Robert G. Sanderson Community Center's 30th Anniversary Celebration

Compiled & Written by Jodi Becker Kinner

Published in 2022
Updated in 2024

Author's Note

In appreciation of my efforts to preserve the Utah Deaf History collection, the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing presented me with a recognition award, which was an honor. It was a great privilege to be a part of this project that safeguards Utah's historic treasures and contributes to keeping our past alive.

Thank you!

Jodi Becker Kinner

Robert G. Sanderson and his wife, Mary M. Antonietti, have broken into big smiles for Utah's local cameraman Keith Nelson at the banquet of the Salt Lake Division of the NFSD. Bob Sanderson, UAD's past president and a recent and current NAD board member, has been nominated by the Utah Association to cooperate with the president of the National Association of Deaf (The Silent Worker, March 1964)

The Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing celebrated its 30th anniversary on August 27, 2022, with approximately 300 people in attendance since its completion in 1992. People enjoyed the food, as well as the Sanderson family's skit. Erin Kelly Watkins, Director of the Sego Lily Center for the Abused Deaf, and Michelle Tanner, Associate Superintendent of Utah Schools for the Deaf, delivered talks about the center's history, services, and expansion. The event was a success. Much appreciation to Barry Sanderson and Jolene Nicolaisen for organizing the event!

Erin Kelly Watkins, SLCAD Director

Erin Kelly Watkins, Director of the Sego Lily Center for the Abused Deaf

Michelle Tanner, Associate Superintendent of the Utah Schools for the Deaf

Three Individuals Received Awards:

As chair of the 30th Anniversary Celebration, Barry Sanderson (son of Robert G. Sanderson) named the Sorenson Advocate Award after our center and presented it to Valerie G. Kinney for her long services to the Utah Association for the Deaf and the development of the community center for the Utah Deaf community.

Valerie G. Kinney

DSDHH Award from Sorenson for 30 Years of Service

Katharine Evans received the Sorenson Advocate Award from Kelly Boehmer, the Hard of Hearing Program Specialist, in recognition of her advocacy for the hard of hearing community.

Katharine Evans

Jolene Nicolaisen, one of the 30th anniversary celebration chairs, presented me with a recognition award in appreciation of my dedication to preserving our Utah Deaf History. This award is exhibited at the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center's museum.