Dr. Robert G. Sanderson's
2003 Honorary Ceremony
Compiled & Written by Jodi Christel Becker
Edited by Bronwyn O’Hara & Valerie G. Kinney
Published in 2014
Updated in 2025
Edited by Bronwyn O’Hara & Valerie G. Kinney
Published in 2014
Updated in 2025
Author's Note
Although I couldn't be there in person to celebrate Dr. Robert G. Sanderson on October 4, 2003, due to my responsibilities with my two little ones, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the incredible legacy he built. The ceremony honoring him by renaming the Utah Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing was an excellent way to highlight his extraordinary contributions to the Utah Deaf community. It was heartwarming to see Marilyn Tiller Call, the former director of the community center, propose this beautiful tribute, and how the Utah State Board of Education embraced it.
Dr. Sanderson's unwavering support for the Deaf community, both in Utah and beyond, has made a significant difference. I feel fortunate to have met him and to have learned about his inspiring journey while working on the history website. His personal touch and the time he devoted to connecting with each of us made his impact even more profound.
Visiting the Sanderson Community Center, where my two grown Deaf children spent so much time, brings me immense joy. I cherish the opportunity to participate in events that honor Dr. Sanderson's legacy, as they remind us of the positive impact he had on our lives. We sometimes forget just how much he has shaped our lives for the better.
Thank you, Dr. Sanderson, for everything you have done for our community. Your contributions have not gone unnoticed, and we are deeply grateful for the positive impact you have had on our lives.
Jodi Christel Becker
Dr. Sanderson's unwavering support for the Deaf community, both in Utah and beyond, has made a significant difference. I feel fortunate to have met him and to have learned about his inspiring journey while working on the history website. His personal touch and the time he devoted to connecting with each of us made his impact even more profound.
Visiting the Sanderson Community Center, where my two grown Deaf children spent so much time, brings me immense joy. I cherish the opportunity to participate in events that honor Dr. Sanderson's legacy, as they remind us of the positive impact he had on our lives. We sometimes forget just how much he has shaped our lives for the better.
Thank you, Dr. Sanderson, for everything you have done for our community. Your contributions have not gone unnoticed, and we are deeply grateful for the positive impact you have had on our lives.
Jodi Christel Becker
A Proposal for a New Name
As the director of the Utah Community Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Marilyn Tiller Call, who is hard of hearing herself, dedicated her life to uplifting the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. She recognized the profound importance of honoring those who championed the rights and experiences of the Deaf community. This understanding inspired her to advocate for renaming the center in honor of Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, a respected leader in the Deaf community whose life and work continue to inspire us.
Marilyn's proposal to the Utah State Board of Education stemmed from her deep respect and love for her community. She believed that renaming the center would serve as a significant tribute to the ongoing advocacy efforts within the Deaf community. Her passion resonated with the board, which unanimously supported this important change.
On October 4, 2003, a heartfelt celebration took place, uniting the Utah Deaf community in honoring Dr. Robert G. Sanderson. This event was not just a commemoration of one individual but a powerful demonstration of our shared purpose and collective strength. It celebrated our resilience and reflected our rich history and ongoing journey toward recognition and equality (Call, UAD Bulletin, September 2003; Sanderson, 2004). As attendees shared stories and laughter, the atmosphere was filled with hope and determination. This gathering reaffirmed our commitment to advocate for the rights of the Utah Deaf community and inspired future generations to continue the fight for inclusivity and understanding in society.
Marilyn's proposal to the Utah State Board of Education stemmed from her deep respect and love for her community. She believed that renaming the center would serve as a significant tribute to the ongoing advocacy efforts within the Deaf community. Her passion resonated with the board, which unanimously supported this important change.
