The decision of the Imperial Valley College Board of Trustees to name the college’s administration building after the late William J. Thornburg was a wise choice that we feel deserves attention. Thornburg, who died June 11, 2011, was one of those notable Valley luminaries who touched the lives of many people here and beyond.
Having his name adorn the administration building at the institution he devoted much of his life to makes perfect sense. A graduate of IVC, Thornburg would join the family business upon graduating from the University of Redlands and eventually return to the campus first as a trustee, then as an instructor and lastly as a vice president.
Throughout his life Thornburg would earn numerous accolades. And he certainly would have appreciated the latest honor, his wife, who was on hand during the board meeting announcing the recognition, said.
As someone who had served in many leadership positions throughout his life, Thornburg no doubt is remembered by countless people in the Valley. Yet the recognition also ensures more people will come to know his name and legacy.
Being one of many prominent locals whose higher education began at the local community college, Thornburg’s lasting legacy is sure to inspire a new generation that didn’t have the chance to work or learn under his tutelage.
A native of Calipatria, and a 1989 inductee to the IVC Alumni Hall of Fame, Thornburg’s name will join other distinguished personnel who have left their mark on the campus. In the same manner that Juanita Salazar Lowe’s name is found on the Art Gallery, and John A. “Buck” DePaoli’s on the Sports Complex, having Thornburg’s name on the administration building is fitting.
Certainly the Board of Trustees deserves a word of thanks for deciding to recognize Thornburg’s contributions to the campus. Its recognition of Thornburg’s commitment should serve as another example of the sort of legacy that is well appreciated in the Valley.
THE ISSUE:
Imperial Valley College building to be named after William Thornburg.
WE SAY:
Honor is well-deserved.
WHAT DO YOU SAY?
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