Robert G. Sanderson Community Center's 30th Anniversary Celebration
Compiled & Written by Jodi Christel Becker
Published in 2022
Updated in 2025
Published in 2022
Updated in 2025
Author's Note
I had the privilege of celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. It was both a surprise and an honor to receive recognition and an award from the center. This unexpected acknowledgment was a delightful surprise that I will always cherish. My involvement in the Utah Deaf History Collection has been a deeply rewarding experience. I feel privileged to contribute to the preservation of our state's historic treasures, keeping our past alive and witnessing the fascinating connections between generations through history. These connections enrich our understanding of the past and empower the Utah Deaf community to share their stories. I look forward to continuing this important work and inspiring others to appreciate the significance of our shared heritage.
A big thank you to everyone involved!
Jodi Christel Becker
A big thank you to everyone involved!
Jodi Christel Becker
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 both the food and 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! The positive feedback from attendees highlighted the importance of community engagement and support for such vital services. As the evening came to a close, the anticipation for future events was palpable, with many expressing their eagerness to participate and continue fostering connections within the community.
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 service 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.
Gathering and Socializing
at the Event
at the Event
Registration
Sarah Brenna, Utah State Office of Rehabilitation Director & Marilyn Call, former DSDHH Director
Beth Ann Stewart Campbell, former director of the Utah Community Center for the Deaf and Jodi Christel Becker
Pamela Mower, DSDHH GEO Manager hugging her former boss, Marilyn Call
Dr. Robert G. Sanderson's son, Barry Sanderson, Chair of the 30th Anniversary Event, delivers the news
Gloria Hall & Joene Nicolaisen, former DSDHH Case Manger
Clay Anderson and Paul DeGraw, DSDHH Staff Interpreters
Centerpiece
Gathering in the gym
Utah Governor Spencer J. Cox delivering a speech
Jennifer Caldwell and Adam Shewell, DSDHH Building/Grounds Supervisor
Willis Morton (left), former DSDHH General Maintenance
A copy of the 30th Anniversary Celebration Program for the Sanderson Community Center is attached for you to look over.
A Video of the Sanderson Community
Center's 30th Anniversary Celebration
Center's 30th Anniversary Celebration
Reference
Mower, Pamela. (October 2022). Community Connections with Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
