WHEREAS, Winthrop University with grateful appreciation, does hereby acknowledge,
commend and honor the thirteen years of distinguished service of Robert L. Thompson
as a member of the Winthrop University Board of Trustees; and
WHEREAS, his participation on the Board on a variety of committees, as well as being
Secretary, Vice-Chair, and Chair of the Board will long be evident in the achievements
of the University in such areas as our growing national reputation, our dedication
to providing national caliber, accredited programs and our promise to create exemplary
campus living and learning communities; and
WHEREAS he employed his trademark characteristics of buoyant humor and exuberance,
planning, patience, persistence and above all a positive spirit to promote educational
advancement at Winthrop University, always seeing possibility where others saw obstacles
and encouraging the Board of Trustees by his unshakeable belief in a solution to every
challenge; and
WHEREAS, by facilitating significant gifts from the Springs Industries and contributing
his own major gift to establish the Robert L. and Norma Thompson fund for faculty
enrichment at Winthrop University, he set a powerful example for others to follow;
THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED that the Winthrop University Board of Trustees, and
President DiGiorgio, on behalf of the students, faculty and staff at Winthrop University,
and the extended public higher education community, do gratefully praise the tireless
dedication, vigorous advocacy and steadfast determination that Robert Thompson has
consistently demonstrated on Winthrop's behalf, and in commending him for outstanding
meritorious service, do wish him every success and happiness in all his future endeavors.
June 3, 2005