On October 4, 2003, a heartfelt celebration took place, uniting the Utah Deaf community in honoring Dr. Robert G. Sanderson. This event was not just a commemoration of one individual but a powerful demonstration of our shared purpose and collective strength. It celebrated our resilience and reflected our rich history and ongoing journey toward recognition and equality (Call, UAD Bulletin, September 2003; Sanderson, 2004). As attendees shared stories and laughter, the atmosphere was filled with hope and determination. This gathering reaffirmed our commitment to advocate for the rights of the Utah Deaf community and inspired future generations to continue the fight for inclusivity and understanding in society.
Dr. Robert G. Sanderson. Source: The UAD Bulletin, Winter 1965
A Brief Biography of
Dr. Robert G. Sanderson
Dr. Robert G. Sanderson
Robert G. Sanderson, also known as "Bob" or "Sandie," was born in Nevada on February 20, 1920. His life took a significant turn at the age of 11 when he lost his hearing due to spinal meningitis. Undeterred by this challenge, he persevered in public school and later transferred to the Utah School for the Deaf in Ogden, Utah, where he graduated in 1936. His resilience and determination were evident as he continued his education at Gallaudet College in Washington, D.C., earning a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry in 1941. He served as the president of his class at Gallaudet College that year, a testament to his leadership and determination. He took pride in publishing the first yearbook, "Tower Clock" (Gallaudet's Daily Digest, Board of Trustees Emeritus Robert "Sandie" Sanderson passes away, 2012).
In 1965, Dr. Sanderson obtained a master's degree in educational leadership from California State University, Northridge. In 1974, he became the first Deaf person at Brigham Young University in Utah to receive a doctorate in educational administration. He was also the first Deaf graduate of the Utah School for the Deaf and the only Deaf person in Utah to earn a doctorate (Deseret News, September 26, 2003).
In 1965, Dr. Sanderson obtained a master's degree in educational leadership from California State University, Northridge. In 1974, he became the first Deaf person at Brigham Young University in Utah to receive a doctorate in educational administration. He was also the first Deaf graduate of the Utah School for the Deaf and the only Deaf person in Utah to earn a doctorate (Deseret News, September 26, 2003).
Source: Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program Book, October 4, 2003
Following is a list of Dr. Sanderson's
significant achievements and contributions
significant achievements and contributions
After graduating from Gallaudet College in 1941, Dr. Sanderson returned to his home state of Nevada. He worked as an assistant assayer in Pioche, Nevada, from 1941 to 1942, and then as a chemist and technician for the U.S. Bureau of Mines in Boulder City, Nevada, from 1942 to 1947. In 1947, he relocated to Utah and secured a position as a draftsman at the Weber County Recorder's Office in Ogden, Utah.
His time working in Weber County, a heavily Democratic region, sparked his interest in politics. This interest eventually led him to become the president of the Utah Association of the Deaf and later the National Association of the Deaf (Newman, 2006). During his leadership, there were no laws addressing accessibility, such as the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
Between 1960 and 1963, as president of the Utah Association of the Deaf, he advocated for the rights of Deaf individuals, focusing on education access, promoting employment opportunities, expanding interpreting services to meet accessibility needs, and engaging in conflicts with oral advocates who emphasized teaching Deaf children to speak rather than use sign language. Dr. Sanderson's leadership had a profound impact on the association. His advocacy for sign language, a key aspect of Deaf culture, demonstrated his commitment to preserving and promoting Deaf education.
In 2007, Robert Sanderson was appointed president emeritus by the Utah Association of the Deaf until he passed away on February 25, 2012, leaving a lasting legacy for the association.
His time working in Weber County, a heavily Democratic region, sparked his interest in politics. This interest eventually led him to become the president of the Utah Association of the Deaf and later the National Association of the Deaf (Newman, 2006). During his leadership, there were no laws addressing accessibility, such as the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
Between 1960 and 1963, as president of the Utah Association of the Deaf, he advocated for the rights of Deaf individuals, focusing on education access, promoting employment opportunities, expanding interpreting services to meet accessibility needs, and engaging in conflicts with oral advocates who emphasized teaching Deaf children to speak rather than use sign language. Dr. Sanderson's leadership had a profound impact on the association. His advocacy for sign language, a key aspect of Deaf culture, demonstrated his commitment to preserving and promoting Deaf education.
