Honoring W. David Mortensen:
The 2014 Lifetime Advocacy Award Ceremony
Compiled & Written 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
During my work on Utah Deaf History, I have come to deeply admire the remarkable advocacy and leadership of W. David "Dave" Mortensen. In 2013, during a meeting of the Utah Association for the Deaf, I proposed that we formally recognize him for his many contributions to our community. His tireless efforts to promote sign language education, expand access to technology, advocate for Deaf rights, and help establish a community center for Deaf individuals are just a few examples of his lasting impact. I was thrilled when everyone wholeheartedly supported the proposal. It is truly rewarding to honor someone whose dedication has positively influenced so many lives.
On March 29, 2014, we gathered for a heartfelt ceremony to unveil Dave's Lifetime Advocacy Award and portrait. The display includes a brief biography highlighting more than forty years of service to the Utah Deaf community. Among his many accomplishments, Dave served an extraordinary twenty-two years as president of the Utah Association for the Deaf, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to improving opportunities and advancing the rights of Deaf Utahns.
I have compiled a summary of Dave's biography, achievements, and the special event held in his honor. His vision, determination, and advocacy helped shape many of the programs, services, and opportunities that benefit our community today. Because of his enduring contributions, I hope that one day a room at the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing will be named in his honor. Such recognition would be a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated so much of his life to serving others.
We are profoundly grateful for Dave's passion, leadership, and steadfast support of the Utah Deaf community. It was an honor to participate in this celebration and to help recognize a leader whose influence continues to be felt throughout Utah and beyond.
Thank you, Dave, for everything you have done for our community. Your contributions have left a lasting legacy, and we deeply appreciate the difference you have made in the lives of countless Deaf individuals and families.
Jodi Christel Becker
On March 29, 2014, we gathered for a heartfelt ceremony to unveil Dave's Lifetime Advocacy Award and portrait. The display includes a brief biography highlighting more than forty years of service to the Utah Deaf community. Among his many accomplishments, Dave served an extraordinary twenty-two years as president of the Utah Association for the Deaf, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to improving opportunities and advancing the rights of Deaf Utahns.
I have compiled a summary of Dave's biography, achievements, and the special event held in his honor. His vision, determination, and advocacy helped shape many of the programs, services, and opportunities that benefit our community today. Because of his enduring contributions, I hope that one day a room at the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing will be named in his honor. Such recognition would be a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated so much of his life to serving others.
We are profoundly grateful for Dave's passion, leadership, and steadfast support of the Utah Deaf community. It was an honor to participate in this celebration and to help recognize a leader whose influence continues to be felt throughout Utah and beyond.
Thank you, Dave, for everything you have done for our community. Your contributions have left a lasting legacy, and we deeply appreciate the difference you have made in the lives of countless Deaf individuals and families.
Jodi Christel Becker
A Brief Biography of W. David Mortensen
On March 29, 2014, the Utah Division of Services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and the Utah Association of the Deaf honored W. David Mortensen, known as Dave, with an exceptional lifetime advocacy award. Dave made substantial contributions to the advancement of the Utah Deaf community. The plaque, featuring his portrait and a brief biography, is displayed in the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center museum, where visitors can learn about and remember his enduring contributions to the Utah Deaf community.
Dave's journey began in Provo, Utah, on June 3, 1931. At the age of four, he lost his hearing as a result of scarlet fever. He felt lost and isolated during his first few years at Joaquín Elementary School. At age 11, a new chapter began when he enrolled at the Utah School for the Deaf in 1942 and joined the Park Literary Society and the Arthur Wenger Athletic Association. The Deaf teachers, with their sign language, became his guiding lights, igniting a passion for advocacy that would shape his life and the lives of many others.
After graduating from the Utah School for the Deaf in 1949, Dave began his college education at Brigham Young University. He later transferred to the University of Utah, where he achieved several historic milestones. In 1976, he became the first Deaf man in Utah to earn a bachelor's degree in sociology. He continued his studies and earned a master's degree in social work in 1982. Dave also became Utah's first Deaf-certified social worker, working as a Deaf counselor at Valley Mental Health while holding a night job at the Newspaper Agency Corporation.
