Compiled & Written by Jodi Christel Becker
Published in 2015
Updated in 2026
Published in 2015
Updated in 2026
Author's Note
Update on UAD Conferences and Officer Information
Dear UAD Community,
The Utah Association of the Deaf (UAD) has held conferences and elected officers throughout its long and rich history. We are grateful to the many individuals who have served the organization and contributed to the growth of Utah's Deaf community.
Please review the provided list of past UAD conferences, including conference years, locations, officers, and their terms of service.
To help ensure the accuracy of this historical record, please email Jodi Becker at [email protected] with any corrections or additional information, including:
Your contributions will help preserve an accurate history of UAD leadership for future generations.
I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to Valerie G. Kinney, whose dedicated efforts in documenting UAD officers and their service have been invaluable. Her commitment to preserving Utah Deaf history is deeply appreciated.
Thank you for your cooperation and support.
Jodi Christel Becker
The Utah Association of the Deaf (UAD) has held conferences and elected officers throughout its long and rich history. We are grateful to the many individuals who have served the organization and contributed to the growth of Utah's Deaf community.
Please review the provided list of past UAD conferences, including conference years, locations, officers, and their terms of service.
To help ensure the accuracy of this historical record, please email Jodi Becker at [email protected] with any corrections or additional information, including:
- Names of officers
- Years of service
- Resignations
- Replacements or appointments to vacant positions
Your contributions will help preserve an accurate history of UAD leadership for future generations.
I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to Valerie G. Kinney, whose dedicated efforts in documenting UAD officers and their service have been invaluable. Her commitment to preserving Utah Deaf history is deeply appreciated.
Thank you for your cooperation and support.
Jodi Christel Becker
The Bulletins of the Utah Association of the Deaf
We are excited to announce that all Utah Association of the Deaf (UAD) Bulletins, dating back to 1954, have been successfully scanned and uploaded to our website! Simply click the link to explore this remarkable collection of Utah Deaf history.
A special thank you to Philippe Montalette and Stephen Persinger for their dedication in compiling and preserving the UAD Bulletins, and to Rob Kerr for his outstanding work scanning and digitizing each issue.
In addition to the bulletins, you will find information about the prestigious awards presented by the Utah Association of the Deaf, including their significance and past recipients. We have also compiled a collection of UAD's official logos and their histories for you to explore.
Thank you for visiting our website. We hope you enjoy discovering the rich history of the Utah Deaf community and the resources we have preserved for current and future generations.
A special thank you to Philippe Montalette and Stephen Persinger for their dedication in compiling and preserving the UAD Bulletins, and to Rob Kerr for his outstanding work scanning and digitizing each issue.
In addition to the bulletins, you will find information about the prestigious awards presented by the Utah Association of the Deaf, including their significance and past recipients. We have also compiled a collection of UAD's official logos and their histories for you to explore.
Thank you for visiting our website. We hope you enjoy discovering the rich history of the Utah Deaf community and the resources we have preserved for current and future generations.
The Utah Association of the Deaf Awards
I have reviewed the hard copies of the UAD Bulletins and compiled a list of individuals who have received the President's Award and the Golden Hand Award. Please note that some names or dates may still be missing. I will continue reviewing the digitized UAD Bulletins to verify the information and make any necessary updates.
I hope this information is helpful for now!
I hope this information is helpful for now!
President's Award
The President's Award is a prestigious honor presented to individuals or organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the Deaf community or achieved significant accomplishments. Recipients are selected by the president of the Utah Association of the Deaf.
I have reviewed the physical copies of the UAD Bulletins and compiled a list of President's Award recipients. While additional names or years may need to be added, the recent digitization of the UAD Bulletins will help us verify and complete the historical record.
The following list represents the recipients and award years compiled to the best of my ability.
I have reviewed the physical copies of the UAD Bulletins and compiled a list of President's Award recipients. While additional names or years may need to be added, the recent digitization of the UAD Bulletins will help us verify and complete the historical record.
The following list represents the recipients and award years compiled to the best of my ability.
The Recipients of the President's Award
- Tim Funk, 1987
- Madelaine Perkins, 1991
- John (Jack) F. White, 1991
- Rodney W. Walker, 1991
- Gene D. Stewart, 1991
- W. David Mortensen, 1991
- Barbara Bass, 1993
- Kenneth L. Kinner, 1993
- Jane Bell, 1993
- Lynn Losee, 1993
- W. David Mortensen, 1993
- Mary Sanderson, 1993
- Robert G. Sanderson, 1993
- Shirley H. Platt, 1993
- Ann Thatcher, 1993
- Patricia Walker, 1993
- Lloyd L. Perkins, 1993
- Eleanor McCowan, 2002
- Peter M. Green, 2002
- Rod Fifield Sprint, 2002
- Utah Basketball Team Utah Women’s Camp, 2002
- USDB Academic Bowl Team, 2003
- Joe Zeidner, 2004
- Osmond Crosby, 2004
- Jodi Christel Becker, 2009
- Valerie G. Kinney, 2011
- Sego Lily Center for the Abused Deaf, 2013
- Adele Sigoda, 2015
- ASL Communication (Interpreter Agency), 2017
- Ronald Nelson, 2019
Golden Hand Award
The Utah Association of the Deaf (UAD) presents the prestigious Golden Hand Award to individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions to the Utah Deaf community. Recipients are selected by the Golden Hand Committee from nominations submitted by members of the community. Presented every two years, the award recognizes outstanding service, leadership, and dedication to improving the lives of Deaf Utahns.
