WASHINGTON — A donation by two Utah philanthropists is being hailed as sweet music to the nation's largest university for the deaf and hearing impaired.

James Lee Sorenson and his father, James LeVoy Sorenson, announced Thursday they have donated $5 million to Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., which will use it to construct a new language and communication center. It is the second largest donation in the school's history.

"The Sorensons' gift enables the creation of a unique learning environment where students can acquire the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in a constantly changing world and to strengthen and preserve their identities as deaf people," said university president I. King Jordan.

The donation was made through Sorenson Media and Sorenson Legacy Foundation.

James Lee Sorenson, CEO of Sorenson Media, said the company began a relationship with Gallaudet University in 2003, using the school's resources to translate American sign language as part of the company's video communication technology.

That technology allows the deaf and hearing impaired to communicate in real time via the Internet without written text. The company is also a leader in the development of video compression technology, including Internet videophone technology.

"We will continue to work together to aggressively develop and utilize technology that enhances communication and learning," said James Lee Sorenson.

The donation will be used to create the James Lee Sorenson Language and Communications Center, which will incorporate an interdisciplinary approach to communications, speech, linguistics, sign language, sociology and history.

It will also house the History Through Deaf Eyes National Exhibit.

Through the center, students can earn bachelor's, master's and doctorate degrees in a variety of fields.

"Having a facility that deals with communication and the deaf culture is a new concept," the young Sorenson said, noting he has a deaf brother-in-law. "It is a synergetic approach to improve the communication, understanding and identity of the deaf and hearing impaired."

Sorenson said people in Utah may not know about Gallaudet University, but it is a prestigious institution that dates back to the Lincoln administration.

Construction on the $20 million facility is expected to begin in 2006 and be completed in late 2007.

"When it is finished, this will be an extraordinary facility, something that could only happen at Gallaudet University," Jordan said.

"This is something we are proud to put our name and resources behind," said James LeVoy Sorenson, a pioneer in biotechnology.

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