For immediate release
June 21, 2004

Cliff and Jana Thornton will celebrate 70 years of marriage on Saturday, and Abilene Christian University will honor the couple for their dedication to the school and the four generations of ACU alumni represented in their family.  A reception will take place Saturday afternoon at ACU's Brown Library Atrium from 1-3 p.m., given by the family of the couple. 

Dr. Royce Money, ACU president, will present the Thorntons with a certificate of appreciation for their service and support of ACU and will recognize them for their extensive family ties to ACU – more than 70 members of their family, spanning four generations, attended ACU.  

Cliff Thornton graduated from ACU in 1935.  He has served on the university's Advisory Board, Board of Trustees, National Board, National Development Council, and is currently a member of the Senior Board of Trustees.  In 1973 Thornton was the recipient of an Alumni Citation award and in 1977 he was named Outstanding Alumnus of the Year. 

Jana has served as the president of Women for ACU, and the Thorntons provided the initial funding for the Women for ACU Biblical Studies Scholarship in 1983. 

The Thorntons have been Abilene residents since 1977 and have four children, seven grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If you are a member of the media who would like more information about this release, please contact Wendy Kilmer, Director of Public Relations.

Recent news releases