make this recognition possible. Your encouragement, collaboration, and commitment to preserving our shared heritage are deeply appreciated.
A special thank-you to everyone involved in organizing the celebration and making the evening so memorable.
Thank you!
Jodi Christel Becker
Robert G. Sanderson and his wife, Mary M. Antonietti, have broken into big smiles for Utah's local cameraman Keith Nelson at the banquet of the Salt Lake Division of the NFSD. Bob Sanderson, UAD's past president and a recent and current NAD board member, has been nominated by the Utah Association to cooperate with the president of the National Association of Deaf (The Silent Worker, March 1964)
On August 27, 2022, the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing celebrated its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of service since the center opened in 1992. Approximately 300 people attended the celebration, enjoying delicious food, reconnecting with friends, and laughing along with a memorable skit performed by members of the Sanderson family.
The program featured presentations by Erin Kelly Watkins, Director of the Sego Lily Center for the Abused Deaf, and Michelle Tanner, Associate Superintendent of the Utah Schools for the Deaf. They shared the history of the Sanderson Community Center, highlighted its many services and programs, and reflected on its growth and impact over the years. The event was a tremendous success and served as a meaningful reminder of the center's important role in strengthening and supporting Utah's Deaf community (Mower, DSDHH Newsletter, October 2022).
Special thanks go to Barry Sanderson and Jolene Nicolaisen for organizing this memorable celebration. The positive feedback from attendees reflected the community's appreciation for the center and reinforced the importance of preserving opportunities for connection, service, and advocacy. As the evening came to a close, many participants expressed excitement about future events and the continued growth of the community center.
The program featured presentations by Erin Kelly Watkins, Director of the Sego Lily Center for the Abused Deaf, and Michelle Tanner, Associate Superintendent of the Utah Schools for the Deaf. They shared the history of the Sanderson Community Center, highlighted its many services and programs, and reflected on its growth and impact over the years. The event was a tremendous success and served as a meaningful reminder of the center's important role in strengthening and supporting Utah's Deaf community (Mower, DSDHH Newsletter, October 2022).
Special thanks go to Barry Sanderson and Jolene Nicolaisen for organizing this memorable celebration. The positive feedback from attendees reflected the community's appreciation for the center and reinforced the importance of preserving opportunities for connection, service, and advocacy. As the evening came to a close, many participants expressed excitement about future events and the continued growth of the community center.
The Sanderson Community Center's 30th Anniversary Flyer
Erin Kelly Watkins, SLCAD Director. Photo provided by Erin Kelly Waikins
Erin Kelly Watkins, Director of the Sego Lily Center for the Abused Deaf. Photograph by Jodi Christel Becker
Michelle Tanner, Associate Superintendent of the Utah Schools for the Deaf. Source: LinkedIn.com
Three Individuals Received Awards:
As chair of the 30th Anniversary Celebration and the son of Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, Barry Sanderson established the Sorenson Advocate Award in honor of the community center's legacy. He presented the inaugural award to Valerie G. Kinney in recognition of her many years of service to the Utah Association for the Deaf and her contributions to developing and strengthening the community center for Utah's Deaf community.
Valerie G. Kinney. Photograph by Jodi Christel Becker
DSDHH Award from Sorenson for 30 Years of Service
Katharine Evans received the Sorenson Advocate Award from Kelly Boehmer, Hard of Hearing Program Specialist, in recognition of her dedicated advocacy and service to Utah's hard-of-hearing community.
Katharine Evans. Source: LinkedIn.com
One of the highlights of the evening was receiving a recognition award from Jolene Nicolaisen, one of the celebration chairs, in appreciation of my efforts to preserve Utah Deaf history. It was an unexpected honor that I deeply cherish. This award is proudly displayed in the museum area of the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
Special Recognition Award DSDHH Honors Jodi Christel Becker for her Dedication in Preserving our Utah Deaf History. Photograph by Jodi Christel Becker
Gathering and Socializing
at the Event
at the Event
Registration. Photograph by Jodi Christel Becker
Sarah Brenna, Utah State Office of Rehabilitation Director & Marilyn Call, former DSDHH Director. Photograph by Jodi Christel Becker
Beth Ann Stewart Campbell, former director of the Utah Community Center for the Deaf and Jodi Christel Becker. Photo from the private collection of Jodi Christel Becker
Pamela Mower, DSDHH GEO Manager hugging her former boss, Marilyn Tiller Call. Photograph by Jodi Christel Becker
Dr. Robert G. Sanderson's son, Barry Sanderson, Chair of the 30th Anniversary Event, delivers the news. Photograph by Jodi Christel Becker
Gloria Hall & Joene Nicolaisen, former DSDHH Case Manger. Photograph by Jodi Christel Becker
Clay Anderson and Paul DeGraw, DSDHH Staff Interpreters. Photograph by Jodi Christel Becker
Centerpiece. Photograph by Jodi Christel Becker
Gathering in the gym. Photograph by Jodi Christel Becker
Utah Governor Spencer J. Cox delivering a speech. Photograph by Jodi Christel Becker
Jennifer Caldwell and Adam Shewell, DSDHH Building/Grounds Supervisor. Photograph by Jodi Christel Becker
Willis Morton (left), former DSDHH General Maintenance. Photograph by Jodi Christel Becker
Reference
Mower, Pamela. (October 2022). Community Connections with Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
