Elizabeth DeLong
School of the Deaf
Written by Jodi Becker Kinner
2019-2020
2019-2020
Elizabeth DeLong. FamilySearch.org
History of the Naming of the School
After seeing the biography of Elizabeth DeLong, a renowned Deaf Utahn, posted on the Better Days 2020 website (authored by Jodi Becker Kinner), the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (USDB) Administrators recommended that the new Deaf School in Springville, Utah be named after her.
Michelle Tanner @ Twitter
In October 2019, USDB announced the opening of a new Deaf School in Springville, Utah, after receiving approval from the Utah State Board of Education and the USDB Advisory Council. The school is named the "Elizabeth DeLong School of the Deaf," after Elizabeth DeLong. The school first opened its doors on January 6, 2020. What a wonderful way to pay tribute to Elizabeth DeLong's legacy!
Thanks to USD Associate Superintendent Michelle Tanner for gathering information on Elizabeth DeLong and presenting it for approval to the State Board and Advisory Council.
Thanks to USD Associate Superintendent Michelle Tanner for gathering information on Elizabeth DeLong and presenting it for approval to the State Board and Advisory Council.
A Short Biography of Elizabeth DeLong
If you're intrigued about who Elizabeth DeLong is and what she's accomplished, here's a brief biography.
The state of Utah is fortunate to have Elizabeth DeLong, also known as "Libbie," who has a long list of firsts. She was the first Deaf student from Utah to enroll at Gallaudet College in 1897, and the first Deaf girl to receive a bachelor's degree from a Utah college in 1902. She was also the first in her family to graduate from college. She was the first Deaf female to be called as Superintendent of the Sunday School for the Ogden Branch for the Deaf and the first Deaf teacher with a degree to teach at the Utah School for the Deaf. Libbie became the first Deaf female president of the Utah Association of the Deaf in 1909, defeating two Deaf male candidates — this was before the 19th Amendment was ratified in 1920, and before Deaf women were first allowed to vote in the National Association of the Deaf election in 1965. Finally, she was the first Deaf woman to lead a state chapter of the National Association of the Deaf in the United States.
The state of Utah is fortunate to have Elizabeth DeLong, also known as "Libbie," who has a long list of firsts. She was the first Deaf student from Utah to enroll at Gallaudet College in 1897, and the first Deaf girl to receive a bachelor's degree from a Utah college in 1902. She was also the first in her family to graduate from college. She was the first Deaf female to be called as Superintendent of the Sunday School for the Ogden Branch for the Deaf and the first Deaf teacher with a degree to teach at the Utah School for the Deaf. Libbie became the first Deaf female president of the Utah Association of the Deaf in 1909, defeating two Deaf male candidates — this was before the 19th Amendment was ratified in 1920, and before Deaf women were first allowed to vote in the National Association of the Deaf election in 1965. Finally, she was the first Deaf woman to lead a state chapter of the National Association of the Deaf in the United States.
Elizabeth DeLong at a young age @ FamiilySearch
Libbie as a student at the Utah School for the Deaf in Salt Lake City, about 1895 @ DeLong Family Saga
Elizabeth DeLong, a student at Gallaudet College, about 1902. The Delong Family Saga
Libbie presented a talk advocating women's suffrage at the UAD Convention in 1915, after serving a second term as president. It's believed that Libbie was influenced by the early Utah suffrage movement in order to fulfill her scholastic, political, and spiritual goals.
Looking back, Libbie was the first to achieve many of her ambitions, and she has continued to inspire people both then and now. Utah is fortunate to have her as a leadership role for the Deaf community in the state.
Looking back, Libbie was the first to achieve many of her ambitions, and she has continued to inspire people both then and now. Utah is fortunate to have her as a leadership role for the Deaf community in the state.
Elizabeth DeLong. The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963
Additional Story About Libbie
Elizabeth DeLong at Gallaudet College. The DeLong Family Saga
Elizabeth DeLong, the first Deaf female president of the Utah Association of the Deaf, 1909
Elizabeth DeLong as a young woman
Libbie and friends on the road @ FamilySearch
Libbie & her husband, Loran Savage, about 1930 @ DeLong Family Saga
Elizabeth DeLong School of the Deaf at Springville Campus in Springville, Utah @ USDB Website