Robert G. Sanderson Community Center's 25th Anniversary Celebration
Compiled & Written by Jodi Christel Becker
Edited by Valerie G. Kinney
Published in 2017
Updated in 2025
Edited by Valerie G. Kinney
Published in 2017
Updated in 2025
Author's Note
It was a pleasure working with the Historical Timeline Panels Committee! A big thank you to Diego Acosta, Joene Nicolaisen, and Robin Traveller for being such great collaborators. I'm especially grateful to Diego for inviting me to be part of this fantastic project.
Our mission was to design panels that celebrate our history and pay tribute to remarkable leaders, such as Robert G. Sanderson and W. David Mortensen. These individuals played a significant role in transforming the community center into a welcoming space where people can gather, participate in activities, and access services in American Sign Language.
The Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing proudly displays these panels in its museum area. If you're ever in the neighborhood, please stop by and take a look!
I hope you enjoy reading about our celebration event and browsing through the pictures of our historical panels below!
Enjoy!
Jodi Christel Becker
Our mission was to design panels that celebrate our history and pay tribute to remarkable leaders, such as Robert G. Sanderson and W. David Mortensen. These individuals played a significant role in transforming the community center into a welcoming space where people can gather, participate in activities, and access services in American Sign Language.
The Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing proudly displays these panels in its museum area. If you're ever in the neighborhood, please stop by and take a look!
I hope you enjoy reading about our celebration event and browsing through the pictures of our historical panels below!
Enjoy!
Jodi Christel Becker
Celebrating the Sanderson Community
Center's 25th Anniversary
Center's 25th Anniversary
On September 8, 2017, the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing celebrated its 25th anniversary. The event attracted approximately 450 Deaf residents from Utah, who enjoyed games, delicious food, and an engaging performance. The theme for the occasion was "Blast from the Past," highlighting the center's rich history.
The center's origins date back to 1946, when a need arose for a meeting space for Utah's Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. Early pioneers, including Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, the first Deaf Services Coordinator in Utah, worked tirelessly during the 1960s to establish a gathering place for this community. The first community center opened in Bountiful, Utah, in 1983, followed by the current Sanderson Community Center, which debuted in Taylorsville, Utah, in 1992, thanks to the support of W. David Mortensen, a long-time president of the Utah Association for the Deaf.
Since its inception, the center has served as a vital resource hub, providing comprehensive support, education, and social opportunities for individuals who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, or Late Deafened. The programs and services offered by the center empower the community and uphold a legacy of advocacy and inclusion. For instance, the center provides a range of social and recreational activities, as well as essential services, including ASL interpreting, case management, employment assistance, access to technology, outreach programs, and various educational initiatives. Additionally, it fosters an inclusive environment where individuals with hearing loss are welcomed and empowered, ensuring they feel valued and supported within their community. The celebration was a joyous occasion that will be cherished for years to come.
The center's origins date back to 1946, when a need arose for a meeting space for Utah's Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. Early pioneers, including Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, the first Deaf Services Coordinator in Utah, worked tirelessly during the 1960s to establish a gathering place for this community. The first community center opened in Bountiful, Utah, in 1983, followed by the current Sanderson Community Center, which debuted in Taylorsville, Utah, in 1992, thanks to the support of W. David Mortensen, a long-time president of the Utah Association for the Deaf.
Since its inception, the center has served as a vital resource hub, providing comprehensive support, education, and social opportunities for individuals who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, or Late Deafened. The programs and services offered by the center empower the community and uphold a legacy of advocacy and inclusion. For instance, the center provides a range of social and recreational activities, as well as essential services, including ASL interpreting, case management, employment assistance, access to technology, outreach programs, and various educational initiatives. Additionally, it fosters an inclusive environment where individuals with hearing loss are welcomed and empowered, ensuring they feel valued and supported within their community. The celebration was a joyous occasion that will be cherished for years to come.
Approximately 450 Utahns joined the event celebrating with games, dinner, and performance
Visitors can immerse themselves in the history of the Sanderson Community Center by studying the historical timeline panels in the museum area at the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Joene Nicolaisen, Diego Acosta, Robin Traveller, and Jodi Christel Becker collaborated to bring these panels to life. Our efforts not only highlight the center's significance in the community but also celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Deaf and hard-of-hearing populations. Through engaging visuals and informative text, visitors are invited to gain a deeper appreciation for the milestones and achievements that have shaped the center's legacy.