Dave's journey began in Provo, Utah, on June 3, 1931. At the age of four, he lost his hearing as a result of scarlet fever. He felt lost and isolated during his first few years at Joaquín Elementary School. At age 11, a new chapter began when he enrolled at the Utah School for the Deaf in 1942 and joined the Park Literary Society and the Arthur Wenger Athletic Association. The Deaf teachers, with their sign language, became his guiding lights, igniting a passion for advocacy that would shape his life and the lives of many others.
After graduating from the Utah School for the Deaf in 1949, Dave began his college education at Brigham Young University. He later transferred to the University of Utah, where he achieved several historic milestones. In 1976, he became the first Deaf man in Utah to earn a bachelor's degree in sociology. He continued his studies and earned a master's degree in social work in 1982. Dave also became Utah's first Deaf-certified social worker, working as a Deaf counselor at Valley Mental Health while holding a night job at the Newspaper Agency Corporation.
W. David Mortensen. Photo courtesy of W. David and Shanna Mortensen
Dave gained significant recognition for his work as a political activist. In 1971, the Utah Association of the Deaf Convention elected him president of the Utah Association of the Deaf. According to The Deaf Education History in Utah, he strongly advocated for the rights of Deaf children to education and addressed related political issues. He also fought for the Murray School District to provide interpreters for his Deaf daughter, Kristi, during her junior high and high school years. Kristi inspired Dave to push for equal access to education for Deaf children. Dr. Robert Sanderson and Valerie G. Kinney described Dave as fearless, ambitious, and persistent, qualities that exemplified his lifelong commitment to advocacy and political action (Dave Mortensen, Renae M. White, Don M. Mortensen, and Kristi L. Mortensen, personal communication, April 17, 2009). He firmly believed that proper education would enable many Deaf individuals to succeed (UAD Bulletin, November 1999, p. 5).
Despite his demanding work and family responsibilities, Dave found time to serve as president for a remarkable 22 years, from 1971 to 1985, 1987 to 1991, and 1993 to 1997. He remains the longest-serving president in the association's history. During his tenure, Dave oversaw numerous programs and witnessed the organization evolve from a grassroots organization into a more complex and professional structure. As a result, the Utah Association of the Deaf transformed from a small volunteer-run organization into a well-functioning business office (Dave Mortensen, Renae M. White, Don M. Mortensen, and Kristi L. Mortensen, personal communication, April 17, 2009). In 1995, his wife, Shanna Christiansen Mortensen, received a Presidential Award from the Utah Association of the Deaf in recognition of her patience and 22 years of steadfast support for Dave's service to the organization. She was also awarded a lifetime membership by the Utah Association of the Deaf (UAD Bulletin, July 1995).
Furthermore, Dave generously supported the Utah Association of the Deaf throughout his presidency, particularly through his involvement with the Utah Legislature. He actively lobbied senators and representatives from his district on behalf of the accessibility needs of the Utah Deaf community at a time when many legislators had not yet prioritized these issues. Dave also leveraged his political connections to raise awareness of Deaf accessibility needs and to ensure that legislators listened to and learned about these concerns (UAD Bulletin, November 1999).
As the father of a Deaf daughter, Kristi Lee, Dave continued to champion the rights of Deaf children to education and advocate for other important political issues. He lobbied legislators to pass laws, organized rallies, wrote news articles, and raised public awareness of Deaf issues. In addition, he played a key role in securing representation for Deaf individuals on the Institutional Council of the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind. Through these efforts, Dave helped strengthen educational opportunities, accessibility, and political representation for Deaf Utahns.
Despite his demanding work and family responsibilities, Dave found time to serve as president for a remarkable 22 years, from 1971 to 1985, 1987 to 1991, and 1993 to 1997. He remains the longest-serving president in the association's history. During his tenure, Dave oversaw numerous programs and witnessed the organization evolve from a grassroots organization into a more complex and professional structure. As a result, the Utah Association of the Deaf transformed from a small volunteer-run organization into a well-functioning business office (Dave Mortensen, Renae M. White, Don M. Mortensen, and Kristi L. Mortensen, personal communication, April 17, 2009). In 1995, his wife, Shanna Christiansen Mortensen, received a Presidential Award from the Utah Association of the Deaf in recognition of her patience and 22 years of steadfast support for Dave's service to the organization. She was also awarded a lifetime membership by the Utah Association of the Deaf (UAD Bulletin, July 1995).