In 2007, Robert Sanderson was appointed president emeritus by the Utah Association of the Deaf until he passed away on February 25, 2012, leaving a lasting legacy for the association.
Robert G. Sanderson, a 1936 graduate of the Utah School for the Deaf
- Dr. Sanderson served on the Board of Directors of the National Association of the Deaf for 14 years, from 1960 to 1974. In 1964, Dr. Sanderson was elected as the 17th president of the National Association of the Deaf, serving two terms from 1964 to 1968, after he successfully challenged Byron B. Burnes' 18-year reign as NAD president, an icon in the eyes of many Deaf people. During his presidency, the NAD "Home Office" relocated from Berkeley, California, to Silver Spring, Maryland, in 1965. In 1968, Dr. Sanderson received the title "President Emeritus" at the National Association of the Deaf conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, which was hosted by the Utah Association for the Deaf. He served as President Emeritus for 44 years. His leadership led to the appointment of Frederick C. Schreiber as the first NAD executive director. Schreiber founded programs for young people, including Junior NAD, Miss Deaf America, and Youth Leadership Camp. He advised any Deaf person considering running for office in the NAD to be prepared for hard work, acknowledging that it was a demanding job (Newman, 2006; In Memoriam: NAD President Emeritus Robert G. Sanderson). During an interview with Lawrence R. Newman, he shared that his presidential election was the highlight of his life, an honor he still appreciated (Newman, 2006, 198). While serving as president of the National Association of the Deaf in 1965, one year after the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was signed into law, our renowned Deaf leader from Utah, Dr. Sanderson, along with NAD officials, allowed Black Deaf individuals to join and vote. They also approved Deaf women to vote (NAD History). In an interview with Lawrence R. Newman, Dr. Sanderson reflected, "Today, I believe the NAD is much stronger than when I took over as president." The changes are positive. Our long-term dream of having a permanent, stable Home Office came true. The NAD is financially viable" (Newman, 2006, p. 200). Dr. Sanderson credited his success to his wife and sons, who put up with his frequent absences due to NAD work, his regular jobs, and his studies (Newman, 2006).
- Dr. Sanderson was a trailblazer and pioneer in establishing a specialized rehabilitation unit, job training, and career opportunities for Utah's Deaf and Hard of Hearing population. On November 16, 1965, the State of Utah Division of Vocational Rehabilitation hired him as the 'Coordinator to the Adult Deaf' (UAD Bulletin, November 1965). From 1965 to 1985, he served as the first state coordinator of services to Deaf people through the Division of Rehabilitation Services. He was the first Deaf person the Utah State Board of Education hired for this position. For over 40 years, he lobbied for Utah's Deaf and Hard of Hearing people. Many of the services provided to the Utah Deaf community today are based on his original ideas (Deseret News, September 26, 2003). In 1983, Dr. Sanderson was appointed the first Director of the Utah Community Center for the Deaf. Over the years in the Deaf Services, he became a "rehab man," counselor, coordinator, and director. He was known as the "Father of Vocational Rehabilitation." Today, the Division of Services of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Utah, which is a part of the Department of Workforce Services, is housed at the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center and continues to carry on Dr. Sanderson's legacy. People who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, and Deaf Disabled can obtain resources, assistance seeking employment, and access to workshops, technology, and resources.
- Dr. Sanderson, who was recently elected as the president of the National Association of the Deaf, was invited to be a consultant for the "Interpreting for the Deaf" workshop, which took place on June 14-17, 1964, at Ball State Teachers College (now Ball State University) in Muncie, Indiana. This workshop later developed into the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) (The Silent Worker, July-August 1964; The UAD Bulletin, Spring 1964; Storrer, UAD Bulletin, May 2008). While working as the Deaf Services Coordinator at the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Dr. Sanderson recognized the need for interpreters for Deaf individuals. He conducted workshops across the United States to recruit interpreters. During this process, he found hearing children born to Deaf parents, also known as Children of Deaf Adults (CODAs), were the most suitable candidates to become interpreters. This discovery eventually paved the way for individuals studying the profession to enter the field (Trotter, The Ogden Standard-Examiner, January 2, 2011).
