Ronald C. Burdett, Gallaudet ’70,
Honored at Sorenson Naming Ceremony
Honored at Sorenson Naming Ceremony
Written by Jodi Becker Kinner
Published in 2016
Updated in 2023
Published in 2016
Updated in 2023
Ronald C. Burdett, better known as Ron, was born in Odgen, Utah. His parents, Kenneth C. Burdett and Afton Curtis, were deaf. They graduated and taught at the Utah School for the Deaf. Like his parents, he also attended the USD. With oralism expanding and education declining, he left USD during his senior year in 1965 to attend Gallaudet College, where he graduated in 1970 with a bachelor's degree in computer studies and accounting and a master's degree in special education and rehabilitation from California State University, Northridge. Ron eventually succeeded in various professions, including Vice President of Community Relations at Sorenson Communications. On September 29, 2016, the Ron Burdett, '70, Seminar Room on the second level of the Sorenson Language and Communication Center building was named after Ron in recognition of his numerous contributions to the Deaf community.
Ronald C. Burdett. Photo courtesy of Sorenson Communications Inc.
On September 29, 2016, Gallaudet University named a room after Ron Burdett, '70, who made numerous contributions to the Deaf community. The Ron Burdett, '70, Seminar Room is on the second floor of the Sorenson Language and Communication Center building. He recognized Gallaudet as a pivotal starting point for his leadership and success as a Gallaudet graduate. "Like so many students before and after me, Gallaudet offered me many opportunities to learn, lead, and pursue my goals," said Burdett at the ceremony. "Being immersed in an academic environment prepared me for my career and extracurricular activities, where I met a diverse group of people." "I didn't realize it at the time, but this was a great preparation for my future community relations work at Sorenson Communications, where I met thousands of deaf people" (Greenman, Gallaudet: On The Green, October 3, 2016).
Ron Burdett, ’70, poses next to his honorary plaque.
Gallaudet News. Photo by Zhee Chatmon.
Since graduating from Gallaudet in 1970, Ron has made significant contributions as an educator and administrator in the workplace. "Ron embodies advocacy, equality, and inclusion, and is a role model for our emerging deaf and hard of hearing leaders," Gallaudet President Roberta J. Cordano said (Greenman, Gallaudet: On The Green, October 3, 2016). His work ethic and leadership abilities are an inspiration to the Deaf community. Utah is fortunate to have Ron as an example of an outstanding Deaf individual who has succeeded in all his endeavors.
Aside from that, our ASL/English Bilingual Program at the Utah School for the Deaf (USD) in Ogden, Utah, is named after Ron's father, Kenneth C. Burdett, in recognition of his selfless service to the school. From 1934 to 1974, he worked at the school. He was a student, Boy's Supervisor, Head Basketball Coach, Athletic Director, Teacher, Printing Instructor, and Curriculum Coordinator at USD for 52 years.
Aside from that, our ASL/English Bilingual Program at the Utah School for the Deaf (USD) in Ogden, Utah, is named after Ron's father, Kenneth C. Burdett, in recognition of his selfless service to the school. From 1934 to 1974, he worked at the school. He was a student, Boy's Supervisor, Head Basketball Coach, Athletic Director, Teacher, Printing Instructor, and Curriculum Coordinator at USD for 52 years.
Kennth C. Burdett
Legacy of Connections Honoring Ron Burdett
Reference
Greenname, Andrew. “Ron Burdett, ’70, honored at Sorenson naming ceremony.” Gallaudet: On The Green, October 3, 2016.
