Honoring Dr. Robert G. Sanderson:
The 2003 Naming Ceremony
Compiled & Written by Jodi Christel Becker
Edited by Bronwyn O’Hara & Valerie G. Kinney
Published in 2014
Updated in 2026
Edited by Bronwyn O’Hara & Valerie G. Kinney
Published in 2014
Updated in 2026
Author's Note
Although I couldn't attend the ceremony honoring Dr. Robert G. Sanderson on October 4, 2003, because I was on my maternity leave caring for my two young children, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for the extraordinary legacy he left behind. Renaming the Utah Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in his honor was a fitting tribute to his lifelong dedication and remarkable contributions to the Utah Deaf community. It was especially heartening to see Marilyn Tiller Call, then director of the community center, propose this meaningful recognition and to see the Utah State Board of Education embrace the idea.
Dr. Sanderson's unwavering commitment to Deaf individuals in Utah and beyond transformed countless lives. I feel fortunate to have met him and to have learned more about his inspiring journey while researching and developing the Utah Deaf History website. His warmth, generosity, and genuine interest in connecting with others made his influence even more profound. Those who knew him understood that his leadership extended far beyond his professional accomplishments. He touched people personally and left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered.
Visiting the Sanderson Community Center always brings me great joy, especially knowing that my two Deaf children spent so much time there growing up. Participating in events that honor Dr. Sanderson's legacy reminds me of the tremendous impact he had on our community and on the lives of those who benefited from the services and opportunities he helped create. It is easy to overlook how much one individual can accomplish, but Dr. Sanderson's vision and dedication continue to shape our lives today.
Thank you, Dr. Sanderson, for your leadership, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to the Deaf community. Your contributions have enriched countless lives and created opportunities for generations to come. Your legacy continues to inspire us, and we remain deeply grateful for all that you have done.
Jodi Christel Becker
Dr. Sanderson's unwavering commitment to Deaf individuals in Utah and beyond transformed countless lives. I feel fortunate to have met him and to have learned more about his inspiring journey while researching and developing the Utah Deaf History website. His warmth, generosity, and genuine interest in connecting with others made his influence even more profound. Those who knew him understood that his leadership extended far beyond his professional accomplishments. He touched people personally and left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered.
Visiting the Sanderson Community Center always brings me great joy, especially knowing that my two Deaf children spent so much time there growing up. Participating in events that honor Dr. Sanderson's legacy reminds me of the tremendous impact he had on our community and on the lives of those who benefited from the services and opportunities he helped create. It is easy to overlook how much one individual can accomplish, but Dr. Sanderson's vision and dedication continue to shape our lives today.
Thank you, Dr. Sanderson, for your leadership, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to the Deaf community. Your contributions have enriched countless lives and created opportunities for generations to come. Your legacy continues to inspire us, and we remain deeply grateful for all that you have done.
Jodi Christel Becker
A Proposal for a New Name
As Director of the Utah Community Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Marilyn Tiller Call, who was hard of hearing herself, devoted her life to supporting and uplifting Utah's Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. She understood the importance of preserving the stories of those whose leadership and advocacy had strengthened the community and expanded opportunities for future generations. Motivated by this conviction, she proposed renaming the center in honor of Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, a respected Deaf leader whose lifelong service left an indelible mark on Utah and the nation.
Marilyn's proposal to the Utah State Board of Education reflected her deep admiration for Dr. Sanderson and her commitment to recognizing the accomplishments of Deaf leaders. She believed that renaming the center would serve as a lasting tribute to the advocacy, perseverance, and achievements of the Deaf community. Her vision resonated strongly with the board, which unanimously approved the proposal.
On October 4, 2003, members of the Utah Deaf community gathered for a heartfelt celebration honoring Dr. Sanderson and his remarkable legacy. The event represented more than recognition of one individual; it symbolized the collective strength, resilience, and shared history of the Deaf community. As attendees exchanged stories, laughter, and memories, the gathering reaffirmed a commitment to advancing equality, accessibility, and opportunities for future generations. The celebration reflected both the progress that had been achieved and the work that remained ahead (Call, UAD Bulletin, September 2003; Sanderson, 2004).
