Morehouse Alumnus of the Year and Alumni Chapter of the Year 2013

Under the leadership of Chapter President Edward Ward ’80, the Chapter has worked with the Milwaukee Independent School District  and a variety of funders to send ten select students to Morehouse  College.  Funded by Wisconsin and national donors, the young men are attending Morehouse on four year scholarships totaling more than $800,000.

Dr. Thornton has demonstrated a unique capacity to provide service in diverse roles and advance the cause of justice and truth. His service orientation is based on a strong family foundation and the support that he receives from his wife of 41 years, Annette, his daughters, Kenya and Octavia, and their grandchildren (Alexander, Nyeilah, Nolan and Miles).

He is recognized broadly for the service that he has provided.   He led the long effort to reshape the
 political boundaries of Prince George’s County to enhance voting rights and
political representation for the African American community.  He led Citizens 
for Representative Redistricting, which successfully advocated for a
congressional district and other electoral areas from which Blacks could elect
candidates of their choice.

Dr. Thornton’s name is synonymous with National Education Excellence.  As chair of the Maryland State Commission on Education Adequacy, Equity and Excellence (Thornton Commission), he conceptualized a constitutional framework for education adequacy and
equity and led the effort to develop a consensus in support of it.  New life was 
injected into the state’s Education Article, and the Brown vs. Board of Education jurisprudence was expanded.    His leadership of the Commission followed his service as an education activist and member of the Board of Education where he 
led the effort to eradicate the vestiges of “Jim Crow” segregation and improve
educational opportunities for African American children.

The “Thornton Funding model” is a key 
component to the stellar achievement of the Maryland Public Education
System.  For the fifth year in a row, the State of Maryland was recognized as the number one public education system in the nation.

Dr. Thornton’s service to his community is in the tradition of “Dear Old Morehouse.” He has been loyal to his community; and responsive to its need for service, acting upon the ideals 
instilled in him at Morehouse.