Honoring Ronald C. Burdett, Utah
Native and 1970 Gallaudet Graduate,
at the Sorenson Language and Communication Center
Naming Ceremony
Native and 1970 Gallaudet Graduate,
at the Sorenson Language and Communication Center
Naming Ceremony
Written by Jodi Christel Becker
Published in 2016
Updated in 2026
Published in 2016
Updated in 2026
Author's Note
In the early 1990s, I had the wonderful opportunity to attend Ohlone College in Fremont, California. During that time, I embraced American Sign Language and immersed myself in Deaf culture as an oral and mainstream student. One of my most memorable experiences was meeting Ronald C. Burdett, affectionately known as Ron, who served as the dean of the college's Deaf Program.
Ron was always welcoming, approachable, and supportive, making my introduction to the vibrant and inclusive Deaf community truly special. His dedication to Deaf education and the Deaf community left a lasting impression on me and many others whose lives he touched.
Ron deserves recognition for his outstanding contributions and leadership. His work has had a meaningful impact, and his legacy continues to inspire those who have benefited from his efforts.
Additionally, be sure to watch the video below. It provides wonderful insight into Ron's journey and accomplishments, making it an excellent addition to this story.
Thank you, Ron!
Jodi Christel Becker
Ron was always welcoming, approachable, and supportive, making my introduction to the vibrant and inclusive Deaf community truly special. His dedication to Deaf education and the Deaf community left a lasting impression on me and many others whose lives he touched.
Ron deserves recognition for his outstanding contributions and leadership. His work has had a meaningful impact, and his legacy continues to inspire those who have benefited from his efforts.
Additionally, be sure to watch the video below. It provides wonderful insight into Ron's journey and accomplishments, making it an excellent addition to this story.
Thank you, Ron!
Jodi Christel Becker
A Short Biography of Ronald C. Burdett
Ronald C. Burdett was born on September 20, 1947, in Ogden, Utah, to Kenneth Charles Burdett and Afton Curtis. He married Joyanne Kay Rasmus on June 20, 1970, in Lafayette, California. Together, they had two children: Reginald Scott Burdett and Jonalda Kay Burdett.
Ron was a familiar face in Utah. Growing up in a unique environment, both of his parents were Deaf and graduated from the Utah School for the Deaf, where they also dedicated their careers as educators. Ron attended the school for much of his early education but left during his senior year in 1965 because of declining educational quality and the increasing emphasis on oral and mainstreaming approaches. He then enrolled at Gallaudet College, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Computer Studies and Accounting in 1970. He later earned a master's degree in Special Education and Rehabilitation from California State University, Northridge.
Ron's journey was marked by success in a variety of professional roles. He served as a professor and dean of Deaf Studies and Special Services at Ohlone College. Throughout his distinguished career, he held several prominent leadership positions, including president of the California Association for Postsecondary Education and Disability, division director of the Southern Utah Deaf and Hard of Hearing Division, and vice president of community relations at Sorenson Communications, Inc. (UAD Bulletin, March 2006).
Ron was a familiar face in Utah. Growing up in a unique environment, both of his parents were Deaf and graduated from the Utah School for the Deaf, where they also dedicated their careers as educators. Ron attended the school for much of his early education but left during his senior year in 1965 because of declining educational quality and the increasing emphasis on oral and mainstreaming approaches. He then enrolled at Gallaudet College, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Computer Studies and Accounting in 1970. He later earned a master's degree in Special Education and Rehabilitation from California State University, Northridge.
Ron's journey was marked by success in a variety of professional roles. He served as a professor and dean of Deaf Studies and Special Services at Ohlone College. Throughout his distinguished career, he held several prominent leadership positions, including president of the California Association for Postsecondary Education and Disability, division director of the Southern Utah Deaf and Hard of Hearing Division, and vice president of community relations at Sorenson Communications, Inc. (UAD Bulletin, March 2006).
Ronald C. Burdett. Photo courtesy of Sorenson Communications Inc.
In recognition of his significant contributions, Gallaudet University honored Ron, a distinguished member of the Class of 1970, on September 29, 2016, by naming the 'Ron Burdett, '70, Seminar Room' in the Sorenson Language and Communication Center. This recognition highlighted his lasting impact on the Deaf community and his commitment to developing future leaders.
During the ceremony, Ron reflected on his time at Gallaudet, stating, "Like so many students before and after me, Gallaudet offered me many opportunities to learn, lead, and pursue my goals... Being immersed in the academic environment prepared me for my career and for extracurricular activities, where I met a diverse group of people. I didn't know it then, but this really prepared me for my future community relations work at Sorenson Communications, through which I have met thousands of Deaf people" (Greenman, Gallaudet: On The Green, October 3, 2016).
