Gordon R. Thorn can add another West Virginia University related honor to his long list of accomplishments. Thorn has been chosen as the WVU Alumni Associations 2007 Outstanding Alumnus. He will be honored during a halftime ceremony at the WVU -Mississippi State game Saturday, Oct. 20.

When it comes to exceptional alumni at WVU , Thorn is at the top of the list. Since graduating with bachelor and masters degrees in psychology from WVU in 1953 and 1955, respectively, he has done his part to stay involved in the life of his alma mater. Thorn has served on more than 40 WVU committees and numerous professional organizations and has taken part in many state and local activities.

Gordon Thorns commitment and loyalty to our University during the past 50 years has been extraordinary,said Steve Douglas, president and CEO , WVU Alumni Association.He is a walking encyclopedia of WVU student life. His knowledge and passion for the history and time-honored traditions make him a wonderful choice for outstanding alumnus.

Upon graduation from WVU , Thorn served in the United States Air Force from 1955-57. He served as director of the Y.M.C.A Camp Horseshoe in Parsons and today continues to serve on the board of the Ohio-West Virginia Y.M.C.A.

In 1957, he returned to WVU to take the position of assistant director of Student Affairs. In 1962 he was named associate director of Student Affairs and held numerous positions at the University including assistant director of Student Educational Services for Financial Aid (1966-69) and associate dean for Student Educational Services (1969-81). In 1981, he was named assistant vice president for Student Affairs and retired in 1997 after more than 40 years of service.

Thorn has taken part in many important University committees throughout the years. He served on the Mountaineer Advisory Committee and chaired the Health Service Advisory Committee, Student Financial Aid Policy/Appeals Committee, Mountainlair Plaza Renovation Committee, and Fraternity-Sorority Task Force. He also served on the planning committees for the new football stadium, the Shell Building, Mountainlair expansion, and most recently, the Student Recreation Center.

A native of Mullens, W.Va., Thorn is well known for his interest in history, particularly WVU and student affairs. In 2006 he co-authoredThe Mountaineer Statuewith Scott Rubin and continues to work with the Student Affairs history and memorabilia collection.

He was president of the 2006-2007 Emeritus Club which reunites WVU alumni who graduated 50 or more years ago and serves on the committee which plans the groups activities and events. He serves on the Student Affairs Visiting Committee.

A member of Mountain, Thorn served as the groups advisor for 30 years. In 1997, he was selected as a charter member of the WVU Student Affairs Hall of Fame. He received the WVU Alumni Associations Paul B.BuckMartin Award and was named the WVU Foundations Most Loyal Staff Mountaineer in 2001. In 2002, he was inducted into the Order of Vandalia WVU s highest honor for extraordinary service to the institution.