Marilyn's proposal to the Utah State Board of Education reflected her deep admiration for Dr. Sanderson and her commitment to recognizing the accomplishments of Deaf leaders. She believed that renaming the center would serve as a lasting tribute to the advocacy, perseverance, and achievements of the Deaf community. Her vision resonated strongly with the board, which unanimously approved the proposal.
On October 4, 2003, members of the Utah Deaf community gathered for a heartfelt celebration honoring Dr. Sanderson and his remarkable legacy. The event represented more than recognition of one individual; it symbolized the collective strength, resilience, and shared history of the Deaf community. As attendees exchanged stories, laughter, and memories, the gathering reaffirmed a commitment to advancing equality, accessibility, and opportunities for future generations. The celebration reflected both the progress that had been achieved and the work that remained ahead (Call, UAD Bulletin, September 2003; Sanderson, 2004).
Dr. Robert G. Sanderson. Source: The UAD Bulletin, Winter 1965
A Brief Biography of
Dr. Robert G. Sanderson
Dr. Robert G. Sanderson
Known affectionately as "Bob" or "Sandie," Robert G. Sanderson was born in Nevada on February 20, 1920. At age eleven, he lost his hearing as a result of spinal meningitis. Despite this life-changing challenge, he remained determined to pursue his education. After attending public school, he transferred to the Utah School for the Deaf in Ogden, Utah, where he graduated in 1936. His perseverance continued at Gallaudet College in Washington, D.C., where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry in 1941. During his senior year, he served as class president and took pride in publishing the first edition of the college yearbook, Tower Clock (Gallaudet's Daily Digest, Board of Trustees Emeritus Robert "Sandie" Sanderson Passes Away, 2012).
In 1965, Bob earned a master's degree in educational leadership from California State University, Northridge. Nine years later, he made history by becoming the first Deaf person to receive a doctorate in educational administration from Brigham Young University. He was also the first Deaf graduate of the Utah School for the Deaf and the only Deaf person in Utah at that time to hold a doctoral degree (Deseret News, September 26, 2003).
In 1965, Bob earned a master's degree in educational leadership from California State University, Northridge. Nine years later, he made history by becoming the first Deaf person to receive a doctorate in educational administration from Brigham Young University. He was also the first Deaf graduate of the Utah School for the Deaf and the only Deaf person in Utah at that time to hold a doctoral degree (Deseret News, September 26, 2003).
Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program Book, October 4, 2003. Courtesy of the Sanderson Community Center
Dr. Robert G. Sanderson's Significant
Achievements and Contributions
Achievements and Contributions
Following his graduation from Gallaudet College in 1941, Bob returned to Nevada, where he worked as an assistant assayer in Pioche from 1941 to 1942 and later as a chemist and technician for the U.S. Bureau of Mines in Boulder City from 1942 to 1947. In 1947, he relocated to Utah and accepted a position as a draftsman in the Weber County Recorder's Office in Ogden.
His years in Weber County, a region with strong political engagement, sparked an interest in public service and advocacy. That interest would eventually lead him to become president of both the Utah Association of the Deaf and the National Association of the Deaf, establishing him as one of the most influential Deaf leaders in American history (Newman, 2006).
Between 1960 and 1963, as president of the Utah Association of the Deaf, Dr. Robert G. Sanderson advocated vigorously for the rights of Deaf individuals. His efforts focused on expanding access to education, promoting employment opportunities, improving interpreting services, and defending the use of sign language during a period when oral advocates strongly promoted speech over signing. His leadership profoundly influenced the association and strengthened the foundation of Deaf advocacy in Utah. Through his steadfast support of sign language, an essential component of Deaf culture, he demonstrated his commitment to preserving and advancing Deaf education.