Furthermore, Dave generously supported the Utah Association of the Deaf throughout his presidency, particularly through his involvement with the Utah Legislature. He actively lobbied senators and representatives from his district on behalf of the accessibility needs of the Utah Deaf community at a time when many legislators had not yet prioritized these issues. Dave also leveraged his political connections to raise awareness of Deaf accessibility needs and to ensure that legislators listened to and learned about these concerns (UAD Bulletin, November 1999).
As the father of a Deaf daughter, Kristi Lee, Dave continued to champion the rights of Deaf children to education and advocate for other important political issues. He lobbied legislators to pass laws, organized rallies, wrote news articles, and raised public awareness of Deaf issues. In addition, he played a key role in securing representation for Deaf individuals on the Institutional Council of the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind. Through these efforts, Dave helped strengthen educational opportunities, accessibility, and political representation for Deaf Utahns.
W. David Mortensen, 1949. Photo courtesy of W. David and Shanna Mortensen
W. David Mortensen's Leadership,
Advocacy, and Major Achievements
Advocacy, and Major Achievements
- Helped set up the TTY program in Utah.
- Lobbied for the first deaf community center to be established in Bountiful, Utah.
- Organized the Deaf community to lobby for a state relay service for the deaf.
- Helped secure legislative funding for the Robert G. Sanderson Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Taylorsville, Utah.
- Worked for legislative recognition of American Sign Language.
- Helped establish the Utah Interpreter Program under the Utah Association of the Deaf.
- Served on the Legislative Coalition for People with Disabilities.
- Was consultant for the Utah State Committee of Consumer Services
Source: Utah Division of Services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and Utah Association of the Deaf present W. David Mortensen a special lifetime advocacy award, March 29, 2014
Advocacy Rallies Organized and
Led by W. David Mortensen
Led by W. David Mortensen
- Utah State Board of Education to let Total Communication be the main focus on Deaf education in 1970.
- The University of Utah included Total Communication pedagogy in the Teacher Preparation Program 1977.
- Utah Capitol, to pass a law establishing the Utah Interpreter Service under state funding in 1982, after the United Way discontinued funding support.
- Utah Capitol, to pass Senate Bill 101 to set up a Utah Relay Service in 1987.
- Utah Capitol, to pass the law establishing the Interpreting Training Program at Salt Lake Community College for prospective interpreters in 1994.
- Utah Capitol, to enact a law recognizing American Sign Language as a foreign language and requiring schools, colleges, and universities to accept it for credit toward language requirements in 1994.
W. David Mortensen was named
president emeritus of the Utah Association
of the Deaf in 2013. His predecessor was
Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, who passed in
February 2012 (Kinney & Becker Kinner,
UAD Bulletin, Vol 37.03). He dedicated his life to advocating human, civil, and accessibility rights
for the Deaf people in his community, leaving a
lasting legacy for future generations.
president emeritus of the Utah Association
of the Deaf in 2013. His predecessor was
Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, who passed in
February 2012 (Kinney & Becker Kinner,
UAD Bulletin, Vol 37.03). He dedicated his life to advocating human, civil, and accessibility rights
for the Deaf people in his community, leaving a
lasting legacy for future generations.
W. David Mortensen speaking with Marilyn Call, Director of the Sanderson Community Center. Mortensen was honored for his advocacy work. Source: KSL.com March 29, 2014
Legislative Initiatives Advocated
by W. David Mortensen
by W. David Mortensen
- Get funding for the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
- Authorize a fee on telephone service to get money to set up an Utah Relay Service for the Deaf in 1987.
