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
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 that honored 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 how Marilyn Tiller Call, the former director of the community center, proposed 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.

Visiting the Sanderson Community Center, where my two grown Deaf children spent so much time, brings me joy, and I cherish participating in events that honor his legacy. We sometimes forget just how much he has shaped our lives for the better. Below is a brief biography of Dr. Sanderson, highlighting his outstanding contributions and the recognition he received throughout his life.

Thank you, Dr. Sanderson, for everything you have done for our community!

Jodi Christel Becker 
A Proposal for a New Name
Marilyn Tiller Call, who is hard of hearing, dedicated her life to uplifting the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community as the director of the Utah Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. She recognized the profound importance of honoring the legacy of individuals who championed the rights and experiences of the Deaf community. This led her to advocate for renaming the center after Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, a respected Deaf leader whose life and work greatly impacted those around him. 

Marilyn's proposal to the Utah State Board of Education came from a place of deep respect and love for her community. She believed that the renaming would serve as a 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, allowing the Utah Deaf community to honor Dr. Robert G. Sanderson. This event wasn't just a commemoration of one individual; it was a celebration of the collective strength and resilience of the Deaf community, reflecting their rich history and ongoing journey toward recognition and equality (Call, UAD Bulletin, September 2003; Sanderson, 2004).
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Dr. Robert G. Sanderson. Source: The UAD Bulletin, Winter 1965
A Brief Biography of
​Dr. Robert G. Sanderson 
Robert G. Sanderson, also known as "Bob" or "Sandie," was born in Nevada on February 20, 1920. At the age of 11, he became Deaf due to spinal meningitis. After losing his hearing, he faced challenges in a public school and eventually transferred to the Utah School for the Deaf in Ogden, Utah, where he graduated in 1936. Following his graduation, he attended Gallaudet College in Washington, DC, and earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry in 1941. He served as the president of his 1941 class at Gallaudet College. 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).
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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
After graduating from Gallaudet College in 1941, Dr. Sanderson returned to his home state. 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. He relocated to Utah in 1947 and secured a job as a draftsman at the Weber County Recorder's Office in Ogden, Utah. His time working in Weber County, a heavily Democratic county, sparked his interest in politics, eventually leading him to become the president of the Utah Association of the Deaf and the National Association of the Deaf (Newman, 2006). During his tenure, 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 to education, promoted employment opportunities, expanded interpreting services to meet accessibility needs, and engaged in conflict with oral advocates who promoted Deaf children to learn to talk rather than sign language. Dr. Sanderson's leadership made a profound impact on the association. After the passing of Rodney W. Walker, president emeritus, he was entrusted with this esteemed position, a testament to his leadership abilities. He continued to serve in this role until he passed away in 2012, leaving a lasting legacy for the association. 
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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 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).
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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 and worked as an adjunct faculty member at Weber State University from 1992 to 1995, and then again 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).   
Picture
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 based on his comprehensive education and successful career 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, chose to rename itself the "Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing" on October 4, 2003. This act of renaming symbolized the deep 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 Gallaudet Class of 1941 graduate, 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."
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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)
Former NAD President Bobbie Beth Scoggins said, "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" (In Memoriam: NAD President Emeritus Robert G. Sanderson, 2012). 
Picture
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:
  • 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: 
  • 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. 
HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS 
Picture
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
Photos taken by Sanderson Community Center staff 
References