In recognition of his extraordinary service and leadership, the Utah Association of the Deaf appointed Dr. Sanderson as President Emeritus in 2007. He held this honorary title until his passing on February 25, 2012, leaving behind a lasting legacy that continues to influence the organization and the Utah Deaf community.
His years in Weber County, a region with strong political engagement, sparked an interest in public service and advocacy. That interest would eventually lead him to become president of both the Utah Association of the Deaf and the National Association of the Deaf, establishing him as one of the most influential Deaf leaders in American history (Newman, 2006).
Between 1960 and 1963, as president of the Utah Association of the Deaf, Dr. Robert G. Sanderson advocated vigorously for the rights of Deaf individuals. His efforts focused on expanding access to education, promoting employment opportunities, improving interpreting services, and defending the use of sign language during a period when oral advocates strongly promoted speech over signing. His leadership profoundly influenced the association and strengthened the foundation of Deaf advocacy in Utah. Through his steadfast support of sign language, an essential component of Deaf culture, he demonstrated his commitment to preserving and advancing Deaf education.
In recognition of his extraordinary service and leadership, the Utah Association of the Deaf appointed Dr. Sanderson as President Emeritus in 2007. He held this honorary title until his passing on February 25, 2012, leaving behind a lasting legacy that continues to influence the organization and the Utah Deaf community.
Robert G. Sanderson, a 1936 graduate of the Utah School for the Deaf.
Photo courtesy of Barry Sanderson
- National Association of the Deaf Leadership
Bob Sanderson served on the Board of Directors of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) for fourteen years, from 1960 to 1974. In 1964, he was elected the 17th president of the NAD, serving two terms from 1964 to 1968 after successfully challenging Byron B. Burnes' eighteen-year tenure as president. During his presidency, the NAD relocated its national headquarters, known as the "Home Office," from Berkeley, California, to Silver Spring, Maryland, in 1965. In 1968, at the NAD conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, hosted by the Utah Association for the Deaf, he was named President Emeritus, a distinction he held for 44 years.
Bob Sanderson's leadership helped usher in a new era for the NAD. He played a key role in appointing Frederick C. Schreiber as the organization's first executive director. Schreiber subsequently established several influential youth programs, including Junior NAD, Miss Deaf America, and Youth Leadership Camp (Newman, 2006; In Memoriam: NAD President Emeritus Robert G. Sanderson).
During an interview with Lawrence R. Newman, Bob Sanderson reflected that his election to the presidency was the highlight of his life and an honor he continued to cherish decades later (Newman, 2006, p. 198). While serving as NAD president in 1965, one year after the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, he and other NAD leaders approved measures allowing Black Deaf individuals to join the organization and vote. They also approved voting rights for Deaf women (NAD History).
Looking back on his tenure, Bob stated:
"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).
He credited much of his success to the support of his wife and sons, who accepted his frequent absences due to NAD responsibilities, professional commitments, and academic pursuits (Newman, 2006).
- Vocational Rehabilitation and Deaf Services
Bob Sanderson was a pioneer in establishing specialized rehabilitation services, job training programs, and career opportunities for Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in Utah. On November 16, 1965, the Utah Division of Vocational Rehabilitation hired him as the "Coordinator to the Adult Deaf" (UAD Bulletin, Winter 1965). From 1965 to 1985, he served as Utah's first state coordinator of services for Deaf individuals through the Division of Rehabilitation Services.
He was also the first Deaf person hired by the Utah State Board of Education for this role. Throughout more than four decades of advocacy, he worked tirelessly to improve services and opportunities for Deaf and hard-of-hearing Utahns. Many programs and services available today can be traced directly to his vision and leadership (Deseret News, September 26, 2003).
In 1983, Bob Sanderson became the first director of the Utah Community Center for the Deaf. During his distinguished career in Deaf Services, he served as counselor, coordinator, administrator, and advocate. His accomplishments earned him the reputation as the "Father of Vocational Rehabilitation" for Utah's Deaf community.