Dave Mortensen, 1980. Photograph by Robert L. Bonnell
Committees on Which W. David Mortensen Served
- Public Service Commission on the distribution of TTY
- Committee on Interpreting
- Utah Relay Committee, as Chairman
- Committee to encourage hospitals to have interpreters for Deaf patients
- Committee to request lawyers hire interpreters when with a Deaf client
- Utah Telecom Directory for several years as editor
W. David Mortensen is surrounded by his family members, including his Deaf daughter, Kristi Mortensen (orange scarf) and her husband, Ron Nelson (behind her). Source: KSL.com, March 29, 2014
Honors and Recognition Received
by W. David Mortensen
by W. David Mortensen
- 1972: National Association of the Deaf Award for excellence in cultural achievement news publication
- July 1973: Certification from Registry of Interpreting for the Deaf in reverse interpreting
- August 1976: Certification from Utah Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf in reverse interpreting
- 1976-1979: Certification of Appreciation from Utah State Board of Education for service on the Utah State Advisory Committee
- May 1977: Served as the delegate to the White House Conference on Handicapped Individuals in recognition of dedicated services
- 1979: Utah Association for the Deaf Golden Hand Award
- June 1981: Meritorious Service Award in recognition of valuable service on the Board of UAD
- June 1987: Certification of Appreciation in contribution unlimited time on SB 101
- January 1990: Utah State Committee of Consumer Service for strong consumer advocacy
- March 1990: Utah State Office of Rehabilitation – Coalition for People with Disabilities
- 1993: Guerts/Knowles Outstanding Volunteer Award: in recognition of exemplary service rendered to offenders at the Utah State Prison
- January 1995: F.O.E. Aerie #76 Achievement Award for inspiration, strength, and determination to overcome any obstacles
- July 1998: Award from the National Association of the Deaf Knights of the Flying Fingers
- 1999: Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind Legacy Award for USDB Alumni Achievement
- June 2003: Utah Educational Interpreter Award as a Deaf community advocate in the field of educational interpreting
Dave received the Distinguished Service Award in September 2007 in recognition of his long-standing dedication to the Utah Association of the Deaf, particularly his efforts to work with the Utah Legislature. At a time when many senators and representatives in his district were not actively engaged in issues affecting the Utah Deaf community, Dave persistently sought their support. His determination paid off as he successfully encouraged lawmakers to pay attention to and better understand Deaf-related issues, helping to advance accessibility and advocacy efforts throughout Utah (UAD Bulletin, October 2007, pp. 1, 5).
In 2013, the Utah Association of the Deaf appointed Dave as President Emeritus. He followed Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, a prominent Utah Deaf leader who had held the honorary designation before his passing in February 2012 (Kinney & Becker Kinner, UAD Bulletin, August 2013).
W. David Mortensen's Honoring Ceremony
As mentioned in the "Author's Note" above, my proposal to honor Dave for his exceptional service was approved during the 2013 Utah Association of the Deaf meeting. On March 29, 2014, a special ceremony was held to unveil Dave's Lifetime Advocacy Award and portrait. The event recognized more than 40 years of his contributions to advocacy within the Utah Deaf community through the presentation of a portrait, plaque, and brief biography. The honoring ceremony was a collaborative effort between the UAD Honoring Event Committee, the Utah Division of Services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and the Utah Association of the Deaf. More than 50 people attended the brunch event. Speakers included UAD President Philippe Montalette, DSDHH Director Marilyn Call, retired USOR Executive Director Don Uchida, and Valerie G. Kinney, each of whom highlighted different aspects of Dave's life and accomplishments, from his childhood to his lifelong advocacy work (Kinney, UAD Bulletin, April 2014). Their remarks celebrated Dave's achievements and underscored the lasting impact he has had on the Utah Deaf community.
At the ceremony, DSDHH Director Marilyn Tiller Call commended "his tireless efforts over the years to fight for deaf rights in education, the workplace, interpreting, and medical fields." Dave's work reflected decades of dedication to advocacy and equal access. Overwhelmed by the recognition, Dave explained that "his ultimate goal all along was to provide deaf people with equal access to everything hearing people had." His daughter, Kristi, echoed those sentiments, stating, "He is a good reminder for us that when we see a barrier, we need to do something and speak up. We have all kinds of accessibility and technology today. Our lives are much better because of him" (Lee, KSL, March 29, 2014).
Today, the Sanderson Community Center museum preserves Dave's legacy through plaques, his portrait, and a brief biography that recognize his significant contributions to the Utah Deaf community. Much of his work was carried out behind the scenes, yet its impact remains evident in the educational opportunities, accessibility services, and civil rights advancements enjoyed by Deaf Utahns today. His commitment to advocacy and public service continues to serve as an example for future generations, reflecting the enduring value of perseverance, leadership, and the pursuit of equal access for all.
At the ceremony, DSDHH Director Marilyn Tiller Call commended "his tireless efforts over the years to fight for deaf rights in education, the workplace, interpreting, and medical fields." Dave's work reflected decades of dedication to advocacy and equal access. Overwhelmed by the recognition, Dave explained that "his ultimate goal all along was to provide deaf people with equal access to everything hearing people had." His daughter, Kristi, echoed those sentiments, stating, "He is a good reminder for us that when we see a barrier, we need to do something and speak up. We have all kinds of accessibility and technology today. Our lives are much better because of him" (Lee, KSL, March 29, 2014).