- Dr. Sanderson served on the Board of Directors of the National Association of the Deaf for 14 years, from 1960 to 1974. In 1964, Dr. Sanderson was elected the 17th president of the National Association of the Deaf, serving two terms from 1964 to 1968. He successfully challenged Byron B. Burnes' 18-year reign as NAD president, an icon in the eyes of many Deaf people. During his presidency, the NAD "Home Office" relocated from Berkeley, California, to Silver Spring, Maryland, in 1965. In 1968, Dr. Sanderson received the title "President Emeritus" at the National Association of the Deaf conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, which was hosted by the Utah Association for the Deaf. He served as President Emeritus for 44 years. His leadership led to the appointment of Frederick C. Schreiber as the first executive director of the NAD. Schreiber founded programs for young people, including Junior NAD, Miss Deaf America, and Youth Leadership Camp. He advised any Deaf person considering running for office in the NAD to be prepared for hard work, acknowledging that it was a demanding job (Newman, 2006; In Memoriam: NAD President Emeritus Robert G. Sanderson). During an interview with Lawrence R. Newman, he shared that his presidential election was the highlight of his life, an honor he still appreciated (Newman, 2006, 198). While serving as president of the National Association of the Deaf in 1965, one year after the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was signed into law, our renowned Deaf leader from Utah, Dr. Sanderson, along with NAD officials, allowed Black Deaf individuals to join and vote. They also approved the right of Deaf women to vote (NAD History). In an interview with Lawrence R. Newman, Dr. Sanderson reflected, "Today, I believe the NAD is much stronger than when I took over as president." The changes are positive. Our long-term dream of having a permanent, stable home office has come true. The NAD is financially viable" (Newman, 2006, p. 200). Dr. Sanderson credited his success to his wife and sons, who put up with his frequent absences due to his NAD work, his regular jobs, and his studies (Newman, 2006).
- Dr. Sanderson was a trailblazer and pioneer in establishing a specialized rehabilitation unit, job training, and career opportunities for Utah's Deaf and hard-of-hearing population. On November 16, 1965, the State of Utah Division of Vocational Rehabilitation hired him as the 'Coordinator to the Adult Deaf' (UAD Bulletin, November 1965). From 1965 to 1985, he served as the first state coordinator of services to Deaf people through the Division of Rehabilitation Services. He was the first Deaf person the Utah State Board of Education hired for this position. For over 40 years, he has lobbied for Utah's Deaf and hard-of-hearing people. Many of the services provided to the Utah Deaf community today are based on his original ideas (Deseret News, September 26, 2003). In 1983, Dr. Sanderson was appointed the first director of the Utah Community Center for the Deaf. Over the years in the Deaf Services, he became a "rehab man," counselor, coordinator, and director. He was known as the "Father of Vocational Rehabilitation." Today, the Division of Services of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Utah, which is a part of the Department of Workforce Services, is housed at the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center and continues to carry on Dr. Sanderson's legacy. People who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, or Deaf Disabled can obtain resources, seek assistance with employment, and access workshops, technology, and other resources.
- Dr. Sanderson, who was recently elected as the president of the National Association of the Deaf, was invited to be a consultant for the "Interpreting for the Deaf" workshop, which took place on June 14-17, 1964, at Ball State Teachers College (now Ball State University) in Muncie, Indiana. This workshop later developed into the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) (The Silent Worker, July-August 1964; The UAD Bulletin, Spring 1964; Storrer, UAD Bulletin, May 2008). While working as the Deaf Services Coordinator at the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Dr. Sanderson recognized the need for interpreters for Deaf individuals. He conducted workshops across the United States to recruit interpreters. During this process, he found that hearing children born to Deaf parents, also known as Children of Deaf Adults (CODAs), were the most suitable candidates to become interpreters. This discovery eventually paved the way for individuals studying the profession to enter the field (Trotter, The Ogden Standard-Examiner, January 2, 2011).