Today, the Division of Services of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, a division of the Utah Department of Workforce Services, is located within the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center and continues the work he helped establish. The center provides resources, employment assistance, workshops, technology, and support services for Deaf, hard-of-hearing, DeafBlind, and DeafDisabled individuals.
- Contributions to Interpreter Development and the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
Shortly after being elected president of the National Association of the Deaf, Bob was invited to serve as a consultant for the "Interpreting for the Deaf" workshop held June 14-17, 1964, at Ball State Teachers College, now Ball State University, in Muncie, Indiana. This groundbreaking workshop eventually evolved 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).
As Deaf Services Coordinator for the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Bob Sanderson recognized the growing need for qualified interpreters. He conducted interpreter recruitment and training workshops throughout the United States. Through this work, he observed that hearing children of Deaf adults, commonly known as CODAs, often possessed unique linguistic and cultural skills that made them particularly effective interpreters. His work helped expand the interpreting profession and created pathways for future interpreter education programs (Trotter, The Ogden Standard-Examiner, January 2, 2011).
- Leadership at Gallaudet University
Bob Sanderson's influence extended into higher education and national Deaf leadership. He was a founding member of the Gallaudet College Board of Fellows, an advisory body established in 1970. He served on the board until 1982 and then joined the Gallaudet University Board of Trustees, where he served from 1982 to 1994 before being named trustee emeritus. At the time of his death in 2012, he held the title of Board of Trustees Emeritus.
From 1981 to 1982, he also served as the Powrie Vaux Doctor Chair of Deaf Studies at Gallaudet University (Newman, 2006).
Bob Sanderson, a 1941 graduate of Gallaudet College. Photo courtesy of Barry Sanderson
- Advancing American Sign Language and Deaf Studies
Bob Sanderson was a passionate advocate for the recognition of American Sign Language (ASL) as a fully developed language with its own grammar and syntax. He believed ASL should be taught in colleges and universities to increase educational and professional opportunities for Deaf individuals (Trotter, The Ogden Standard-Examiner, January 2, 2011).
Throughout his academic career, he taught ASL as well as the social, psychological, and cultural dimensions of deafness. He served 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. He held the Powrie Vaux Doctor Chair in Deaf Studies at Gallaudet College in 1982 and later taught at Weber State University from 1992 to 1995 and at the University of Utah from 1993 to 1995. Even after retiring in 1985, he continued teaching sign language in local high schools (Newman, 2006).
- Continued Service Following Retirement
Although Dr. Sanderson retired from his professional career in 1985, his commitment to the Deaf community never wavered. He continued serving numerous organizations, including the Utah State Interpreter Certification Board, the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind Institutional Council, the Utah Relay System for Deaf Advisory Committees, the editorial subcommittee of the UAD Bulletin, the Board of Directors of the Utah Association for the Deaf, the advisory committee for the interpreter training program at Davis Applied Technology College, and the Board of Directors for the 2007 Deaflympics held in Utah (Newman, 2006).
- Support for Deaf President Now
During the historic Deaf President Now protest at Gallaudet University in 1988, Dr. Sanderson served on the university's Board of Trustees and strongly supported the appointment of a Deaf president rather than a hearing president. The movement ultimately succeeded with the appointment of Dr. I. King Jordan as Gallaudet University's first Deaf president (UAD Bulletin, April 1988).
Throughout his life, Dr. Sanderson was respected both locally and nationally for his leadership, expertise, and unwavering commitment to advancing opportunities for Deaf people.
Dr. Robert G. Sanderson. Photo courtesy of Barry Sanderson
- Recognition and Legacy
One of the highest honors bestowed upon Bob Sanderson occurred on October 4, 2003, when the Utah Community Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Taylorsville was renamed the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. The renaming recognized his decades of advocacy and his transformative impact on the Deaf community.