The Golden Hand Award was originally established by the National Association of the Deaf and was formally adopted by the Utah Association of the Deaf in 1979.
Individuals or organizations that have made meaningful contributions to the Utah Deaf community may be nominated. Examples include advocacy, education, community service, cultural preservation, and other efforts that have positively impacted the community.
Please note the following nomination guidelines:
The following is a list of Golden Hand Award recipients and the years they received this distinguished honor.
The Golden Hand Award was originally established by the National Association of the Deaf and was formally adopted by the Utah Association of the Deaf in 1979.
Individuals or organizations that have made meaningful contributions to the Utah Deaf community may be nominated. Examples include advocacy, education, community service, cultural preservation, and other efforts that have positively impacted the community.
Please note the following nomination guidelines:
- Individuals must not receive payment for the volunteer work for which they are nominated.
- Organizations must not compensate individuals for the volunteer work being recognized.
- Programs with paid staff may be nominated under an agency, provided the extent of salaried activities is clearly explained in the nomination.
- Volunteer activities must have been performed within the state of Utah.
- Members of the screening committee are not eligible to submit nominations.
- Individuals and organizations may submit multiple nominations.
- Nominations may be submitted online or by email. Please include all required information and supporting documentation.
The following is a list of Golden Hand Award recipients and the years they received this distinguished honor.
The Recipients of the Golden Hand Award
- W. David Mortensen, 1979
- Robert G. Sanderson, 1979
- Valerie G. Platt, 1981
- St. Mary Magdalene Club for the Deaf, 1983
- Lloyd L. Perkins, 1985
- Celia May Laramie Baldwin, 1987
- Beth Ann Campbell, 1989
- Peter M. Green, 1991
- Rodney W. Walker, 1993
- Lucy M. Greenwood, 1995
- Robert J. Welsh, 1997
- Mae Wilding Diaz, Jeff J. Allen and UDEAL, 1999
- Barbara A. Bass, 2002
- Dennis R. Platt, 2004
- Sorenson Communications, 2007
- Association of Deaf Children, 2009
- Jodi Christel Becker, 2013
- Philippe Montalette, 2015
- Marilyn T. Call, 2017
- Joene Nicholaisen, 2017
- Stephanie Lowder Mathis, 2017
- Justin Anderson, 2017
- Michelle Tanner, 2019,
- Joel Coleman, 2019
- Pamela Mower, 2019
- Matt Willahan, 2019
Milestones in the History of the Logos of the
Utah Association of the Deaf
Utah Association of the Deaf
In 1975, the Utah Association of the Deaf (UAD) reached an important milestone in its history when a new organizational logo was adopted. The logo was designed by Don Mortensen, a hearing individual and brother of then-UAD President W. David Mortensen. On June 8, 1975, the UAD Board of Directors unanimously approved the design, and it has proudly represented the organization ever since.
As shown in the logo, the rotating arrows symbolize UAD's continued commitment to advocacy and service within the Deaf community. One of the arrows is shaded a lighter blue to enhance visibility. The beehive, a well-known symbol of Utah, represents the hard work and dedication of both the organization and its members.
The logo's blue color may also reflect the traditional colors historically associated with the Utah School for the Deaf and Blind. Together, these elements create a meaningful symbol of UAD's history, values, and ongoing commitment to the Utah Deaf community (UAD Bulletin, June 1975, p. 3; 2005 UAD General Conference Minutes).
As shown in the logo, the rotating arrows symbolize UAD's continued commitment to advocacy and service within the Deaf community. One of the arrows is shaded a lighter blue to enhance visibility. The beehive, a well-known symbol of Utah, represents the hard work and dedication of both the organization and its members.
The logo's blue color may also reflect the traditional colors historically associated with the Utah School for the Deaf and Blind. Together, these elements create a meaningful symbol of UAD's history, values, and ongoing commitment to the Utah Deaf community (UAD Bulletin, June 1975, p. 3; 2005 UAD General Conference Minutes).
The beehive and bees featured in the center of the logo are similar to those found on the Utah State Seal.
State of Utah Motto
"Industry" officially became Utah's state motto on March 4, 1959. The motto is closely associated with the beehive, which symbolizes hard work, self-reliance, and cooperation. Early Utah pioneers had limited resources and relied on their industry and perseverance to survive. The word Industry appears on both the Utah State Seal and the State Flag.
State of Utah Emblem
The beehive was also designated as Utah's official state emblem on March 4, 1959. For generations, Utahns have associated the beehive with industry, thrift, perseverance, and productive community service.
