Lee Ann (Johnston’83) Thorn, executive director of Atrium OBGYN Inc. of Canton, OH and chair of the Mount Union Board of Trustees since 2004, was presented with the honorary degree of doctor of humane letters at the 164th Commencement Ceremony at Mount Union College on Saturday, May 8.

“Ms. Thorn’s dedication to corporate success is equally matched by her passion for her alma mater,” said Dr. Patricia Matthews, dean of the division of professional studies, the Nolen A. and Thelma I Cunningham Chair of Business and associate professor of economics, accounting and business administration upon presenting Thorn for the doctor of humane letters degree. “Her leadership, deserving of high praise, has helped to shape the campus we see today and inspire young minds for engagement in our 21st century world.”

Thorn is highly respected as a business leader in the Stark County area, having guided such well-established companies as Camelot Music and GBS Corp. Early in her professional career, she served as chief financial officer and treasurer of Camelot Music and as tax manager for Ernst & Young.

She has guided Mount Union through a fund-raising campaign that has experienced unparalleled success and has led by example as a member of the Heritage Society and 1846 Society. Thorn is also supporting the academic success of today’s students through the establishment of an endowed scholarship.

Active in the community, Thorn has served on the Board of Trustees of the Canton Student Loan Foundation and Planned Parenthood of Stark County as well as the Investment Review Committee of the Stark County Foundation. Recently, she has participated on the executive team for Go Red for Women for the American Heart Association and is a member of the American Institute and Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants. Thorn is also a graduate of Leadership Stark County.

“You have served your profession, your community, and your peers with distinction. As an alumna of Mount Union College and valued community member, we treasure your leadership and commend you for building a career and living a life that serves as a shining example for future generations of students,” said Dr. Richard F. Giese upon conferring the doctor of humane letters degree. “Your strong leadership ability and keen business sense have served you well. You stand here as one to be emulated by those graduating seniors who await their diplomas. You are a living example of our mission to prepare our students for meaningful work, fulfilling lives and responsible citizenship.”

Thorn is a 1983 summa cum laude graduate of Mount Union College earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting.

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