A few months later, on March 9, 2004, Bob published A Brief History of the Origins of the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Lawrence R. Newman described him as "caring and diplomatic, a good listener, willing to help and share crucial parts of his wide range of rich and varied experience." Newman further noted that Dr. Sanderson consistently advocated for Deaf people on both local and national levels (Newman, 2006, p. 200).
In a 2003 interview, Diane Urbani observed that despite his many public accomplishments, Dr. Sanderson was most proud of his family. He remarked:
"I have two great sons, two great grandchildren, and a good wife. What more could a man want?" (The Deseret News, October 4, 2003).
- Honorary Degree from Gallaudet University
On May 14, 2010, Gallaudet University honored Dr. Sanderson for more than sixty years of dedicated service to the Deaf community in Utah and throughout the nation by awarding him an honorary degree during its 141st commencement ceremony. A member of Gallaudet's Class of 1941, he remained a devoted supporter of the university throughout his life and continued to serve the Deaf community at both local and national levels.
Dr. Sanderson's life stands as a powerful testament to perseverance, leadership, and service. His accomplishments reflected his enduring belief that:
"Deafness does not prevent a person from accomplishing what he sets out to do if he really wants to do it" (UAD Bulletin, March 2000, p. 1)
The flyer for Dr. Robert G. Sanderson's Renaming Celebration Event, October 4, 2003. Courtesy of the Sanderson Community Center
Dr. Robert G. Sanderson served as an officer or
board member of the following organizations:
board member of 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. Courtesy of the Sanderson Community Center
Dr. Robert G. Sanderson represented the Deaf community on numerous 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. Robert G. Sanderson was a member of several professional and community 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. Robert G. Sanderson received numerous honors and awards throughout his lifetime, including:
- 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 of the Deaf honored Bob Sanderson with its first Golden Hand Award in 1979 in recognition of his outstanding service and leadership (UAD Bulletin, July 1979). Twenty years later, in 1999, the association presented him with the Presidential Award for his longtime service, dedication, and unwavering loyalty to the organization and the Utah Deaf community (UAD Bulletin, June 1999).
Bob was a giant figure in the Deaf community, widely respected for his exceptional leadership, lifelong dedication, and service at both the state and national levels. In recognition of his extraordinary legacy, Utah honored him by naming the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Taylorsville after him. Today, visitors to the center can view a photograph and brief biography highlighting his remarkable life and contributions. His story continues to inspire all who learn about his efforts to advance opportunities, accessibility, and equality for Deaf people. We invite you to visit the center and learn more about this extraordinary leader whose influence continues to shape the Deaf community today.
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 of the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
On October 4, 2003, a historic 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. The renaming honored Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, former president of both the Utah Association of the Deaf and the National Association of the Deaf, in recognition of his outstanding leadership and lifelong contributions to the Deaf community.
As Deaf Services Coordinator and later Director of the community center, Dr. Sanderson played a pivotal role in establishing and expanding services for Utah's Deaf community. The effort to honor him was spearheaded by Marilyn Tiller Call, then director of the center, whose vision and determination led to this well-deserved tribute. Bob was 83 years old at the time of the ceremony.
The celebration was a landmark occasion for the Utah Deaf community, drawing approximately 1,000 attendees, including Dr. Sanderson, his wife Mary, their sons Gary and Barry, and other members of their family. The event brought together community leaders, advocates, educators, friends, and supporters to recognize Dr. Sanderson's extraordinary legacy.
Notable attendees and presenters included:
One of the most distinguished guests was Dr. I. King Jordan, who traveled to Utah specifically to participate in the ceremony. He and Bob Sanderson shared a longstanding friendship dating back to Bob's service on Gallaudet University's Board of Trustees, including during the historic Deaf President Now movement of 1988. The ceremony featured heartfelt tributes, inspiring speeches, and personal stories that highlighted Dr. Sanderson's lifelong dedication to improving opportunities and services for Deaf individuals.