- Dr. Sanderson held various roles at Gallaudet College, later known as Gallaudet University, in 1986. He was a founding member of the Gallaudet College Board of Fellows, an advisory council established in 1970. He served on the board until 1982 and then on the Gallaudet University Board of Trustees from 1982 to 1994, eventually becoming a trustee emeritus. At the time of his death in 2012, he held the position of Board of Trustees Emeritus. Additionally, from 1981 to 1982, Gallaudet University appointed Dr. Sanderson to the Powrie Vaux Doctor Chair of Deaf Studies (Newman, 2006).
Bob Sanderson, a 1941 graduate of Gallaudet College
- Dr. Sanderson was passionate about increasing awareness of American Sign Language (ASL) as a natural language with syntax and grammar. He believed that ASL should be taught in college to create more opportunities for Deaf people (Trotter, The Ogden Standard-Examiner, January 2, 2011). Dr. Sanderson taught ASL, as well as the social, psychological, and cultural aspects of deafness, as an adjunct professor in the Division of Communication Disorders at the University of Utah from 1979 to 1985 and at Utah State University in the Department of Communicative Disorders from 1985 to 1986. In 1982, he held the Powrie Vaux Doctor Chair in Deaf Studies at Gallaudet College. He also worked as an adjunct faculty member at Weber State University from 1992 to 1995 and at the University of Utah from 1993 to 1995. Even after his retirement in 1985, Dr. Sanderson continued to teach sign language at local high schools (Newman, 2006).
- Dr. Sanderson retired from his professional career in 1985. Nonetheless, he dedicated his time and energy to serve various organizations such as the Utah State Interpreter Certification Board, the Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind Institutional Council, the Utah Relay System for Deaf Advisory Committees, the editorial subcommittee of the monthly UAD Bulletin, the Board of Directors of the Utah Association for the Deaf, the advisory committee of the Davis Applied Technology College for the development of an interpreter training program, and the Board of Directors of the 2007 Deaflympics, held in Utah (Newman, 2006).
Dr. Robert G. Sanderson
- During the 1988 Deaf President Now Protest at Gallaudet University, Dr. Sanderson, a member of the Gallaudet Board of Trustees, advocated for the appointment of a Deaf president rather than a hearing president. Eventually, Dr. I. King Jordan was hired as the first Deaf president (UAD Bulletin, April 1988). Dr. Sanderson was well-known both locally and nationally. He contributed his expertise, abilities, and capabilities, drawing on his comprehensive education and successful career, both before and after his retirement in 1985.
- In a profound testament to his efforts on behalf of the Deaf community, the Utah Community Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Taylorsville, Utah, was renamed the "Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing" on October 4, 2003. This act of renaming symbolized the profound and lasting impact of Dr. Sanderson's work. A few months later, he penned "A Brief History of the Origins of the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing," published on March 9, 2004. According to Lawrence R. Newman, Dr. Sanderson was "caring and diplomatic, a good listener, willing to help and share crucial parts of his wide range of rich and varied experience." He has consistently advocated for the Deaf, both nationally and locally (Newman, 2006, p. 200). During the 2003 interview, Diane Urbani stated that Dr. Sanderson had numerous public achievements but was most proud of his family. He said, "I have two great sons, two great grandchildren, and a good wife. What more could a man want?" (The Deseret News, October 4, 2003).
- Dr. Sanderson, 90, was honored for his more than 60 years of service and dedication to the Deaf community in Utah and across the nation. He received an honorary degree from his alma mater, Gallaudet University, at the school's 141st commencement ceremony on May 14, 2010. Dr. Sanderson, a 1941 graduate of Gallaudet, has been a loyal supporter of the university throughout his life. He has been actively involved in the Deaf community on both national and local levels. Dr. Sanderson's life serves as a testament to his belief that "Deafness does not prevent a person from accomplishing what he sets out to do if he really wants to do it."