Today, the Sanderson Community Center museum preserves Dave's legacy through plaques, his portrait, and a brief biography that recognize his significant contributions to the Utah Deaf community. Much of his work was carried out behind the scenes, yet its impact remains evident in the educational opportunities, accessibility services, and civil rights advancements enjoyed by Deaf Utahns today. His commitment to advocacy and public service continues to serve as an example for future generations, reflecting the enduring value of perseverance, leadership, and the pursuit of equal access for all.
HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS
For your convenience and interest, I have included the program book from W. David Mortensen's honorary celebration at the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, along with the Utah State Office of Rehabilitation's recognition letter and a PowerPoint presentation highlighting his life and accomplishments.
I have also enclosed photos from W. David Mortensen's honorary celebration, held on March 29, 2014, at the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. I hope you enjoy viewing these memorable moments from the event.
I have also enclosed photos from W. David Mortensen's honorary celebration, held on March 29, 2014, at the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. I hope you enjoy viewing these memorable moments from the event.
A Slideshow of W. David Mortensen's
Honoring Ceremony,
March 29, 2014
Honoring Ceremony,
March 29, 2014
I have also included photographs from W. David Mortensen's honorary celebration, held on March 29, 2014, at the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. These images capture memorable moments from the event and honor Dave's extraordinary contributions to the Utah Deaf community.
Photograph by Duane Lee Kinner & Jodi Christel Becker
"I just wanted to write a short note to
you to thank you for the WONDERFUL job
that you did in taking that photo-history of Dad's
"honoring. I was not able to attend the ceremony
due to being so far away and have a rather unpredictable health challenge. Thank you so
much for making it possible for me to "attend"
even from so far away. You did an excellent and inspiring job!!" ~Zak Mortensen, Dave's Stepson,
April 7, 2014~
you to thank you for the WONDERFUL job
that you did in taking that photo-history of Dad's
"honoring. I was not able to attend the ceremony
due to being so far away and have a rather unpredictable health challenge. Thank you so
much for making it possible for me to "attend"
even from so far away. You did an excellent and inspiring job!!" ~Zak Mortensen, Dave's Stepson,
April 7, 2014~
Note
Dave Mortensen, Renae M. White, Don M. Mortensen, and Kristi L. Mortensen, personal communication, April 17, 2009.
References
Dave Mortensen, Renae M. White, Don M. Mortensen, and Kristi L. Mortensen, personal communication, April 17, 2009.
"Awards Presented at the Banquet." UAD Bulletin, vol. 19.2 (July 1995): 3.
"Highlights of UAD Board Meeting." UAD Bulletin, vol. 23.6 (November 1999): 5.
Kinney, Valerie. Dave Mortensen Horning Unveiling. UAD Bulletin, vol. 37-11. (April 2014): 1.
Kinney, Valerie and Kinner (Becker), Jodi. "W. David Mortensen Becomes President Emeritus." UAD Bulletin, vol. 37- 03 (August 2013): 1.
Lee, Jason. "Utah man honored for being decades-long 'voice' of state's deaf community." (March 29, 2014). http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=29264903#6A8qmCTxLrrA4jrp.99
"Prestigious Awards Given During UAD Conference." UAD Bulletin, vol. 31.5 (October 2007): 1 & 5.
"Awards Presented at the Banquet." UAD Bulletin, vol. 19.2 (July 1995): 3.
"Highlights of UAD Board Meeting." UAD Bulletin, vol. 23.6 (November 1999): 5.
Kinney, Valerie. Dave Mortensen Horning Unveiling. UAD Bulletin, vol. 37-11. (April 2014): 1.
Kinney, Valerie and Kinner (Becker), Jodi. "W. David Mortensen Becomes President Emeritus." UAD Bulletin, vol. 37- 03 (August 2013): 1.
Lee, Jason. "Utah man honored for being decades-long 'voice' of state's deaf community." (March 29, 2014). http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=29264903#6A8qmCTxLrrA4jrp.99
"Prestigious Awards Given During UAD Conference." UAD Bulletin, vol. 31.5 (October 2007): 1 & 5.
