It was at the celebration of NTID's 20th anniversary in 1988 that the Robert F. Panara Theatre was dedicated.

Mr. Panara is recognized as one of the founders of the National Theatre of the Deaf. He was the only deaf member of the National Advisory Board, and the first NTID faculty member. He was also awarded the RIT Founders Award for his lifetime of service and achievement that demonstrates and vitalizes the ideals of RIT.