Source: Dr. Robert G. Sanderson's Renaming Celebration Program, October 4, 2003
Dr. Sanderson volunteered to serve as an officer or board member for the following organizations:
- National Association of the Deaf Executive Board, President and President Emeritus, ten years
- Division 27 of the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf, President, Secretary, and President Emeritus
- Utah Association for the Deaf, President & President Emeritus, Practically Lifetime
- Utah Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
- National Rehabilitation Association, Utah Chapter
- American Deafness and Rehabilitation Association
- National Technical Institute for the Deaf, National Advisory Group
- Gallaudet College Board of Fellows
- Gallaudet University Board of Trustees, 12 years
- University of California, San Francisco, National Advisory Committee, Center on Deafness,
- Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind, Institutional Council
- 2007 Winter Deaflympics, Utah, board member (Newman, 2006)
"NAD President Emeritus Robert G. "Sandie" Sanderson was a true giant who humbly walked with anyone who shared his passion for hard work, volunteerism, and dedication to making our lives better. People who look at his career and civic work would be amazed at how much he really did. We thank the state of Utah for letting us share in his legacy of tireless advocacy on behalf of the American deaf and hard of hearing community."
Dr. Bobbie Beth Scoggins, Then-National Association of the Deaf President
Dr. Bobbie Beth Scoggins, Then-National Association of the Deaf President
Dr. Robert G Sanderson
Dr. Sanderson has represented the Deaf community on various committees, including:
- Chairman of a committee to study the feasibility of a comprehensive Community Center for the Deaf
- Affirmative Action Committee
- Deaf-Blind Study Committee
- Utah Relay System for the Deaf Advisory Committee
- Utah State Interpreter Certification Board
- Utah State Board of Education Task Force to study Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind
- UAD Bulletin, editorial subcommittee of the monthly UAD Bulletin
- Advisory Editor of the Deaf American magazine, formerly called The Silent Worker
- Utah Association for the Deaf Task Force to study new directions for the UAD
- Davis Applied Technology College, Advisory Committee for developing an interpreter training program (Newman, 2006)
Dr. Sanderson was a member
of several organizations, including:
of several organizations, including:
- State White House Conference on Handicapped Individuals
- National Rehabilitation Counseling Association
- Junior Chamber of Commerce
- Utah Athletic Club of the Deaf
- National Registry of Interpreters of the Deaf (Newman, 2006)
Dr. Sanderson has received numerous
honors and awards over the years, as follows:
honors and awards over the years, as follows:
- Daniel Cloud Achievement Award
- Outstanding State Employee Earl Conder Award
- Laurent Clerc Award
- Service to Mankind award by each of the following: Bountiful Sertoma Club, Utah District Sertoma Club, and Regional Sertoma Clubs
- Award of Merit, Conference of Educational Administrators Serving the Deaf
- Powrie Vaux, Doctor Chair of Deaf Studies (Newman, 2006)
The Utah Association for the Deaf presented Dr. Sanderson with the first Golden Hand Award in 1979 (UAD Bulletin, July 1979). In 1999, he was also honored with the Presidential Award for his long service, commitment, and loyalty to the state association (UAD Bulletin, June 1999).
Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, a giant figure in the Deaf community, was renowned for his exceptional leadership, lifelong dedication, and service to local and national Deaf communities. In honor of his legacy, Utah proudly names the facility the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Taylorsville, Utah. A photo and a brief biography of this remarkable individual are currently on display in the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center museum, easily accessible for everyone to see and remember. We invite you to visit and learn more about this extraordinary individual.
