The First Utah School
for the Deaf Alumni Reunion, 1976
for the Deaf Alumni Reunion, 1976
Written by Celia May Laramie Baldwin (quoted with permission)
Layout by Jodi Becker Kinner
Published in 2014
Updated in 2024
Author's Note
I had the pleasure of reading the publicity director and consultant Celia May Laramie Baldwin's summary of the first Utah School for the Deaf alum reunion in 1976. Celia May, who graduated in 1965, kindly permitted me to share her summary with you; it's a wonderful read! She was not only a beloved teacher at the Utah School for the Deaf, but she also happens to be the favorite teacher of my spouse, Duane Kinner, who attended the school during his younger years. However, the trend toward mainstreaming grew, and enrollment at the Utah School for the Deaf declined. Celia May, a 1970 Gallaudet graduate, eventually left the school in 1986 to take a teaching position at the California School for the Deaf in Fremont, California. At the same time, Duane transferred to the Idaho School for the Deaf to be closer to his older Deaf sister, Deanne, who resided in Idaho and benefited from better education and access to peers. Even though the Utah School for the Deaf has changed over the years, its alums have many fond memories. I hope you enjoy reading Celia May's summary of the reunion as much as I did!
I had the privilege of meeting Celia May during my graduation ceremony at Gallaudet in 2000. At that time, she was serving on the Gallaudet Board of Trustees. Since then, we have exchanged several emails regarding my Utah Deaf History Project. I am grateful for her constant support and guidance throughout the project.
Jodi Becker Kinner
I had the privilege of meeting Celia May during my graduation ceremony at Gallaudet in 2000. At that time, she was serving on the Gallaudet Board of Trustees. Since then, we have exchanged several emails regarding my Utah Deaf History Project. I am grateful for her constant support and guidance throughout the project.
Jodi Becker Kinner
The Formation of the
Utah School for the Deaf Reunion
Utah School for the Deaf Reunion
Numerous Utah School for the Deaf alums had discussed and suggested holding a reunion for classes dating back to 1908 on the school campus. This desire materialized when Peter M. Green, a 1952 graduate of the Utah School for the Deaf, voluntarily assigned himself as the general chairman and formed a committee of five alumni (Baldwin, The Utah Eagle, November 1976).
In the early 1970s, Peter brought up the idea among some Deaf friends and took a leading role in organizing a committee for the first reunion of the Utah School for the Deaf Alumni. He eventually appointed twenty Deaf alumni from that school to serve on his committee and assigned them specific responsibilities (Baldwin, UAD Bulletin, July 1976).
In the early 1970s, Peter brought up the idea among some Deaf friends and took a leading role in organizing a committee for the first reunion of the Utah School for the Deaf Alumni. He eventually appointed twenty Deaf alumni from that school to serve on his committee and assigned them specific responsibilities (Baldwin, UAD Bulletin, July 1976).
Peter M. Green
Celia May Laramie Baldwin, Utah School for the Deaf alumni of 1965 was the publicity director and consultant of the Utah School for the Deaf Alumni Reunion. The reunion was held at the Utah School for the Deaf in Ogden, Utah on June 24, 25, and 26, 1976. USD alumni excitedly met and said the following comments:
Sharing Memories
“Haven’t seen you for 29 years!”, “You haven’t changed much!”, “Great to see you again!”, Remember the terrible prank that we did…?”, How many children do you have?”, What, 6 already!” These were the common “signed conversations” among the alumni at the first reunion held at the Utah School for the Deaf. It was a happy, pleasant, and memorable occasion for every alumnus (Baldwin, UAD Bulletin, July 1976; Baldwin, The Utah Eagle, November 1976).
Sharing Memories
“Haven’t seen you for 29 years!”, “You haven’t changed much!”, “Great to see you again!”, Remember the terrible prank that we did…?”, How many children do you have?”, What, 6 already!” These were the common “signed conversations” among the alumni at the first reunion held at the Utah School for the Deaf. It was a happy, pleasant, and memorable occasion for every alumnus (Baldwin, UAD Bulletin, July 1976; Baldwin, The Utah Eagle, November 1976).
Celia May Laramie Baldwin. Source: The UAD Bulletin, Fall 1969
The first day of the Reunion drew a pleasing number of alumni! Arriving on the campus of the Utah School for the Deaf, this time as alumni, they could not miss the directions to the registration desk. The gymnasium was filled with so many happy people hugging and shaking hands! Alumni immediately buried their noses in the Reunion Book. Finding themselves in the pictures, many tapped their friends’ shoulders and exclaimed, “That was me, when I was 7 years old” or likewise. Included in the book was the history of the alma mater. Much delight was shown by most alumni in reading the souvenir books (Baldwin, UAD Bulletin, July 1976; Baldwin, The Utah Eagle, November 1976).
'First Reunion of the Utah School for the Deaf Alumni, Ogden, Utah, June 24-25, 1976'
The presenting of mock awards to the graduates in attendance provided entertainment at the reunion. The following were the winners:
1. The Older Person Attending the Reunion: Kate Keeley, 83 years old.
2. The First Person Purchasing a Combo Ticket: Beverlee Hansen.
3. The First Person to Register for this Reunion: Selma Worsley
4. The Person Traveling the Farthest to this Reunion: Paul Baldridge of Indiana, 1,400 miles.
5. The Person Traveling the Shortest Distance to this Reunion: Superintendent Tegeder, ¼ block.
6. The Person Having the Most Members in the Family: Robert Frye, 12 children
7. The Person Having the Most Grandchildren: Albert Bray, 24
8. The Person Having the Most Great Grandchildren: Lee Hunter, 13
9. The Present Teacher Teaching the Most Years at the U.S.D.: Donald Jensen, 35 years.
10. The Retired Teacher Who Taught the Most Years at U.S.D.: Kenneth C. Burdett, 40 years.
11. Couple Having the Longest Marriage Life: Arnold and Zelma Moon, 47 years.
12. The Person Giving the Best Theme for This Reunion: Georgia Walker, “To Share Memories.”
13. The Tallest Alumni: Alumnus – Chem Sevy, 6’4”; Alumna – Kay Curtis, 5’10.”
14. The Shortest Alumni: Alumnus – Wayne Stewart, 5’3;” Alumna – Irene Cook and Darlene Cochran – 4’11.”
15. The Alumnus Having the Longest Beard: Carl Farnsworth.
16. The Alumnus Having the Handsomest Mustachio: Edwin Lewis
17. The Alumni Having the Most Freckles: Alumnus – Robert Dr. Sanderson; Alumna – Kleda Quigley.
2. The First Person Purchasing a Combo Ticket: Beverlee Hansen.
3. The First Person to Register for this Reunion: Selma Worsley
4. The Person Traveling the Farthest to this Reunion: Paul Baldridge of Indiana, 1,400 miles.
5. The Person Traveling the Shortest Distance to this Reunion: Superintendent Tegeder, ¼ block.
6. The Person Having the Most Members in the Family: Robert Frye, 12 children
7. The Person Having the Most Grandchildren: Albert Bray, 24
8. The Person Having the Most Great Grandchildren: Lee Hunter, 13
9. The Present Teacher Teaching the Most Years at the U.S.D.: Donald Jensen, 35 years.
10. The Retired Teacher Who Taught the Most Years at U.S.D.: Kenneth C. Burdett, 40 years.
11. Couple Having the Longest Marriage Life: Arnold and Zelma Moon, 47 years.
12. The Person Giving the Best Theme for This Reunion: Georgia Walker, “To Share Memories.”
13. The Tallest Alumni: Alumnus – Chem Sevy, 6’4”; Alumna – Kay Curtis, 5’10.”
14. The Shortest Alumni: Alumnus – Wayne Stewart, 5’3;” Alumna – Irene Cook and Darlene Cochran – 4’11.”
15. The Alumnus Having the Longest Beard: Carl Farnsworth.
16. The Alumnus Having the Handsomest Mustachio: Edwin Lewis
17. The Alumni Having the Most Freckles: Alumnus – Robert Dr. Sanderson; Alumna – Kleda Quigley.
The alums enjoyed viewing Kenneth C. Burdett's Utah School for the Deaf historical pictures on both sides of eight-wheeled, 4 x 8-foot bulletin boards covering activities and scenes of campus life, including academics, athletics, commencement exercises, superintendents, principals, vocational programs, buildings and grounds, support services, student activities, houseparents/supervisors, and Utah deaf organizations
A total 370 people registered at the USD Reunion. Approximately, seventy-five alumni came from other states such as Oregon, Idaho, Colorado, California, Nevada, Arizona, and Indiana (Baldwin, UAD Bulletin, July 1976; Baldwin, The Utah Eagle, November 1976).
Katherine Seegmiller is honoring the Utah School for the Deaf staff members
Profound gratitude expressed
Beth Ann Stewart Campbell (interpreter), LaVern Burnett (sit facing to the speaker), Lola Elizabeth Jensen speaking
L-R: _____, Kenneth L. Kinner, Ilene Coles Kinner, _____, _____
Dora B. Laramie and her daughter, Celia May Laramie Baldwin showing the modern captioned TV lesson
Alums at the 1976 Utah School for the Deaf Reunion
Alums at the 1976 Utah School for the Deaf Reunion
Alums at the 1976 Utah School for the Deaf Reunion
Dale Cook (left front) Kenneth C. Burdett (center) Carolbeth Nielson Cook (front right)
Alums at the 1976 Utah School for the Deaf Reunion
Watching Kenneth C. Burdett's film of the Utah School for the Deaf
Refreshment at Robert Tegeder, USD Superintendent's home on campus
Front Row L-R: _____, Sally Green, _____, _____ Back Row L-R: Peter Green, Dora B. Laramie, _____, Celia Mae Laramie Baldwin (by the door)
HISTORICAL DOCUMENT
Visit the "1976 Reunion Review," authored by Celia May Laramie Baldwin, to read more about the Utah School for the Deaf reunion in 1976.
ARCHIVE
The 1976 Utah School for the Deaf Reunion
The 1976 Utah School for the Deaf Reunion
is highlighted in newspaper articles
is highlighted in newspaper articles
'Utah School for Deaf Will Call Grads for Three-Day Reunion. Source: Ogden Standard-Examiner, June 24, 1976
'The hands did all the talking at this reunion.' Source: Deseret News
'The hands did all the talking at this reunion.' Source: Deseret News
Utah School for the Deaf
Alumni Reunion, 1984
Alumni Reunion, 1984
Compiled and Written by Jodi B. Kinner
Edited by Valerie G. Kinney
2014
Edited by Valerie G. Kinney
2014
Alumni of the Utah School for the Deaf (USD) gathered in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1984 to celebrate the school's 100th anniversary since its founding in 1884. The second reunion was held on the campus of Ogden High School in Ogden, Utah, on June 28, 29, and 30. Almost 400 alumni and former teachers attended the reunion, which marked the school's 100th anniversary (Thalman, Standard-Examiner, June 30, 1984).
'A Century of Memories: Utah School for the Deaf 100th Year Anniversary Alumni Reunion: 1884-1984'
A content was held to come up with a reunion theme. "A Century of Memories" was chosen as the reunion's theme. Robert L. Bonnell, a 1956 alumni, was the one who created the best theme (UAD Bulletin, March 1984).
Robert L. Bonnell
Peter M. Green, a 1952 graduate of the Utah School for the Deaf, was again the chairman of the reunion. He gave a message saying, "With the passing of years, many friendships and memories gained at their beloved school have faded into the past." The reunion provided them with the chance to rekindle old friendships and revive cherished memories, a tradition that began a century ago (A Century of Memories: Utah School for the Deaf 100th Year Anniversary Alumni Reunion, 1984).
