THORNTON FAMILY CREATES THE ROBERT E. THORNTON GRADUATE FELLOWSHIP AT WSU
From a letter by Mark Pavek, Ph.D, Professor/Potato Specialist at Washington State University
"As a former student of Dr. Robert Thornton, one of the state’s most prominent potato specialists, I invite you to make a gift to the Robert E. Thornton Graduate Fellowship at Washington State University in Bob’s honor.
For his nearly 40-year career, Bob worked as a research agronomist at J.R. Simplot Company; a University of Idaho Extension potato and onion specialist; and a WSU Extension faculty member who was a key participant in the evaluation and introduction of new potato cultivars. Beyond Bob’s career, his legacy lies with the graduate students he mentored, I among them, who have dedicated their careers to the Tri-State potato industry; and his sons, Sam (UPL), Robert (Thornton Consulting, Inc.), and Mike (University of Idaho), who continue to make important contributions in the field. In fact, the July 2021 issue of Potato Grower named the Thornton Family as a “50 for Fifty,” one of 50 of the potato industry’s most innovative and influential individuals, companies, and organizations over the past half-century.
The Robert E. Thornton Graduate Fellowship is awarded to a graduate student who is working with potatoes or other vegetables as part of their educational program. Recent recipients of this fellowship are currently employed in the Tri-State potato industry, and, with your help, we can look forward to many more who will make contributions that will help shape the future of the industry.
The Thornton family has pledged a 1:2 (50%) match of all gifts until the fellowship reaches $100,000, and we are $60,000 away from that goal. Please make a gift in honor of Robert Thornton, a valued mentor, colleague, researcher, and pioneer in potato research. "
Ways to give:
-Online at go.wsu.edu/thorntonfellowship
-Check or money order made payable to "WSU Foundation"
WSU Foundation
PO Box 641927
Pullman, WA 99164-1927
For more information contact Dawn Butler at 509-335-4466 or