A Video Documenting the Renaming Ceremony
for the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center
of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
for the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center
of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
I have attached a video documenting the Renaming Ceremony for the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. On October 4, 2003, a significant event took place when the Utah Community Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Taylorsville, Utah, was officially renamed the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. This renaming honored Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, a former president of both the Utah Association for the Deaf and the National Association of the Deaf, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the Deaf community. Dr. Sanderson, who previously served as the Deaf Services Coordinator and Director of the community center, played a vital role in establishing the center for the Utah Deaf community. Marilyn Tiller Call, the director, spearheaded the campaign to honor the esteemed Dr. Sanderson, who was 83 years old at the time of the ceremony.
The celebration on October 4 was a momentous occasion that had a lasting impact on the Utah Deaf community, attracting approximately 1,000 attendees, including Dr. Sanderson, his wife Mary, their two sons, Gary and Barry, and their families.
Notable attendees and presenters included:
Dr. I. King Jordan traveled specifically to deliver a speech at the ceremony. He and Dr. Sanderson share a long-standing friendship, dating back to when Dr. Sanderson served on the Board of Trustees at Gallaudet College during the 1988 Deaf President Now movement. The event featured heartfelt speeches and inspiring stories that highlighted Dr. Sanderson's dedication to improving the lives of community members.
During the celebration, Dr. Sanderson expressed his sincere gratitude for the honor of having the center named after him and thanked the community and his family for their support.
Special thanks to Ronald J. Nelson and David Lance Pickett for permitting me to upload the video of the event to the Utah Deaf History YouTube channel for those who missed it or wish to revisit it.
Enjoy!
The celebration on October 4 was a momentous occasion that had a lasting impact on the Utah Deaf community, attracting approximately 1,000 attendees, including Dr. Sanderson, his wife Mary, their two sons, Gary and Barry, and their families.
Notable attendees and presenters included:
- Marilyn Tiller Call, Director of the Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Utah Lieutenant Governor Olene S. Walker
- AnMarie Rainey, President of the Junior Utah Association for the Deaf
- Ronald J. Nelson, President of the Utah Association for the Deaf
- Kathy Evans, President of Self Help for the Hard of Hearing, Utah Chapter
- Gary R. Sanderson, Coordinator of the Western Region Outreach Center and Consortia, and son of Robert and Mary Sanderson
- Dr. Merri C. Pearson, Director of the National Center on Deafness
- Dr. Blaine Petersen, Executive Director of the Utah State Office of Rehabilitation
- Dr. I. King Jordan, President of Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C.
- Dr. Robert G. Sanderson
Dr. I. King Jordan traveled specifically to deliver a speech at the ceremony. He and Dr. Sanderson share a long-standing friendship, dating back to when Dr. Sanderson served on the Board of Trustees at Gallaudet College during the 1988 Deaf President Now movement. The event featured heartfelt speeches and inspiring stories that highlighted Dr. Sanderson's dedication to improving the lives of community members.
During the celebration, Dr. Sanderson expressed his sincere gratitude for the honor of having the center named after him and thanked the community and his family for their support.
Special thanks to Ronald J. Nelson and David Lance Pickett for permitting me to upload the video of the event to the Utah Deaf History YouTube channel for those who missed it or wish to revisit it.
Enjoy!
HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS
For your convenience and curiosity, I have enclosed the program book for Dr. Sanderson's honorary celebration at the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
The UVU Sutherland Archives has uploaded Dr. Robert G. Sanderson's book about the establishment of the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to their digital archive, making it easily accessible to everyone. We extend our gratitude to Dr. Sanderson's son, Barry Sanderson, for granting permission to release his book. To read the full 62-page book, simply click on the arrows in the upper right corner of the image to open it. Enjoy this comfortable and convenient reading experience!
Dr. Robert G. Sanderson running for the National Association of the Deaf president in 1968
A Slideshow of Dr. Sanderson's
Honoring Ceremony
October 4, 2003
Honoring Ceremony
October 4, 2003
Additionally, I have enclosed the photos of Dr. Robert G. Sanderson's honorary celebration, which took place at the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing on October 4, 2003. Enjoy!
Photos taken by the Sanderson Community Center staff
References
