Eileen Thornburg believed it was important for Midland University students to maintain a connection to the past.

In her 20 years as Director of Alumni Relations at Midland (1990-2010), Eileen worked to build the relationship between current students and Midland alums. “We started the Student Alumni Representatives group where I selected a group of current students who would attend various campus events, mingle with alumni, and learn how important it was to stay connected to the university,” she said. “I’m still in contact with many of those alumni.”

Eileen was also a part of the Midland Women Organization where she, along with Sheri Wilberding in the alumni office, helped promote bonding together with other women to support Midland.

But one of her most lasting contributions (along with some brainstorming from Dr. Janet Lack, Coordinator of Academic Resource Center) during her time at Midland was helping establish the tradition of students tossing a medallion into the fountain during their freshman year. Students are then presented a medallion upon graduation.

She’s also proud of the work she did in helping establish the Midland Alumni Board. “The board would collaborate with Midland,” she said. “Alumni represented about five states and would return to campus at least twice a year to attend meetings and support events.”

Eileen’s work at Midland is well documented, but what she treasures most during her time was getting to know countless alums. “I loved the reunions, hearing their Midland stories and memories, and building relationships with them,” she said. “I especially admired the women who attended college many decades ago, as there weren’t many opportunities financially for all women at that time.”

She and her husband of 52 years, Bob, have two married sons and five grandchildren. When not spending time with family and friends, she enjoys reading, exercising, and is active in her church.

Although she has been gone from Midland for 14 years, she remains one of the university’s biggest supporters. “I take pride in the success of Midland and continue to promote to prospective students and work with donors,” she said. “I think it’s important for every student to have an internship. It not only benefits them, but promotes the college when employers see the quality of our students who might become their employees.”

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