In 2009, the UAD emblem underwent a slight modification to commemorate the association's centennial anniversary. The change involved altering the color of the name "Utah Association for the Deaf" from black to white, as shown in the photo (Valerie Kinney, personal communication, February 19, 2012).
State of Utah Motto
"Industry" officially became Utah's state motto on March 4, 1959. The motto is closely associated with the beehive, which symbolizes hard work, self-reliance, and cooperation. Early Utah pioneers had limited resources and relied on their industry and perseverance to survive. The word Industry appears on both the Utah State Seal and the State Flag.
State of Utah Emblem
The beehive was also designated as Utah's official state emblem on March 4, 1959. For generations, Utahns have associated the beehive with industry, thrift, perseverance, and productive community service.
In 2009, the UAD emblem underwent a slight modification to commemorate the association's centennial anniversary. The change involved altering the color of the name "Utah Association for the Deaf" from black to white, as shown in the photo (Valerie Kinney, personal communication, February 19, 2012).
Inspired by a vlog about the California School for the Deaf-Fremont's logo, which was developed with input from the local Deaf community, the Utah Association of the Deaf (UAD) sought to involve Deaf artists in creating a new logo that would represent the Utah Deaf community.
Under the leadership of Ellen O'Hara, the UAD Board of Directors organized a logo competition and election, giving the community an opportunity to choose its representative design. Held on November 2-3, 2012, the competition showcased the creativity and talent of Deaf artists throughout Utah.
James Smith, a Deaf artist, was selected as the winner, and his logo was officially unveiled at the 2013 UAD Conference in June 2013.
When designing the logo, Smith envisioned the following message:
"With the sun rising over the Wasatch Front, UAD welcomes its second century with ambition and passion, continuing its legacy of excellence since 1909."
Under the leadership of Ellen O'Hara, the UAD Board of Directors organized a logo competition and election, giving the community an opportunity to choose its representative design. Held on November 2-3, 2012, the competition showcased the creativity and talent of Deaf artists throughout Utah.
James Smith, a Deaf artist, was selected as the winner, and his logo was officially unveiled at the 2013 UAD Conference in June 2013.
When designing the logo, Smith envisioned the following message:
"With the sun rising over the Wasatch Front, UAD welcomes its second century with ambition and passion, continuing its legacy of excellence since 1909."
Over time, members of the Utah Deaf community expressed a desire for a new logo that better reflected their identity and values. In response, the Utah Association of the Deaf (UAD) decided to develop a new logo to coincide with the launch of its redesigned website.
Following several community surveys, UAD members selected the Delicate Arch logo as the design that best represented Utah. As one of the state's most recognizable landmarks, Delicate Arch symbolizes Utah's unique heritage. The UAD Board also viewed the arch as a fitting metaphor for the organization's role as a bridge that unites the Deaf community, advocates for its needs, and promotes awareness of Deaf culture and American Sign Language.
The logo was designed by Brandon Bowden, a Deaf artist and UAD Board member, and was unveiled at the 2019 UAD Conference (Pamela Mower, personal communication, September 23, 2019).
Following several community surveys, UAD members selected the Delicate Arch logo as the design that best represented Utah. As one of the state's most recognizable landmarks, Delicate Arch symbolizes Utah's unique heritage. The UAD Board also viewed the arch as a fitting metaphor for the organization's role as a bridge that unites the Deaf community, advocates for its needs, and promotes awareness of Deaf culture and American Sign Language.
The logo was designed by Brandon Bowden, a Deaf artist and UAD Board member, and was unveiled at the 2019 UAD Conference (Pamela Mower, personal communication, September 23, 2019).
During the presidency of Kim Lucas, concerns were raised about several design and formatting issues with the Utah Association of the Deaf (UAD) logo. Most notably, the logo contained a disconnected section of the Utah state outline, and the vertical presentation of the organization's name reduced readability.
In response to feedback from the Utah Deaf community, the UAD Board initiated a redesign effort to improve accessibility, readability, and print compatibility. After months of review and discussion, the board approved a new logo designed by Ben Smith.
The updated design features mountains, a symbol closely associated with Utah, and reflects UAD's ongoing commitment to visual accessibility. The organization name was reformatted with a more readable font, and "Est. 1909" was added to emphasize UAD's long and distinguished history.
The redesigned logo was officially unveiled at the 2021 Utah Association of the Deaf Conference and was enthusiastically received by attendees.
In response to feedback from the Utah Deaf community, the UAD Board initiated a redesign effort to improve accessibility, readability, and print compatibility. After months of review and discussion, the board approved a new logo designed by Ben Smith.
The updated design features mountains, a symbol closely associated with Utah, and reflects UAD's ongoing commitment to visual accessibility. The organization name was reformatted with a more readable font, and "Est. 1909" was added to emphasize UAD's long and distinguished history.
The redesigned logo was officially unveiled at the 2021 Utah Association of the Deaf Conference and was enthusiastically received by attendees.