During the celebration, Bob expressed his sincere gratitude for the honor and thanked the community, colleagues, friends, and family members who had supported him throughout his life and career.
Special thanks to Ronald J. Nelson and David Lance Pickett for granting permission to upload this historic video to the Utah Deaf History YouTube channel. Their generosity allows those who were unable to attend the ceremony, as well as future generations, to experience and appreciate this memorable event.
Enjoy this remarkable piece of Utah Deaf History!
On October 4, 2003, a historic 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. The renaming honored Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, former president of both the Utah Association of the Deaf and the National Association of the Deaf, in recognition of his outstanding leadership and lifelong contributions to the Deaf community.
As Deaf Services Coordinator and later Director of the community center, Dr. Sanderson played a pivotal role in establishing and expanding services for Utah's Deaf community. The effort to honor him was spearheaded by Marilyn Tiller Call, then director of the center, whose vision and determination led to this well-deserved tribute. Bob was 83 years old at the time of the ceremony.
The celebration was a landmark occasion for the Utah Deaf community, drawing approximately 1,000 attendees, including Dr. Sanderson, his wife Mary, their sons Gary and Barry, and other members of their family. The event brought together community leaders, advocates, educators, friends, and supporters to recognize Dr. Sanderson's extraordinary legacy.
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 of the Deaf
- Ronald J. Nelson, President of the Utah Association of 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
One of the most distinguished guests was Dr. I. King Jordan, who traveled to Utah specifically to participate in the ceremony. He and Bob Sanderson shared a longstanding friendship dating back to Bob's service on Gallaudet University's Board of Trustees, including during the historic Deaf President Now movement of 1988. The ceremony featured heartfelt tributes, inspiring speeches, and personal stories that highlighted Dr. Sanderson's lifelong dedication to improving opportunities and services for Deaf individuals.
During the celebration, Bob expressed his sincere gratitude for the honor and thanked the community, colleagues, friends, and family members who had supported him throughout his life and career.
Special thanks to Ronald J. Nelson and David Lance Pickett for granting permission to upload this historic video to the Utah Deaf History YouTube channel. Their generosity allows those who were unable to attend the ceremony, as well as future generations, to experience and appreciate this memorable event.
Enjoy this remarkable piece of Utah Deaf History!
HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS
For your convenience, I have included the program book from Dr. Robert G. Sanderson's honorary celebration at the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
The UVU Sutherland Archives has made Dr. Robert G. Sanderson's book, A Brief History of the Origins of the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, available through its digital archive, allowing readers easy access to this valuable historical resource. We extend our sincere gratitude to Bob Sanderson's son, Barry Sanderson, for granting permission to make the book publicly available. To read the complete 62-page publication, simply click the arrows in the upper-right corner of the image to open and navigate through the book. We hope you enjoy exploring this fascinating piece of Utah Deaf history.
Dr. Robert G. Sanderson running for the National Association of the Deaf president in 1968. Photo courtesy of Barry Sanderson
A Slideshow of Dr. Sanderson's
Honoring Ceremony
October 4, 2003
Honoring Ceremony
October 4, 2003
Additionally, I have included photographs from Dr. Robert G. Sanderson's honorary celebration, held on October 4, 2003, at the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. These images capture a memorable occasion in Utah Deaf history and highlight the community's appreciation for Bob Sanderson's extraordinary contributions and lasting legacy.
Enjoy exploring these historical materials!
Enjoy exploring these historical materials!
Photograph by the Sanderson Community Center staff
References
“2012 Conference Resolutions.” NAD History. https://www.nad.org/about-us/nad-history/
Call, Marilyn. "Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Gets New Name." UAD Bulletin, Vol. 27.4 (September 2003): 1 & 4.
"Deaf Utahn Named as President Emeritus of NAD." UAD Bulletin, vol. 23.10 (March 2000): 1.
