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Regular Session, 2012 ENROLLED
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON NO. 83
BY SENATORS PETERSON, BROOME, BUFFINGTON AND DORSEY-COLOMB
AND REPRESENTATIVES BARROW, CHAMPAGNE, HILL,
HODGES, KATRINA JACKSON, NANCY LANDRY, MORENO,
NORTON, SMITH, ST. GERMAIN, THIERRY AND WHITNEY
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON
To commend Dr. Alma Thornton of Baton Rouge upon her receipt of a 2012 Women of
Excellence Award from the Louisiana Legislative Women's Caucus Foundation.
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to commend Dr. Thornton upon her receipt of a 2012
Women of Excellence Award from the Louisiana Legislative Women's Caucus Foundation
and to recognize her vital contributions to the citizens of Louisiana as an active and
dedicated community servant; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Thornton is a Professor of Sociology and Director of the Center for
Social Research at Southern University and A & M College; and
WHEREAS, she graduated from the University of Louisiana at Monroe in 1970 with
a bachelor degree in Sociology, from Southern University in 1973 with master of Social
Science, and from Louisiana State University in 1979 with a doctorate degree in Sociology,
and since 1979, has been employed at Southern University; and
WHEREAS, during a tenure of more than thirty years, Dr. Thornton's work and
contributions have extended far beyond classroom instruction as she believes that investment
in the education of children is the greatest contribution that can be made to secure their
future; and
WHEREAS, with United States Congressional funding, early in her career, Dr.
Thornton conducted research on the social condition of youth in the Mississippi Delta,
visiting communities in all states contiguous to the Mississippi River from Illinois to
Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, she testified at congressional hearings on the needs of youth in some
of the most economically depressed regions of the country; has garnered federal and state SCR NO. 83 ENROLLED
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funding to support work in developing and implementing education, community
development and family stability programs; and understands the importance of youth
mentoring and role modeling, developing life and social skills, and cultivating a strong
academic foundation; and
WHEREAS, with support from the National Science Foundation, Dr. Thornton built
a computer and research laboratory to improve the academic environment and education of
students; and
WHEREAS, as director of the Ronald McNair Scholars program, she works to bring
resources to Southern University to increase the number of first generation college students
earning post baccalaureate degrees; supervises doctoral dissertation and masters level thesis
research; provides mentioned research experiences for numerous others; assists students in
identifying and applying for graduate schools; accompanies students to many research and
professional conferences to present research findings; and has conducted research on health
and nutrition of residents in the lower Mississippi Delta and needs of limited resources
children and families; and
WHEREAS, as director of the Center for Social Research, Dr. Thornton works with
local community agencies and non-profits in identifying and securing funds to help support
their agency missions and assists the local communities with housing and workforce
development; and
WHEREAS, she has received several awards including, several Southern University
Grantsmanship awards, HCFA Administrator's Achievement award and the Southern
University Community Service award; and
WHEREAS, the Louisiana Legislative Women's Caucus Foundation created the
Women of Excellence Awards to recognize and honor extraordinary women of excellence
across the state for their outstanding achievements and contributions; and
WHEREAS, recipients of the Women of Excellence Awards exhibit characteristics
of integrity and professionalism, personify excellence in their area of specialty, and are
committed to community service to better society as a whole; and
WHEREAS, this year, there were seven categories for the Women of Excellence
Awards: Business, College Woman of Excellence, Education & Research, Government & SCR NO. 83 ENROLLED
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Law, High School Woman of Excellence, Science, Technology, Engineering &
Mathematics, and Volunteerism and Civic Involvement; and
WHEREAS, the recipients of the 2012 Women of Excellence Awards are being
recognized at the Louisiana Legislative Women's Caucus Foundation's Women of
Excellence Awards Gala on Wednesday, May 9, 2012, in Baton Rouge; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Thornton received a 2012 Women of Excellence Award in the
category of Education and Research for her highly productive community activism and
service; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Thornton merits a sincere and heartfelt measure of commendation
for her dedication to excellence and her outstanding accomplishments.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
commend Dr. Alma Thornton of Baton Rouge upon her receipt of a 2012 Women of
Excellence Award from the Louisiana Legislative Women's Caucus Foundation, does hereby
recognize and record for posterity her singular contributions to the citizens of Louisiana as
an active and dedicated community servant, and does hereby extend enduring appreciation
for the tremendous honor and pride that she brings to her family and friends, the city of
Baton Rouge, and the state of Louisiana.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to Dr.
Thornton.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES