W. David Mortensen's
2014 Honorary Ceremony
Compiled & Written Jodi Becker Kinner
Edited by Bronwyn O’Hara & Valerie G. Kinney
Published in 2014
Updated in 2024
Edited by Bronwyn O’Hara & Valerie G. Kinney
Published in 2014
Updated in 2024
Author's Note
As a Utah Deaf community historian, I was so impressed by W. David "Dave" Mortensen's advocacy for our Utah Deaf community. In 2013, at the Utah Association of the Deaf meeting, I proposed honoring him for his exemplary service to our community, and the proposal received approval. On March 29, 2014, a special ceremony unveiled Dave's Lifetime Advocacy Award and portrait with a brief biography honoring more than 40 years of advocacy contributions to the Utah Deaf community, particularly to the Utah Association for the Deaf, where he served an unbeaten 22-year record as president. Given his extensive involvement in our community, it is appropriate to acknowledge his advocacy and contributions. Below, I've summarized his brief biography, recognition, and honoring event. I hope one of the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center rooms will be named after him someday, as he deserves it. It was a privilege to be part of the celebration, and I thank those involved in making it happen.
Thank you, Dave, for all you did for our community!
Jodi Becker Kinner
Thank you, Dave, for all you did for our community!
Jodi Becker Kinner
A Brief Biography of W. David Mortensen
On March 29, 2014, the Utah Division of Services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and the Utah Association of the Deaf honored W. David Mortensen, known as Dave, with an exceptional lifetime advocacy award. Dave has made substantial contributions to the well-being of the Utah Deaf community. The plaque with his portrait and brief biography is currently on display in the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center museum for everyone to see and remember.
Dave's journey began in Provo, Utah, on June 3, 1931. At the tender age of 4, scarlet fever took his hearing. He felt lost and isolated during his first few years at Joaquín Elementary School. At the age of 11, a new chapter began when he enrolled at the Utah School for the Deaf in 1942 and joined the Park Literary Society and the Arthur Wenger Athletic Association. The Deaf teachers, with their sign language, became his guiding lights, igniting a passion for advocacy that would shape his life and the lives of many others.
After graduating from the Utah School for the Deaf in 1949, Dave embarked on his academic journey at Brigham Young University. His thirst for knowledge and his unwavering determination led him to transfer to the University of Utah, where he achieved several significant milestones. He made history by becoming the first Deaf male to earn a bachelor's degree in sociology in 1976, and then went on to earn a master's degree in social work in 1982. His academic achievements were not the end of his journey. He went on to become the first Deaf-certified social worker in Utah, working at Valley Mental Health as a Deaf counselor and also holding a night job at the Newspaper Agency Corporation.
Dave's journey began in Provo, Utah, on June 3, 1931. At the tender age of 4, scarlet fever took his hearing. He felt lost and isolated during his first few years at Joaquín Elementary School. At the age of 11, a new chapter began when he enrolled at the Utah School for the Deaf in 1942 and joined the Park Literary Society and the Arthur Wenger Athletic Association. The Deaf teachers, with their sign language, became his guiding lights, igniting a passion for advocacy that would shape his life and the lives of many others.
After graduating from the Utah School for the Deaf in 1949, Dave embarked on his academic journey at Brigham Young University. His thirst for knowledge and his unwavering determination led him to transfer to the University of Utah, where he achieved several significant milestones. He made history by becoming the first Deaf male to earn a bachelor's degree in sociology in 1976, and then went on to earn a master's degree in social work in 1982. His academic achievements were not the end of his journey. He went on to become the first Deaf-certified social worker in Utah, working at Valley Mental Health as a Deaf counselor and also holding a night job at the Newspaper Agency Corporation.
W. David Mortensen
Dave gained significant recognition for his work as a political activist. In 1971, the Utah Association of the Deaf Convention elected Dave as UAD president. According to "The Deaf Education History in Utah," he strongly advocated for Deaf children's right to education and political issues."He also fought for the Murray School District to provide interpreters for his Deaf daughter Kristi during her junior high and high school years. Kristi inspired Dave to push for equal access to education for Deaf children. Described as fearless, ambitious, and persistent by Dr. Robert Sanderson and Valerie G. Kinney, Dave Mortensen is best known as a political activist (Dave Mortensen, Renae M. White, Don M. Mortensen, and Kristi L. Mortensen, personal communication, April 17, 2009). He firmly believed that proper education would enable many to succeed (UAD Bulletin, November 1999, p. 5).
Despite his demanding job and family schedules, he found time to serve as president for 22 years, from 1971 to 1985, 1987 to 1991, and 1993 to 1997. He is the association's longest-serving president, and no one has beaten him. During his presidency, Dave oversaw several programs and witnessed the organization evolve from a simple to a more complex structure. As a result, UAD transitioned from a small, home-run organization to a well-functioning business office (Dave Mortensen, Renae M. White, Don M. Mortensen, and Kristi L. Mortensen, personal communication, April 17, 2009). In 1995, his wife, Shanna Christiansen Mortensen, received a Presidential Award from the Utah Association for the Deaf for her patience and 22 years of providing background support to her husband, Dave, for his service to the Utah Association for the Deaf. The Utah Association for the Deaf also awarded her a lifetime membership (UAD Bulletin, July 1995).
Furthermore, Dave generously donated to the UAD throughout his presidency, primarily through his involvement with the Utah Legislature. He actively lobbied his district's senators and representatives for the Utah Deaf community's accessibility needs, at a time when most legislators were not proactive or eager to advocate for these needs. Dave also utilized his political connections to raise awareness about Deaf accessibility needs and to ensure that legislators listened and learned about these issues (UAD Bulletin, November 1999).
Dave, as the father of Deaf daughter Kristi Lee, continued to champion the rights of Deaf children to education and other political issues. He lobbied legislators to pass laws, organized rallies, wrote news articles, and raised awareness about Deaf issues. Additionally, he played a key role in securing seats for Deaf individuals on the Institutional Council of the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind.
Despite his demanding job and family schedules, he found time to serve as president for 22 years, from 1971 to 1985, 1987 to 1991, and 1993 to 1997. He is the association's longest-serving president, and no one has beaten him. During his presidency, Dave oversaw several programs and witnessed the organization evolve from a simple to a more complex structure. As a result, UAD transitioned from a small, home-run organization to a well-functioning business office (Dave Mortensen, Renae M. White, Don M. Mortensen, and Kristi L. Mortensen, personal communication, April 17, 2009). In 1995, his wife, Shanna Christiansen Mortensen, received a Presidential Award from the Utah Association for the Deaf for her patience and 22 years of providing background support to her husband, Dave, for his service to the Utah Association for the Deaf. The Utah Association for the Deaf also awarded her a lifetime membership (UAD Bulletin, July 1995).
Furthermore, Dave generously donated to the UAD throughout his presidency, primarily through his involvement with the Utah Legislature. He actively lobbied his district's senators and representatives for the Utah Deaf community's accessibility needs, at a time when most legislators were not proactive or eager to advocate for these needs. Dave also utilized his political connections to raise awareness about Deaf accessibility needs and to ensure that legislators listened and learned about these issues (UAD Bulletin, November 1999).
Dave, as the father of Deaf daughter Kristi Lee, continued to champion the rights of Deaf children to education and other political issues. He lobbied legislators to pass laws, organized rallies, wrote news articles, and raised awareness about Deaf issues. Additionally, he played a key role in securing seats for Deaf individuals on the Institutional Council of the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind.
W. David Mortensen, 1949
W. David Mortensen's significant achievements
and advocacy are listed below:
and advocacy are listed below:
- Helped set up the TTY program in Utah.
- Lobbied for the first deaf community center to be established in Bountiful, Utah.
- Organized the Deaf community to lobby for a state relay service for the deaf.
- Helped secure legislative funding for the Robert G. Sanderson Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Taylorsville, Utah.
- Worked for legislative recognition of American Sign Language.
- Helped establish the Utah Interpreter Program under the Utah Association of the Deaf.
- Served on the Legislative Coalition for People with Disabilities.
- Was consultant for the Utah State Committee of Consumer Services
Dave has led rallies at the following events throughout the years:
- Utah State Board of Education to let Total Communication be the main focus on deaf education in 1970.
- The University of Utah included Total Communication pedagogy in the Teacher Preparation Program 1977.
- Utah Capitol, to pass a law establishing the Utah Interpreter Service under state funding in 1982, after the United Way discontinued funding support.
- Utah Capitol, to pass Senate Bill 101 to set up a Utah Relay Service in 1987.
- Utah Capitol, to pass the law establishing the Interpreting Training Program at Salt Lake Community College for prospective interpreters in 1994.
- Utah Capitol, to enact a law recognizing American Sign Language as a foreign language and requiring schools, colleges, and universities to accept it for credit toward language requirements in 1994.
W. David Mortensen was named president emeritus of the Utah Association of the Deaf in 2013. His predecessor was Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, who passed in February 2012 (Kinney & Becker Kinner, UAD Bulletin, Vol 37.03). He dedicated his life to advocating human, civil, and accessibility rights for the Deaf people in his community, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.
W. David Mortensen speaking with Marilyn Call, Director of the Sanderson Community Center. Mortensen was honored for his advocacy work. KSL.com March 29, 2014
Dave advocated for the following actions
from the Utah Legislature:
from the Utah Legislature:
- Get funding for the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
- Authorize a fee on telephone service to get money to set up an Utah Relay Service for the Deaf in 1987.
Dave Mortensen, 1980. Photo by Robert Bonnell
Dave has served
on the following committees:
on the following committees:
- Public Service Commission on the distribution of TTY
- Committee on Interpreting
- Utah Relay Committee, as Chairman
- Committee to encourage hospitals to have interpreters for Deaf patients
- Committee to request lawyers hire interpreters when with a deaf client
- Utah Telecom Directory for several years as editor
W. David Mortensen is surrounded by his family members, including his Deaf daughter, Kristi Mortensen (orange scarf) and her husband, Ron Nelson (behind her). KSL.com, March 29, 2014
Dave received
the following honors:
the following honors:
- 1972: National Association of the Deaf Award for excellence in cultural achievement news publication
- July 1973: Certification from Registry of Interpreting for the Deaf in reverse interpreting
- August 1976: Certification from Utah Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf in reverse interpreting
- 1976-1979: Certification of Appreciation from Utah State Board of Education for service on the Utah State Advisory Committee
- May 1977: Served as the delegate to the White House Conference on Handicapped Individuals in recognition of dedicated services
- 1979: Utah Association for the Deaf Golden Hand Award
- June 1981: Meritorious Service Award in recognition of valuable service on the Board of UAD
- June 1987: Certification of Appreciation in contribution unlimited time on SB 101
- January 1990: Utah State Committee of Consumer Service for strong consumer advocacy
- March 1990: Utah State Office of Rehabilitation – Coalition for People with Disabilities
- 1993: Guerts/Knowles Outstanding Volunteer Award: in recognition of exemplary service rendered to offenders at the Utah State Prison
- January 1995: F.O.E. Aerie #76 Achievement Award for inspiration, strength, and determination to overcome any obstacles
- July 1998: Award from the National Association of the Deaf Knights of the Flying Fingers
- 1999: Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind Legacy Award for USDB Alumni Achievement
- June 2003: Utah Educational Interpreter Award as a deaf community advocate in the field of educational interpreting
Dave was honored with the Distinguished Service Award in September 2007 for his long-term dedication to the Utah Association for the Deaf, particularly his efforts to work with the Utah Legislature. Despite the reluctance of most senators and representatives in his district to lobby on issues important to the Utah Deaf community, Dave actively sought their support. His persistence paid off as he successfully convinced lawmakers to pay attention to and understand deaf issues in general (UAD Bulletin, October 2007, p. 1 & 5).
In 2013, Dave was appointed president emeritus by the Utah Association of the Deaf, taking over from Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, who had passed away in February 2012 (Kinney & Kinner, UAD Bulletin, August 2013).
W. David Mortensen's Honoring Ceremony
As mentioned in my "Author's Note above, at the Utah Association of the Deaf meeting in 2013, as a Utah Deaf community historian, I proposed honoring Dave for his exemplary service, and the proposal received approval. On March 29, 2014, a special ceremony unveiled Dave's Lifetime Advocacy Award and portrait with a brief biography honoring more than 40 years of advocacy contributions to the Utah Deaf community. The event was a collaboration with the UAD Honoring Event Committee, the Utah Division of Services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and the Utah Association of the Deaf. Additionally, the event served brunch to over 50 people. Speakers at Dave's honoring ceremony included UAD president Philippe Montalette, DSDHH director Marilyn Call, retired USOR executive director Don Uchida, and Valerie G. Kinney, who discussed various aspects of Dave's life from childhood to the present (Kinney, UAD Bulletin, April 2014).
At Dave's honoring ceremony, the DSDHH Director, Marilyn Call, commended "his tireless efforts over the years to fight for deaf rights in education, the workplace, interpreting, and medical fields." Dave's work was not just a series of actions, but a testament to the power of advocacy and perseverance. "His ultimate goal all along was to provide deaf people with equal access to everything hearing people had," Dave expressed, overwhelmed by the honor. His daughter, Kristi, noted, "He is a good reminder for us that when we see a barrier, we need to do something and speak up. We have all kinds of accessibility and technology today. Our lives are much better because of him" (Lee, KSL, March 29, 2014).
The Sanderson Community Center museum area displays plaques, his portrait, and a brief biography for everyone to see and remember. His contributions were significant, often hidden behind the scenes. Dave advocated for civil and accessibility rights for the local Deaf community, leaving a valuable legacy for future generations.
At Dave's honoring ceremony, the DSDHH Director, Marilyn Call, commended "his tireless efforts over the years to fight for deaf rights in education, the workplace, interpreting, and medical fields." Dave's work was not just a series of actions, but a testament to the power of advocacy and perseverance. "His ultimate goal all along was to provide deaf people with equal access to everything hearing people had," Dave expressed, overwhelmed by the honor. His daughter, Kristi, noted, "He is a good reminder for us that when we see a barrier, we need to do something and speak up. We have all kinds of accessibility and technology today. Our lives are much better because of him" (Lee, KSL, March 29, 2014).
The Sanderson Community Center museum area displays plaques, his portrait, and a brief biography for everyone to see and remember. His contributions were significant, often hidden behind the scenes. Dave advocated for civil and accessibility rights for the local Deaf community, leaving a valuable legacy for future generations.
HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS
A Slideshow of W. David Mortensen's
Honoring Ceremony,
March 29, 2014
Honoring Ceremony,
March 29, 2014
Photos taken by Duane Lee & Jodi Becker Kinner
"I just wanted to write a short note to you to thank you for the WONDERFUL job that you did in taking that photo-history of Dad's "honoring" (I'm David and Shanna's adopted son). I was not able to attend the ceremony due to being so far away (I live in Illinois) and have a rather unpredictable health challenge. Thank you so much for making it possible for me to "attend" even from so far away. You did an excellent and inspiring job!!"
Zak Mortensen, April 7, 2014.
Zak Mortensen, April 7, 2014.
References
Will add later