Since graduating from Gallaudet in 1970, Ron achieved remarkable success as an educator, administrator, advocate, and workplace leader. In recognition of his accomplishments, Gallaudet President Roberta J. Cordano remarked, "Ron represents advocacy, equality, and inclusion and is a role model for our emerging deaf and hard of hearing leaders" (Greenman, Gallaudet: On The Green, October 3, 2016). Throughout his career, Ron's strong work ethic, visionary leadership, and commitment to service inspired countless individuals within the Deaf community. His achievements demonstrated the tremendous potential of Deaf people to lead, succeed, and create lasting change. Through his professional and community contributions, Ron encouraged others to recognize their own potential and make meaningful impacts in the lives of those around them. Utah was fortunate to have a Deaf leader like Ron, who demonstrated excellence in every endeavor he pursued.
During the ceremony, Ron reflected on his time at Gallaudet, stating, "Like so many students before and after me, Gallaudet offered me many opportunities to learn, lead, and pursue my goals... Being immersed in the academic environment prepared me for my career and for extracurricular activities, where I met a diverse group of people. I didn't know it then, but this really prepared me for my future community relations work at Sorenson Communications, through which I have met thousands of Deaf people" (Greenman, Gallaudet: On The Green, October 3, 2016).
Since graduating from Gallaudet in 1970, Ron achieved remarkable success as an educator, administrator, advocate, and workplace leader. In recognition of his accomplishments, Gallaudet President Roberta J. Cordano remarked, "Ron represents advocacy, equality, and inclusion and is a role model for our emerging deaf and hard of hearing leaders" (Greenman, Gallaudet: On The Green, October 3, 2016). Throughout his career, Ron's strong work ethic, visionary leadership, and commitment to service inspired countless individuals within the Deaf community. His achievements demonstrated the tremendous potential of Deaf people to lead, succeed, and create lasting change. Through his professional and community contributions, Ron encouraged others to recognize their own potential and make meaningful impacts in the lives of those around them. Utah was fortunate to have a Deaf leader like Ron, who demonstrated excellence in every endeavor he pursued.
Ron Burdett, ’70, poses next to his honorary plaque.
Gallaudet News. Photo by Zhee Chatmon.
Ron passed away at the age of 78 on November 14, 2025, in St. George, Utah. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched and the initiatives he supported. Friends, family, colleagues, and community members will remember him not only for his professional accomplishments but also for his generosity, compassion, and unwavering belief in the power of community and the importance of uplifting others.
Fun Fact: Ron was the son of Kenneth C. Burdett, for whom the Kenneth C. Burdett School of the Deaf is named. This recognition reflects Kenneth's dedication to the school from 1934 to 1974, during which he served in numerous roles, including student, boys' supervisor, head basketball coach, athletic director, teacher, printing instructor, and curriculum coordinator. His passionate commitment and decades of selfless service left a lasting mark on Deaf education in Utah. Together, the accomplishments of Kenneth Kenneth and Ron Burdett exemplify the Burdett family's deep-rooted legacy and enduring impact on the Utah Deaf community.
Fun Fact: Ron was the son of Kenneth C. Burdett, for whom the Kenneth C. Burdett School of the Deaf is named. This recognition reflects Kenneth's dedication to the school from 1934 to 1974, during which he served in numerous roles, including student, boys' supervisor, head basketball coach, athletic director, teacher, printing instructor, and curriculum coordinator. His passionate commitment and decades of selfless service left a lasting mark on Deaf education in Utah. Together, the accomplishments of Kenneth Kenneth and Ron Burdett exemplify the Burdett family's deep-rooted legacy and enduring impact on the Utah Deaf community.
Kennth C. Burdett. Photo courtesy of Ronald C. Burdett
A Legacy of Connections:
Honoring Ron Burdett
Honoring Ron Burdett
Enclosed is the video A Legacy of Connections: Honoring Ron Burdett, produced by Gallaudet University. We invite you to watch this inspiring tribute at your convenience and learn more about Ron's extraordinary life and commitment to the Deaf community. Through his leadership, advocacy, and dedication to education, Ron touched countless lives and helped strengthen the communities he served. This video highlights his remarkable journey, the relationships he cherished, and the legacy he leaves behind. We hope you enjoy watching it and gain a deeper appreciation for the many ways he enriched the lives of others.
References
Greenname, Andrew. “Ron Burdett, ’70, honored at Sorenson naming ceremony.” Gallaudet: On The Green, October 3, 2016.
"Ron Burdett Begins New Job at Sorenson." UAD Bulletin, Vol. 29.10 (March 2006): 5-6.
"Ron Burdett Begins New Job at Sorenson." UAD Bulletin, Vol. 29.10 (March 2006): 5-6.