Historical timeline panels of the Sanderson Community Center
Historical Timeline Panels Committee: Jodi Christel Becker, Diego Acosta, Joene Nicolaisen, Robin Traveller
Robert Belshe and his son viewing the historical timeline panels of the Sanderson Community Center
During the celebration, Marilyn Tiller Call
and Others Receive Recognition
and Others Receive Recognition
- We honor Marilyn Tiller Call, the Director of the Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, for her extensive tenure. She retired in December 2017.
- Mitch Jensen, Certification Program Director of the Utah Interpreter Program, as the longest-working employee at the center.
- Jodi Christel Becker and Valerie G. Kinney, community members, for their dedicated work in compiling the "Utah Deaf History" website.
- W. David Mortensen, 86, an early leader, helped lead efforts to create a community center.
Marilyn Tiller Call receives recognition for her years of service
The Conference Room is Named in Honor of
Marilyn T. Call, Director of the Division of
Services of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Marilyn T. Call, Director of the Division of
Services of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
In honor of Marilyn T. Call's tenure as director, the conference room at the Sanderson Community Center has been named the Marilyn T. Call Conference Room. Marilyn brought her extensive Capitol Hill expertise and strong political connections to the center, which greatly contributed to its growth. Upon her appointment, she identified the need to expand essential social services, a crucial step in ensuring the center could meet rigorous service standards (Sanderson, 2004). Marilyn's unwavering commitment to inclusivity was a guiding principle in her support for Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, whom she assisted with employment applications and other services. She also spearheaded the development of various projects, including outreach and technology, interpreter mentoring and training, and free hearing loss classes, all of which have had a profound and inspiring impact on the community, making us all proud of her achievements.
Additionally, Marilyn's support was crucial in establishing and expanding a demonstration lab loaner bank. This innovative initiative, a testament to Marilyn's forward-thinking approach, empowers Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals to test a variety of assistive technologies, enabling them to make informed decisions before investing in the one that best suits their needs. Her advocacy also resulted in the provision of funds for the recruitment of American Sign Language-fluent mental health counselors and case managers (Hamilton Relay, June 3, 2011). Additionally, Marilyn's collaborative efforts led to the creation of the Southern Utah Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program's satellite office in St. George, Utah, by securing funding for employment and office space.
Marilyn retired in December 2017, one year after the Division of Services of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing was moved to the Department of Workforce Services in 2016. We sincerely appreciate her years of dedication, leadership, and commitment to the Utah Deaf community. Her retirement marks the end of an era, but her legacy will continue to inspire us all.
A copy of the 25th Anniversary Celebration Program for the Sanderson Community Center is attached for you to look over.
Author's Another Note
As the author of the website, I would like to address two important inaccuracies in the historical timeline panels. First, the name W. David Mortensen is misspelled as "W. Dave Mortensen." It should be corrected to "W. David Mortensen."
Secondly, there is an error regarding Beth Ann Stewart Campbell's role. The panel describes her as a "Program Specialist," but she actually served as the Director of the Utah Community Center for the Deaf in Bountiful, Utah, from 1985 to 1992. This correction is supported by letters from former directors, photographs of her in action, and multiple newspaper articles.
It is essential to rectify these inaccuracies and restore Beth Ann Stewart Campbell's portrait to its rightful place on the wall, even if it requires some expense. Recognizing and honoring her contributions to the Utah Deaf community is vital, as she played a significant role in establishing the Sanderson Community Center and its services. These inaccuracies should not overshadow her valuable contributions.
Secondly, there is an error regarding Beth Ann Stewart Campbell's role. The panel describes her as a "Program Specialist," but she actually served as the Director of the Utah Community Center for the Deaf in Bountiful, Utah, from 1985 to 1992. This correction is supported by letters from former directors, photographs of her in action, and multiple newspaper articles.
It is essential to rectify these inaccuracies and restore Beth Ann Stewart Campbell's portrait to its rightful place on the wall, even if it requires some expense. Recognizing and honoring her contributions to the Utah Deaf community is vital, as she played a significant role in establishing the Sanderson Community Center and its services. These inaccuracies should not overshadow her valuable contributions.
An excerpt from the newspapers serves as evidence of Beth Ann Stewart Campbell serving as Director of the Utah Community Center for the Deaf in Bountiful, Utah, from 1985 to 1992
References
Marilyn Call selected for Hamilton Relay 2011 Better Hearing and Speech Month Recognition Award for the State of Utah. June 3, 2011.
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.
Sanderson Center 25th Anniversary Celebration. Community Connections with Utah’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing Newsletter, October 2017, p. 3 & 4.
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.
Sanderson Center 25th Anniversary Celebration. Community Connections with Utah’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing Newsletter, October 2017, p. 3 & 4.