The Reunion Committee once again put together a booklet consisting of a brief history and pictures of their school, dating back to its founding 100 years ago. Once more, the alumni enjoyed watching the Utah School for the Deaf historical movies filmed and produced by Kenneth C. Burdett, who spent almost all his life at the Utah School for the Deaf, first as a student and then as a teacher. They also enjoyed viewing his Utah School for the Deaf historical pictures on both sides of eight-wheeled, 4 x 8-foot bulletin boards covering activities and scenes of campus life, including academics, athletics, commencement exercises, superintendents, principals, vocational programs, buildings and grounds, support services, student activities, houseparents/supervisors, and Utah deaf organizations.
The Reunion Committee once again put together a booklet consisting of a brief history and pictures of their school, dating back to its founding 100 years ago. Once more, the alumni enjoyed watching the Utah School for the Deaf historical movies filmed and produced by Kenneth C. Burdett, who spent almost all his life at the Utah School for the Deaf, first as a student and then as a teacher. They also enjoyed viewing his Utah School for the Deaf historical pictures on both sides of eight-wheeled, 4 x 8-foot bulletin boards covering activities and scenes of campus life, including academics, athletics, commencement exercises, superintendents, principals, vocational programs, buildings and grounds, support services, student activities, houseparents/supervisors, and Utah deaf organizations.
The 1984 Utah School for the Deaf Reunion
is highlighted in newspaper articles
is highlighted in newspaper articles
The alums are viewing the historical pictures on Kenneth C. Burdett's bulletin boards of the Utah School for the Deaf. 'Deaf school marks 100th year.' Source: The Ogden Examiner-Standard
'Deaf school marks 100th year.' Source: The Ogden Examiner-Standard
'Dance of the century.' Source: The Ogden Examiner-Standard
'USD & Extension Division Reunion, June 16, 1984 From the 60s and 70s to the 000'
Duane Harrison, a former hearing teacher at the Utah School for the Deaf, shared his observation of alums by saying, "They really aren’t alumni like you, and I know that." For many of them, this is where they grew up; this is home" (Thalman, Standard-Examiner, June 30, 1984). Peter M. Green, organizer of the celebration event, also commented, "These people have come so far because this is their home. They weren’t just classmates; they were brothers and sisters, and this school is where they spent their youth" (Thalman, Standard-Examiner, June 30, 1984). The alumni were probably sad when the reunion ended.
The 1984 Utah School for the Deaf Reunion: Part I
The alums did not meet again until 1996 and 2002, when Lynn Losee, Class of 1961, chaired both reunions. Rosa Maria Flores Rathbun, an alumna of the Class of 1969, chaired both the 2005 and 2009 reunions. In 2005, the reunion welcomed mainstream students who were USD products for the first time as alumni. Anne Post Fife, a USD/mainstreamed student and graduate of the Class of 1994 at Hillcrest High School, is the chair of the 2014 reunion.
Since 2005, the Jean Massieu School of the Deaf has been under the Utah School for the Deaf umbrella. JMS alums can attend future school reunions as part of the school.
Since 2005, the Jean Massieu School of the Deaf has been under the Utah School for the Deaf umbrella. JMS alums can attend future school reunions as part of the school.
ARCHIVES
The 1984 Utah School for the Deaf Reunion: Part II
References
“A Century of Memories: Utah School for the Deaf 100th Year Anniversary Alumni Reunion,” 1984.
Thalman, James. Deaf School Marked 100th Year. Standard-Examiner. June 30, 1984.
USD Reunion ’84 Information Ready to be Mailed Out. (March 1984). UAD Bulletin, Vol. 7, No. 10 (March 1984): 2.
Thalman, James. Deaf School Marked 100th Year. Standard-Examiner. June 30, 1984.
USD Reunion ’84 Information Ready to be Mailed Out. (March 1984). UAD Bulletin, Vol. 7, No. 10 (March 1984): 2.