"Gallaudet's Daily Digest, Board of Trustees Emeritus Robert "Sandie" Sanderson passes away," 2012. http://www.nad.org/news/2012/3/memoriam-nad-president-emeritus-robert-g-sanderson
“In Memoriam: NAD President Emeritus Robert G. Sanderson,” National Association of the Deaf, March 5, 2012. https://deafnetwork.com/wordpress/blog/2012/03/06/in-memoriam-nad-president-emeritus-robert-g-sanderson/#google_vignette
"Interpreters Workshop Planned." The UAD Bulletin, vol. 3, no. 3 (Spring 1964): 4.
"National Registry of Professional Interpreters and Translators for the Deaf Established." The Silent Worker, vol. 16, no. 11. (July-August 1964): 17.
Newman, Lawrence R. Sands of Time: NAD Presidents 1880-2003. Silver Spring, Maryland: National Association of the Deaf, 2006.
"President's Awards." UAD Bulletin, vol. 23.2 (June 1999): 1.
"Program for Better Services to the Adult Deaf Becomes Reality." The UAD Bulletin, vol. 4, no. 2 (Winter 1965): 1 & 3.
"Sanderson deserves his due." Deseret News, September 26, 2003.
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.
"Selection of New President Sets Off Nationwide Protest." UAD Bulletin, vol, 11, no. 11 (April 1988): 2.
Storrer, Jennifer. "Getting to Know UTRID." UAD Bulletin, vol. 31.12 (May 2008): 4.
"To the Prospective UAD Members." UAD Bulletin, vol. 4, no. 2 (July 1979): 7.
Trotter, R. J. "Dr. Sanderson: An advocate for the Deaf." Ogden Standard-Examiner, January 2, 2011.
Urbani, Diane. "Center for deaf renamed after first director." Deseret News, October 4, 2003.
Call, Marilyn. "Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Gets New Name." UAD Bulletin, Vol. 27.4 (September 2003): 1 & 4.
"Deaf Utahn Named as President Emeritus of NAD." UAD Bulletin, vol. 23.10 (March 2000): 1.
"Gallaudet's Daily Digest, Board of Trustees Emeritus Robert "Sandie" Sanderson passes away," 2012. http://www.nad.org/news/2012/3/memoriam-nad-president-emeritus-robert-g-sanderson
“In Memoriam: NAD President Emeritus Robert G. Sanderson,” National Association of the Deaf, March 5, 2012. https://deafnetwork.com/wordpress/blog/2012/03/06/in-memoriam-nad-president-emeritus-robert-g-sanderson/#google_vignette
"Interpreters Workshop Planned." The UAD Bulletin, vol. 3, no. 3 (Spring 1964): 4.
"National Registry of Professional Interpreters and Translators for the Deaf Established." The Silent Worker, vol. 16, no. 11. (July-August 1964): 17.
Newman, Lawrence R. Sands of Time: NAD Presidents 1880-2003. Silver Spring, Maryland: National Association of the Deaf, 2006.
"President's Awards." UAD Bulletin, vol. 23.2 (June 1999): 1.
"Program for Better Services to the Adult Deaf Becomes Reality." The UAD Bulletin, vol. 4, no. 2 (Winter 1965): 1 & 3.
"Sanderson deserves his due." Deseret News, September 26, 2003.
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.
"Selection of New President Sets Off Nationwide Protest." UAD Bulletin, vol, 11, no. 11 (April 1988): 2.
Storrer, Jennifer. "Getting to Know UTRID." UAD Bulletin, vol. 31.12 (May 2008): 4.
"To the Prospective UAD Members." UAD Bulletin, vol. 4, no. 2 (July 1979): 7.
Trotter, R. J. "Dr. Sanderson: An advocate for the Deaf." Ogden Standard-Examiner, January 2, 2011.
Urbani, Diane. "Center for deaf renamed after first director." Deseret News, October 4, 2003.
